Studio Contra is hiring a senior architect (future associate) to join its growing international practice remotely.

Studio Contra is seeking an experienced and design-driven senior architect to join the studio in a fully remote, leadership role, with a clear pathway to Associate level. The position is based in The UK or Europe, with project work across West Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin Republic, and about a month annually spent in the region to work from the studio space, engage with team members in person, meet clients and visit ongoing project sites.

This is an opportunity to take on significant responsibility within a growing practice, helping to shape projects, teams, and design culture while working closely with the studio’s Directors.

About Studio Contra

Studio Contra is an award winning architecture and design practice working across architecture, urbanism, and research, with a focus on West Africa. The studio is interested in thoughtful, contextually grounded architecture that engages strong conceptual thinking , materiality, craft, and culture.

Our work spans private residential, multi-residential, civic, commercial and institutional projects, and we collaborate closely with local consultants and builders across the region. As our portfolio expands, we are building a distributed, international team to support long-term growth.

The role

The senior architect will take a leadership role across RIBA Stages 1–4, with responsibility for design development, coordination, and client engagement. The role includes mentoring junior team members, leading remote project teams, and maintaining design quality across multiple projects.

The position is structured as a future Associate–level role, with scope for increased responsibility, influence, and long-term progression within the practice.

Projects are primarily located in Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin Republic, with a growing pipeline across West Africa.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who combines strong architectural judgement with confident leadership and excellent communication skills.

Candidates should have:

a degree in architecture from an accredited university
seven to ten years’ professional experience in architectural practice
proven experience leading projects
experience in client-facing roles, including presentations and design discussions
strong design sensibility alongside technical rigour
experience coordinating consultants and ability to manage distributed or remote teams
very good spoken and written English
interest in working across different cultural, regulatory, and climatic contexts
willingness to travel to West Africa when required

Proficiency in Revit is essential. Experience with Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite is strongly preferred. Spoken and written French is a plus.

What we offer:

a senior leadership role with a defined pathway to Associate level
the opportunity to help shape a growing international practice
a fully remote role, based in UK or Europe
work on meaningful projects across West Africa
a collaborative, design-led studio culture
competitive salary, commensurate with experience
long-term growth opportunities as the practice expands

To apply

Please submit your CV, portfolio, and a short covering note outlining your availability and interest in the role by email.

Salary: competitive (commensurate with experience)

Location: remote (UK or Europe-based)

Travel: West Africa as required

Studio Contra

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