Junior Architect

Working closely with the Head of Design, you’ll provide architectural design support across SSP’s capital project portfolio, taking projects from feasibility and concept design through approvals, detailed design and construction. You’ll produce key drawings and layouts, coordinate design requirements with internal and external stakeholders, and help ensure each scheme meets commercial, operational, site and brand requirements.

• Undertake project-specific feasibility studies, test-fit layouts and early-stage architectural design activities for new units, refurbishments and other live capital projects.
• Produce architectural drawings, layouts, presentations and design information required to evaluate, develop, approve and deliver individual projects. 
• Translate commercial, operational, site, landlord and brand requirements into practical design solutions under the direction of the Head of Design.  
• Support the development of project design briefs by coordinating the information required to establish the basis of design for each capital project.  
• Collate and coordinate project-specific requirements including lease demise, surveys and existing site information, commercial assumptions, category mix, operational requirements, budget and programme.  
• Coordinate design inputs and project information between SSP stakeholders, external architects, designers, consultants, landlords, franchise partners and other project participants.  
• Review architectural and design information produced by external project teams, identifying missing information, conflicts or matters requiring clarification and escalating these to the Head of Design as appropriate.  
• Assist with the progression of projects through internal design governance and the Schematic Design Committee process, coordinating submissions, comments, design actions and updated project information.  
• Support the franchise partner design approval process by coordinating project-specific drawings, design submissions, comments and revisions with partners such as Starbucks, Tortilla and LEON.  
• Interpret relevant franchise and brand design standards and coordinate with the Head of Design, architects and designers to ensure that these are appropriately incorporated into each project.  
• Coordinate responses to franchise partner design comments and communicate agreed requirements to the relevant architects, designers and project stakeholders.  
• Update project-specific drawings and design information to reflect agreed internal, landlord and franchise partner requirements.  

• Track design comments, decisions and outstanding information required to progress projects through design development and approval.
• Support architects and designers in resolving project-specific design queries by coordinating the required inputs from SSP’s commercial, operational and project stakeholders.  
• Produce and coordinate project-specific design information required to support progression into detailed design, procurement and construction.  
• Maintain accurate project drawing packages, approval records and design documentation throughout the project development lifecycle.  
• Assist with the development of project-specific architectural details and design solutions that support the successful implementation of approved schemes.  
• Undertake appropriate feasibility and early-stage design activities internally, helping to reduce reliance on external architectural and design consultants.  
• Take responsibility for assigned project design deliverables and coordination activities, completing them accurately and in line with agreed project programmes.  

 

Essential:

• Degree-level qualification in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Interior Architecture, Interior Design or another relevant design discipline.
• Architectural and spatial design capability, with the ability to produce feasibility studies and test-fit layouts.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD & REVIT and the ability to produce accurate and professional architectural drawings.
• Experience using SketchUp or equivalent 3D design software.
• Ability to interpret a project brief and translate commercial, operational and spatial requirements into practical design solutions.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, surveys and technical design information.
• Understanding of the principal stages of architectural design development and project delivery.
• Ability to produce clear drawings, layouts and presentation information for project review and approval.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, coordinated design information.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work with architects, designers, consultants and franchise partners.
• An understanding of how operational, commercial, site and brand requirements influence project design.
• Ability to manage assigned design activities and deliverables to agreed project deadlines. 

 

 

 

 

• Experience producing feasibility studies or test-fit layouts for retail, food and beverage or other commercial spaces.
• Experience within retail, food and beverage, hospitality and/or travel environments.
• Experience working on airport, railway station or transport-related projects.
• Experience coordinating project information with external architects, designers or specialist consultants.
• Exposure to new-build, refurbishment or fit-out capital projects.
• Exposure to franchise or licensed brand design standards.
• Experience supporting internal, landlord or brand design review and approval processes.
• Understanding of food and beverage operational and back-of-house requirements.
• Understanding of existing building, landlord, lease and site constraints.
• Knowledge of relevant UK Building Regulations and accessibility requirements.
• Awareness of project budgets, programmes and the implications of design decisions on project delivery.
• Experience working across multiple live projects in a fast-paced commercial environment.