Graduate Architectural Assistant

Supports architects in design development, drawings, modelling, and technical documentation across large infrastructure and building projects while working toward architectural qualification (RIBA pathway).

Job Description

AECOM’s Architecture + Design (A+D) team is a multidisciplinary collective of architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and masterplanners working together to deliver integrated design solutions across a wide range of sectors.

Our London studio is looking for a talented and ambitious Part 2 Architectural Assistant to join our growing design team. You will work closely with architects and designers across disciplines, contributing to design development and technical delivery on projects at different stages of the architectural process.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop your architectural career within a collaborative studio environment, gaining experience across multiple project sectors while working as part of multidisciplinary teams.

At AECOM, we are committed to supporting professional development. You will have access to AECOM University training programmes and a wide range of CPD opportunities designed to support your technical and professional growth.

For Part 2 assistants working toward qualification, AECOM provides mentorship and structured support toward achieving your RIBA Part 3, including financial assistance for examination costs where appropriate.

We also foster an inclusive and supportive culture through our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and community engagement across the business.

As part of our Freedom to Grow philosophy, we support hybrid working. To support learning, mentoring, and collaboration within the studio environment, employees are expected to be present in the London office 2–3 days per week .

Examples of projects our Architectural team are currently involved in include:

• Aviation – Concept design for a new passenger and equestrian airport terminal in AlUla.

• Transportation – Framework supplier for the National Transport Authority (NTA) delivering the design and development of EV bus depots across Ireland.

• Healthcare – Design and delivery of a state-of-the-art Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre (ADC) at West Middlesex University Hospital.

• Sport Stadia – Design for a new 25,000-seat football stadium in the heart of Luton.

• MoJ & MoD Framework – Multiple projects for government departments ranging from the design of prisons and barracks to complex high-security buildings and masterplanning defence sites around the world.

Job Responsibilities

As a Part 2 Architectural Assistant, you will support senior members of the architectural team across a range of projects and RIBA stages.

From day one, you will contribute to meaningful project work, helping to develop design proposals, technical outputs, and project coordination activities.

Working within a collaborative multidisciplinary environment, your responsibilities may include:

• Assisting in the preparation of conceptual design work and project presentations

• Supporting the design development of project proposals and feasibility studies

• Producing architectural drawings, models, and visualisations to communicate design ideas

• Supporting the technical delivery and implementation of projects, including preparation of working drawings, specifications, and documentation

• Contributing to coordination with architects, interior designers, landscape designers, and engineering consultants

• Participating in design reviews, coordination meetings, and technical discussions

• Supporting site visits, surveys, and project reviews where required

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• MA, M.Arch, Dip Arch, or equivalent architectural qualification

• Minimum 2:1 / Merit or equivalent academic standing

• Proficiency in Revit and Rhino modelling

• Competent in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; experience with Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop) is advantageous

• Understanding of building construction techniques and architectural detailing

• Knowledge of UK construction procurement methodologies and related documentation

• Good understanding of BIM and digital design processes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills

• Ability to manage workload effectively and collaborate within a team environment

• An employee may be required to obtain UK Government security clearance for certain projects. Eligibility and relevant experience would be advantageous.

Preferred Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence for travel to project sites where required

• Demonstrated report writing and documentation skills

• Ability to build strong working relationships and contribute effectively within a collaborative design environment

Additional Information

• Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible since CVs will be reviewed, and candidates selected on a rolling recruitment basis for either immediate or advanced offer start.

• Please include a covering letter with your application and provide all predicted and/or obtained academic grades and details of the dates you are able to work to/from and well as locations you would be interested in.

• You must have the right to work in the UK.

Professional Development

Our Graduate Development Programme (GDP), along with our huge scope of projects across the globe, will challenge and inspire you to make a real difference to the world we live in. Our GDP forms a core part of our business strategy globally, designed to develop the best talent across numerous disciplines to lead our business into the future. 

We have over 750 graduates on our programmes across the UK & Ireland, from over 40 different disciplines, each and every one of them making a tangible difference to the environment we all live and work in.

We will provide you with all the tools and support you need to achieve your professional development ambitions, including Chartership with the relevant international professional institution – where we have graduates working towards over 30 professional institutions in the UK & Ireland.

We will push you to achieve the highest standards and expect our graduates to pass their professional review first time. You will be assigned a mentor to support and guide your development, and undertake regular training modules throughout the programme.

There will be on-the-job technical development and classroom training where required, and the opportunity to work on live client projects, with significant multi-disciplinary exposure.

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges.

Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities.