Architectural assistants, Part 1 and 2
Our studios are a great place to elevate your learning to the next level. We have created an environment that focuses on collaboration, development and mentoring – with support offered to help you develop in your year out or as you approach your professional qualification. Communication and knowledge sharing is actively encouraged, and we cater to this with regular CPDs, design discussions and technical surgeries.
Buttress's cross-sector portfolio and experience give our architectural assistants depth of learning in one area and against a backdrop of wider exposure and opportunity. Your role within our studio will be varied and you will have opportunities to gain site and project time experience. Strong design and presentation skills are essential as you will be working within multidisciplinary design teams on projects from initial concept through design, tender and delivery on site; all of these expect to be within budget and to the quality expectations of Buttress and our clients.
Architects, 2+ years, with residential experience
Our teams can sit into any RIBA project stage from creative, considered, and well-presented concepts to proficient technical design and delivery. You will have demonstrable experience across a range of residential and commercial projects including housing and apartments, designed for different tenures and users.
Used to collaborative working in a team you can contribute positively and take forward projects in a self-directed manner. You will have the opportunity to engage with and support our culture, benefitting from opportunities to develop and grow, and take on more responsibility.
We use a range of professional software in the studio, and excellent skills in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD are essential, as well as strong capability in the use of Adobe software and visualisation tools like Enscape and Lumion. Ideally, you will have experience of BIM level 2.
Architect, 3+ years, with experience of heritage assets
You will be between 3 and 5 years qualified and looking for the next step in your development in a collaborative and motivated team. With demonstrable experience of working with heritage assets from condition surveys, to restoration and conservation projects, to creative reuse and retrofit of listed buildings, you can sit into any RIBA project stage from creative, considered, and well-presented concepts to proficient technical design and delivery.
We use a range of professional software in the studio, and excellent skills in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD are essential, as well as strong capability in the use of Adobe software and visualisation tools like Enscape and Lumion. Ideally, you will have experience of BIM level 2 and be conservation accredited.
Used to collaborative working in a team you can contribute positively and take forward projects in a self-directed manner. You will have the opportunity to engage with and support our culture, benefitting from opportunities to develop and grow, taking on more responsibility and becoming a seasoned architect.
Architectural technologist, 5+ years, with residential experience
You will be a qualified technologist with 5 years’ minimum experience and looking to contribute to a collaborative and motivated team. With demonstrable experience in a range of residential and commercial projects including housing and apartments, and of various construction types, you can actively contribute to any RIBA project stage from feasibility to delivery on site.
You will have excellent knowledge of technical, construction and regulatory standards and be able to contribute to our aim to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimise waste, and create durable, healthy, comfortable, and desirable environments.
You will be able to undertake the detailed design, specification, and project management of building projects in a lead or support role, depending on the project size, complexity, and scale. Working from initial conception through detailed design, tender and delivery on site, you will ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the technical quality expectations of Buttress and our clients.
We use a range of professional software in the studio, and excellent skills in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD are essential, as well as strong capability in the use of Adobe software and visualisation tools like Enscape and Lumion. Ideally, you will have experience of BIM level 2.
Senior architect, 5+ years, with residential experience
The Buttress teams can sit into any RIBA project stage from creative, considered, and well-presented concepts to proficient technical design and delivery. You will have 5+ years' experience across a range of residential and commercial projects including housing and apartments, designed for different tenures and users.
Used to collaborative working in a team you can lead and take forward projects in a self-directed manner. You will have the opportunity to engage with and support our culture, befitting from opportunities to develop and grow, and take on more responsibility.
We use a range of professional software in the studio, and excellent skills in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD are essential, as well as strong capability in the use of Adobe software and visualisation tools like Enscape and Lumion. Ideally, you will have experience of BIM level 2.
About us
Buttress Architects is a practice of 80+ individuals based across Manchester and Leeds. We are a vibrant community, united by a shared vision and a passion for creating extraordinary spaces.
We believe in more than just financial success; as a BCorp we embrace an approach that values profit, people, and the planet as equal measures of our achievements. We strive to make a positive impact in all that we do.
People are the driving force behind our business. We recognise that their talent, creativity, and dedication are our greatest assets. That's why we are committed to their growth and development, investing in coaching, training, and endless opportunities to enrich both their professional and personal lives.
We foster a studio environment that encourages authenticity, celebrating diverse perspectives and personalities. We believe that by embracing our differences, we can unleash unlimited creativity and innovation, ultimately shaping better places for people to enjoy.
What We Can Offer
We understand that loving where you work is vital. We work hard to create a company culture that is supportive, inclusive, and fun. We celebrate our differences and ensure that everyone has a voice and is respected, valued, and heard. You will receive a competitive salary dependent on experience with a range of benefits:
- Minimum 30 days holiday including bank holidays
- Enrolment onto our Vitality health scheme
- Free annual flu vaccinations
- Flexible working policy
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
- Enhanced sick pay scheme
- Wellbeing initiatives and mental health first aiders
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Tech scheme
- Staff trip
- Pension with employer contributions at 3%
- One-to-one advice from our pension consultant
- Long service recognition
What our staff say...
“I have been interested in working in heritage since the beginning of my career and Buttress provides amazing opportunities to work on a wide variety of projects, ranging from cultural to ecclesiastical and everything in between. Preserving the past for future generations to enjoy and creating positive change for communities is at the heart of our work. The studio also provides an excellent support network for personal and professional development, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in different aspects of the business.”
Hannah Bellerby, Architect
"At Buttress I have been able to work on a broad variety of interesting projects within the heritage team which has been incredibly useful in gaining professional experience and confidence in practice. My love for historic buildings has been amplified during my time here and the shared passion for the projects amongst everyone in the team is very inspiring. Not to mention, the friendly working environment at Buttress makes it a lovely place to be. I've received plenty of support and encouragement from those around me, from questions about projects to advice for applying to masters."
Ed Kamal, Architectural Assistant
“At Buttress I have found there is tangible passion, and a huge variety of architectural opportunities, combined with a real flexibility in approach to our daily work-life balance. People’s voices are promoted, through our studio teams and wider community engagement, which our B Corp accreditation has also helped to record and emphasise.
Personally I have enjoyed the opportunity to work on a range of really exciting unique and different projects, typologies and sectors I have always wanted to but never before experienced such as heritage and arts & culture.
Our individual personal development is promoted, whether it is through individual training, wider teamwork training or social staff trips, in-house reviews, or wider studio team activities.”
Paul Hobson, Senior Architect
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for any of the advertised roles then please use our online form to send your CV and portfolio (10MB limit). Please include the relevant job title and code to identify the role you are applying for.
Buttress is an equal opportunities employer.
Closing date 26 April.
We look forward to hearing from you.