The Built Environment Notice Board

Technologist / Part I / Part II Vacancies – Harpenden

Job Title: Architectural Technologist / Part I / Part II Architectural Assistant

Recruiter: Lead Design Studios

Location: Office-Based – Old Batford Mill, Lower Luton Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 5BZ

Please send your CV and portfolio to: hello@leaddesignstudios.co.uk

About Us

Lead Design Studios is a design-led architecture practice launched in January 2025, with a rapidly growing nationwide portfolio.

In a short space of time, we have established a strong pipeline of work across multiple sectors, including commercial fit-out projects on prestigious sites such as The O2 London (Millennium Dome), AO Arena Manchester, and UAB Birmingham.

Our work ranges from bespoke residential design through to large-scale commercial and mixed-use developments, with a consistent focus on design quality, technical clarity, and deliverable solutions.

We focus not only on how buildings look, but on how they are detailed, coordinated, and delivered. We believe good design is buildable design, and we actively develop our team to understand the full journey from concept through to construction—not just how to present ideas, but how to realise them.

We are a small, friendly team working in an open-plan studio environment, with collaboration at the heart of everything we do.

The Opportunity

We are currently looking to recruit:

  • An Architectural Technologist,
  • A Part II Architectural Assistant, or
  • A Part I Architectural Assistant

This is an opportunity to join a growing practice at an early stage—where you will have a genuine voice within the studio, real responsibility, and exposure across the full lifecycle of projects.

At Lead Design Studios, you won’t be limited to a narrow role. You will be encouraged to contribute, develop, and take ownership—gaining experience that would typically take years to access in larger practices.

Our Approach

Our name reflects our ambition: to develop our team into Lead Designers.

We place a strong emphasis on professional development, supporting our staff to build the confidence, technical ability, and design understanding required to lead projects. This includes:

  • Exposure across all RIBA stages
  • Direct involvement with clients, consultants, and decision-making
  • Opportunities to contribute to both design and delivery

The goal is simple—to equip you with the skills and experience to operate at a level that sets you apart within the industry.

We encourage our team to take a proactive role in projects, developing the confidence and ability to lead design for our clients, rather than simply respond to instructions. This approach is embedded in how we work and is a key reason our clients continue to return to us. By developing these skills early, our team members are able to operate at a standard that distinguishes them from their peers in other practices.

Projects

You will be involved in a diverse range of work, including:

  • Commercial fit-out and live environment projects
  • Residential developments
  • Bespoke private housing
  • Education schemes
  • Supported living & extra care
  • Heritage & conservation

Role & Responsibilities

Responsibilities will vary depending on experience but are likely to include:

  • Assisting in the development of design proposals from concept through to completion
  • Producing high-quality drawings, models, and technical information
  • Coordinating with consultants and project teams
  • Attending meetings and engaging with clients
  • Supporting project delivery across multiple stages

This is not a narrow, task-based role — you will be expected to take ownership of your work and actively contribute to projects.

Requirements

  • Relevant qualification (Part I, Part II, Technologist, or Architect)
  • Up to 5 years’ experience (for Technologist role)
  • Strong design and/or technical ability appropriate to your level
  • Strong Revit skills essential
  • AutoCAD experience preferred
  • Strong presentation skills required
  • Experience using Adobe Photoshop and InDesign preferred
  • Proactive and organised approach
  • Confident communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

What We Offer

  • A position within a growing, design-focused practice
  • The opportunity to have a voice and make a genuine impact
  • Early responsibility and direct exposure to clients and projects
  • Structured support for professional development and career progression
  • Experience across the full project timeline, not just isolated stages
  • A collaborative and ambitious studio environment

Salary & Details

  • Competitive salary, dependent on experience
  • Start date: ASAP

How to Apply

Please send your CV and portfolio to: hello@leaddesignstudios.co.uk

*please note, we are not accepting any applications from recruitment agencies. We urge applicants to contact us directly.