As a Project Leader, you will be accountable for the direction, quality, and delivery of complex architectural projects. You will bring together creativity, technical clarity, and strategic foresight - translating vision into execution, and guiding multidisciplinary teams through every stage of the process.

You lead with intent - managing risk, relationships, and resources - while keeping design excellence at the core. You mentor others, manage clients and consultants, and ensure that projects deliver on ambition, quality, and value. You help shape the studio by setting high standards, asking the right questions, and contributing to culture, systems, and strategy.

What we’re looking for:

8+ years’ experience post-RIBA Part 3 qualification, or equivalent professional registration, from a recognised school of architecture
An accomplished design leader with strong conceptual clarity and technical authority
Proven experience leading projects from inception through delivery, setting direction and maintaining design excellence across all stages
The ability to oversee and coordinate complex design packages with strategic oversight, ensuring consistency, quality, and buildability
Extensive experience guiding the production of detailed construction documentation, specifications, and schedules, with responsibility for technical sign-off
Advanced knowledge of codes, regulations, and contract requirements
Skill in coordinating and refining material, product, and system selections with performance and sustainability in mind
Demonstrated ability in leading multidisciplinary consultant teams, safeguarding design intent while driving coordination and resolution
A strong understanding of scope, programme, fees, and risk; able to balance creative ambition with commercial and contractual realities
Ability to bring creativity and curiosity to complex problems - advancing ideas through both vision and detail

Team players who bring curiosity, initiative, and care to their work

People who want their work to matter - to others, and to the world around them

A flexible and open-minded attitude towards new ways of working

A track record of mentoring others and contributing to a growth-focused culture

Confidence representing the practice externally - in meetings, presentations, and through ongoing client relationships

Strong skills in Revit, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and visualisation tools (V-Ray/Enscape)

Fluency in written and spoken English (additional languages a bonus)

Key responsibilities:

Design and Creative Thinking

Lead design development across all phases - aligning concept, context, and client vision
Translate ideas into well-articulated drawings, models, and presentations that drive decision-making
Balance design quality with programme and budget - adapting and refining as projects evolve
Use visual storytelling and communication tools to engage clients, communities, and collaborators
Guide technical design decisions that preserve creative intent while meeting performance targets

Project Delivery and Technical Coordination

Lead the production of coordinated, high-quality documentation across all stages
Coordinate effectively across disciplines - architecture, interiors, landscape, and external consultants
Navigate planning, accessibility, and regulatory requirements confidently
Lead construction administration, including site observations, RFIs, submittals, and close-out activities
Apply deep technical knowledge and building system expertise to resolve challenges proactively
Ensure delivery aligns with design intent, budget, contract scope, and client expectations

Studio Culture and Team Contribution

Manage and support individuals and project teams - fostering collaboration and clarity
Provide clear direction, feedback, and opportunities for growth
Model a healthy and productive project culture - balancing design ambition with care for the people delivering it
Promote a studio culture of shared responsibility, inclusion, and continuous learning
Demonstrate excellent judgement in internal and external contexts
Build trusted client relationships and take an active role in business development

Client and Consultant Engagement

Serve as a primary point of contact - building trust through clarity, responsiveness, and confidence
Lead project meetings and communications with clients, contractors, and collaborators
Engage with clients to understand their needs, priorities, and challenges
Help generate new opportunities and contribute to repeat business

Business Development and Studio Representation

Lead proposals and pitches - shaping strategy, teams, and deliverables
Build and maintain strong client relationships to support repeat business and referrals
Represent the studio confidently in external forums, helping raise its profile and attract new work
Take ownership of assigned pursuits from go/no-go through submission and debrief - leading planning, scheduling, and deliverables
Track and maintain accurate pursuit information in Pipeline (Hub), communicating updates and opportunities to studio leadership and marketing

Project and Commercial Management

Define and monitor project scopes, schedules, and deliverables from kick-off to close-out
Plan and monitor workstreams, staffing, fees, and resources - adapting as needed
Manage risk, ensure compliance, and track performance across all aspects of project delivery

Ensure QA/QC processes are applied consistently, from early design through construction

Digital Delivery and Process Management

Lead BIM deliverables and digital workflows in alignment with firm standards
Oversee project data, documentation, and platforms (e.g. Hub, PMTK, SharePoint, BIM360)
Drive the use of digital tools to streamline collaboration, coordination, and quality
Understand and manage version control, issue sheets, revision logs, and digital archives

Core Capabilities

Leads all phases of project development with design integrity and technical confidence
Manages team coordination, design direction, and detailed delivery
Navigates risk, regulatory processes, and complex stakeholder environments
Applies deep knowledge of materials, systems, legislation, and construction methods
Develops project-specific strategies that align with client goals and broader sustainability values
Mentors and supports others while delivering at a consistently high standard
Manages documentation, contracts, and compliance with clarity and foresight
Leads project administration, close-out, and performance tracking
Builds client trust and supports business generation alongside project delivery
Demonstrates excellent judgement in internal and external contexts

Tools and Technologies

Advanced Revit - for documentation and coordination at a leadership level
Rhino + Grasshopper - for concept development and generative design
Adobe Creative Suite - for design communication and presentation
Enscape + V-Ray - for visualisation and stakeholder engagement
Microsoft Office - for project management and reporting
Ladybug, Climate Studio - for performance-led design decisions
Hub + PMTK - for project planning, documentation, and process oversight

3D printing / Laser cutting - for prototyping and communication

4Projects, Aconex - contractor document management systems

What you’ll find here:

A design-led studio that puts people and planet first
A friendly, diverse and ambitious team
A collaborative, supportive environment where good ideas grow
Projects with purpose, depth, and complexity
mentorship, progression, and space to shape your own path
A culture that values imagination, rigour, and making things real
Opportunities to represent the studio externally and build trusted client relationships
A belief that good ideas come from everywhere – and that diverse voices make better work
A strong sense of community where everyone feels they belong
Access to a wide variety of learning, training, and development opportunities, including financial support for study and membership fees.

Thank you for your interest in Perkins&Will, we look forward to receiving your application.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly via email for interview. We carefully review every application, please keep an eye out for a status update via the application portal. If your application status on the portal has not been updated within two months of when you applied, unfortunately you have not been shortlisted for an interview.

Please note, if you happen to require any further assistance or need us to make any adjustments for you during this process, then please let us know in your application. This way, our team can ensure we put added measures in place to support you during the interview process.

Perkins&Will are an equal opportunity employer and supports talent from diverse backgrounds that bring experiences, viewpoints and solutions that best serve our clients, community and enrich our work environment.