Architype’s London studio is seeking an organised and self-motivated studio assistant (known as a ‘practice assistant’ at Architype) to provide day-to-day support to a busy architectural team in our newly occupied premises.
This flexible part-time role will be studio based across 5 days, to include between 3-4.5 hours per day (exact arrangements to be agreed with the individual to suit). The role will consist of two primary areas; general housekeeping of the London studio, and general administrative support, and will form part of the Practice Management team.
About Architype
Architype offers exceptional opportunities to be involved in projects at the cutting edge of zero carbon and sustainability.
Architype is the UK’s leading Passivhaus Architect and widely recognised for our innovative approach with accolades including Education Architect of the Year, RIBA National and BCO National Awards.
We have an open and collaborative ethos with a common purpose – to deliver fantastic architecture that performs exactly as predicted. We have steadily grown over the last 40 years and are now a team of 80+ collaborating across three studios in Edinburgh, Hereford and London.
Architype has a rich history of pioneering low carbon design and a clear focus on how buildings work for people and the planet. We masterplan and design a wide range of buildings across the education, university, housing, community and cultural sectors. Our consultancy service Perform+ enables us to offer insight and cutting-edge technical expertise to clients.
Working culture at Architype is creative and caring. We work in a collaborative and supportive way that encourages fresh ideas and career progression, and we support flexible working for all.
Architype is regularly featured in the top 5 of Building’s Employer of the Year. We are 30% owned by the staff through an Employee Benefit Trust and are committed to becoming majority employee owned in the future – it is why we call ourselves “co-owners”.
Architype currently operates a hybrid working policy to enable most co-owners to work flexibly from both home and from our studios. In London we are based in a vibrant studio south of the river. Co-owners are fully supported with equipment to enable hybrid working and are integrated into our collaborative team culture both on and offline.
This flexible part-time role will be studio based across 5 days, to include between 3-4.5 hours per day (exact arrangements to be agreed with the individual to suit).
Location
The successful candidate will be based at our London studio in South London, SE1.
Job type: Permanent, part-time
Minimum 16 (3 hours/day)Maximum 22.5 (4.5 hours/day)Roughly 10am – 2pm / 2:30pm
Benefits
A competitive salary which is aligned to industry standards. This is currently between £25,643 – £32,000 pro rata33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) (FTE)16 – 22.5-hour week Pension benefits of 3% employer contributionCompany health schemeCycle to work scheme.
To Apply
Please take note:
Architype is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and co- owner engagement forums, to support co-owners from different backgrounds.
Architype is currently underrepresented by employees from disabled, global south and LGBTQ communities so we would particularly encourage individuals from these communities to apply.
Please can we ask that you complete our anonymous equality and diversity monitoring form by clicking on the link below:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3FBSRVF
Visa sponsorship: We welcome applications from all nationalities; however, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for our roles, so before you apply for this post, you must ensure that you have the right to work in the UK. For more details on eligibility to work in the UK, please visit https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.
If you are an international student, recently graduated, you must have your graduate visa status established before applying.
Making your application
Please send a 300 (approx.) word statement, setting out how you meet the criteria in the job specification along with your CV to [email protected]
Note: You must state, in the subject line of your email, the job role you are interested in(London Practice Assistant). Without this information in the subject heading we will be unable to sift your application correctly and it will be missed.
This post will be offered as permanent contract, subject to a probationary period.
The closing date for applications is 26th July 2024. The interviews will be in person at the London studio, in the week of 26th August 2024.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we are sorry we cannot respond to all applications, so if you do not hear from us after the interview date above, please assume that you have been unsuccessful.
Note that all applications will be treated in accordance with our GDPR policy. For more information, please click here.
Job Description
Mission
The overall mission of the Practice Assistant role is to maintain an inspiring office environment and to provide reliable support for a vibrant and busy studio.
Core purpose
The core purpose of a Practice Assistant is to:
Support their local colleagues in the care of the shared workspace via housekeeping, administration and premises coordination.To be responsible for the day-to-day operation and aesthetic of the office unit, whilst exploring and implementing new, workable ideas as the office grows and develops.
Key responsibilities
Housekeeping tasks
Stock management – cleaning products, teas & coffees, stationery, PPECatering coordination, breakfasts, client meetings as neededDaily tea break set up/clear downUpkeep of kitchen area, dishwasher loading/unloadingUpkeep of general office spaces, finding a home for things lying aroundLiaison with cleaner, checking their work and signing off their invoicesCleaning top up throughout the day as neededPlant careWaste management
Admin tasks
Front of house support – phone answering, door answering, greeting guestsGeneral office administration and support for the London teamIncoming post – opening, distribution, parcel collection from receptionOutgoing post – managing stamps, posting letters, arranging couriers if neededPetty cash/debit card management and cheque bankingPurchasing office stock via approved suppliers & day-to-day itemsGeneral contact & liaison for landlord, maintenance, utilities, contractors etc.General office Health & SafetyIn-studio IT support/set upAssistance with company carbon reporting data collectionAssistance for ISO and H&S audits and implementing actionsAssist with company eventsRunning errands locallyArchiving & retrieving documentsAutonomy to suggest improvements for the office, researching costs, putting proposals togetherSupport to the Head of Practice Management in delivering practice-wide initiatives
The above-mentioned tasks are a summary of the key responsibilities involved; however, the post holder may be asked to carry out other tasks as directed by the Directors or Associate Directors.
Job Specification
Essential
Strong organisational/interpersonal skillsCompetent multitasker and able to use own initiativeMinute / note taking experienceAbility to work efficientlyAn orderly and precise approach to workFocused, self-motivated individual who thrives under pressureHonest, discreet, and trustworthyConfident and quick to learnEffective team player but also able to work on their ownCommitment to alignment with Architype’s core values as a creative, ecological, progressive community
Desirable
The ability and skill to maintain a high standard of accuracy in dealing with information and data Computer literate inc. Microsoft Office packagesKnowledge of Health and SafetyRelationship building: The ability to liaise with senior management, line management, colleagues, and external contacts.
