Neil Kahawatte Architects is seeking a ARB/RIBA Part 1 architectural assistant to join its team in London.

The practice

Neil Kahawatte Architects design and deliver high quality projects, with a focus on environmentally responsive contemporary design, often in sensitive or historic contexts.

The practice specialises in design and coordination for private residential projects, guiding them across all stages from concept to completion, providing a high level of service and support to clients while carefully managing the overall process of each project.

The team has a strong design ethos, promoting the expression of structure, material and craft, while celebrating and enhancing a building’s relationship to its environment and the wider natural world.

Based in the London Borough of Islington, the practice comprises a small team, working collaboratively across projects in a supportive and friendly environment. Its studio is located between Archway and Tufnell Park, in a converted building overlooking central London. Projects are generally located across the London boroughs and surrounding counties.

The role

The practice is currently seeking a Part 1 architectural assistant, with aptitude and ambition to learn to support project runners and to develop towards Part 2 and beyond.

The team is seeking a creative and conscientious individual, able to embrace and support the practice’s design and professional ethos while demonstrating a good grounding in the following areas:

qualified ARB/RIBA Part 1 (or equivalent)
an organised and professional approach to all aspects of work
rigorous and meticulous attention to detail
self-motivated, productive, and resourceful
inquisitive and keen to learn and develop as a member of our team
ability to work in a small team, to support colleagues and share responsibilities
a commitment to environmentally sustainable design and practice
good interpersonal skills, both internally with colleagues, and externally with clients, consultants and other
good numeracy, written and spoken English

The practice aims to offer successful candidates a good opportunity for learning and development. It also offers a competitive starting salary (based on levels of qualification, experience, and ability), together with a workplace pension, and a good work-life balance.

The following may also be beneficial, but are not essential:

experience of 2D Drawing in Vectorworks
experience of 3D Modelling in SketchUp
experience of 3D Rendering in V-Ray
experience of Adobe Photoshop and InDesign
experience of Microsoft Word and Excel
knowledge of architectural detailing, specification and technical design
knowledge of UK planning, building regulations and statutory processes

Contract and start date

The role will be offered initially as a six-month contract. We would hope to extend this, subject to availability and resourcing capacity.

Initial interviews will commence in May, with the aim of completing the hiring process, and the successful candidate starting in early June 2026.

Applications

Please send a short covering letter specific to the practice and role, outlining your reasons for applying, your salary expectations, and your availability, together with a CV and a selected portfolio, using the ‘apply for job’ button below. Applicants of interest can expect to receive a prompt response however, the practice regrets that due to volume of interest it cannot always respond to others.

Neil Kahawatte Architects is a RIBA chartered practice and an equal opportunities employer. No agency enquiries please.

Neil Kahawatte Architects

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ARB/RIBA Part 1 architectural assistant