Senior Architect
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£47,600
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2451 (100% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £47,600, and Criterion Capital is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2451 Architects Most likely code | £33,400 | £38,100 | £42,800 | £47,600 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Criterion Capital is a family-owned, entrepreneurial private property company with a growing portfolio across hospitality, residential, and commercial sectors. Due to continued expansion, we are seeking an experienced Senior Architect to join our Architectural and Development team. Operating as a developer, asset manager, and owner/operator, Criterion Capital delivers a growing pipeline of commercial-to-residential conversion projects across Greater London.
You will lead architectural design from early feasibility and concept through planning approval, technical design, and statutory compliance, ensuring delivery against programme, budget, and quality requirements. You will also manage and mentor junior architects, oversee design teams, and work closely with development, pre-construction, construction, asset management, and operational teams to deliver commercially viable, coordinated, and buildable design solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead architectural design from feasibility and concept through planning, technical design, statutory approvals, and construction, ensuring designs are cost-effective, compliant, and buildable.
- Produce and review architectural drawings and technical documentation using Revit and AutoCAD, ensuring design information is accurate, coordinated, and suitable for construction.
- Manage, mentor, and develop junior architects, providing technical guidance, reviewing design outputs, and ensuring work is delivered to the required standards and deadlines.
- Manage internal and external design teams, including architects, engineers, specialist consultants, and other project advisers.
- Lead design team meetings, coordinate planning submissions, and manage planning conditions and statutory approvals.
- Take responsibility for Building Regulations compliance, health and safety considerations, quality assurance procedures, statutory submissions, and relevant sustainability requirements.
About You
We are looking for a technically capable, commercially aware Senior Architect with a strong construction background, proven design leadership skills, and experience managing and mentoring junior team members. You will combine architectural expertise with practical, hands-on experience working directly with contractors and delivering projects in a construction-led environment.
Skills & Experience
- A degree in Architecture, with relevant professional qualifications and ARB registration.
- Significant post-Part III experience delivering residential, commercial, or hospitality projects, ideally within a developer, contractor, or construction-led environment.
- At least 10 years’ experience working directly with contractors, with a strong understanding of construction processes, site requirements, buildability, and project delivery.
- Proven experience managing, supervising, and mentoring junior architects or architectural team members.
- Strong knowledge of planning, Building Regulations, statutory compliance, and the RIBA Plan of Work.
- Experience delivering refurbishment, adaptive reuse, or commercial-to-residential conversion projects.
The Person
You will be a hands-on, solutions-focused professional who takes ownership of design outcomes and drives projects forward. You will have the confidence and technical credibility to lead and develop junior architects, challenge consultants, work effectively with contractors, and resolve complex design and construction issues.
You will understand the practical realities of construction and be able to balance design quality, cost, programme, compliance, and buildability. You will lead by example, develop the capabilities of junior team members, and take responsibility for the quality, coordination, and timely delivery of architectural work.
You will demonstrate sound commercial judgement, strong attention to detail, and the ability to build effective working relationships across the business and with external construction partners.
If you are an experienced Senior Architect with substantial contractor-facing experience, a strong construction background, and the leadership skills to manage and develop a junior team, we would welcome your application.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Criterion Capital, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Architects (SOC 2451) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~33k in sample- Middle half £37,388–57,252
- Median £46,644
- Going rate £47,600
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–42,800
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Criterion CapitalAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Criterion Capital holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2451 going rate of £47,600. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.