Careers

We recognise that our growing success is down to the dedication and skill of those who work here. We are always keen to hear from talented individuals – architects, urban designers, and support staff – who are interested in joining our London and Winchester teams.

Our main studio is in central Winchester, well connected to all parts of the UK by road, rail and air, with regular trains to London, and beautiful national parks and beaches on our doorstep to the south and east. Our London studio is based in a set of rooms on the second floor of Somerset House, a contemporary arts centre welcoming 3 million visitors annually to its public exhibitions and events and hundreds of creative professionals every day to its dedicated spaces for artists, makers, and creative enterprises.

For current vacancies, and to apply with a CV and examples of your work, please click here.

Our ethos as an employer

We stress the importance of work-life balance and have an agile working policy.
Our open plan working environment encourages communication, knowledge sharing and creative team working.
We work across director and project teams and encourage employees to take on responsibilities beyond their immediate role.
We are dedicated to promoting equality and diversity across the business and are fully committed to gender pay balance at all levels.
Our staff are supported in their career development, and offered training, mentoring, and opportunities to join professional organisations, encouraging them to determine their own career path. We run programmes of structured training and knowledge sharing activities throughout the year.
We offer sponsorship and financial support to employees undertaking their examinations in professional practice.
We offer a variety of workplace activities ranging from ADAM Future Group (a young professionals’ group), Women in ADAM Architecture, mentoring, and life drawing.

Women in ADAM Architecture

The Women in ADAM Architecture group was formed in 2019. Its aim is to empower and support all women in the practice, responding to the challenges they face in a still male-dominated industry. The group aims to create a safe environment for a variety of topics to be discussed with in-house presenters or guest speakers. They investigate challenges faced by women in the workplace and aim to improve the working environment, as well as raising awareness across the practice. One of the initiatives of the group is the mentoring scheme.

Mentoring scheme

The ADAM mentoring scheme is open to everyone at ADAM Architecture; the type of support received by each mentee is self-determined. For many of our staff, the mentorship scheme has provided an opportunity to build relationships with colleagues outside their project teams and enabled the sharing of resources and ideas.

ADAM Futures Group

The ADAM Futures Group is focused on harnessing the energy, interest, and emerging talent within the practice. The focus is to help individuals progress and develop their communication and analytical skills through team building, confidence in presentation, and independent thinking.

Sustainability Working Group

The Sustainability Working Group (SWG) is headed up by Dr Martina Pacifici, Sustainability Lead, and the Deputy Sustainability Lead, Hal Mellen. The purpose of the SWG is to disseminate knowledge throughout the practice and provide specialist expertise, while improving the environmental credentials of our projects.

The SWG members collaborate closely with the Sustainability Team across research tops or more operative tasks. The group is usually fixed at a total of nine members, but those who would like to be considered are always welcome to come forward. Each member of the group works within sub-groups focusing on specific objectives, such as the creation of a sustainable materials library, testing energy modelling software, and establishing a sustainability review process to be embedded into the design process. Four members of the group are certified Passivhaus Designers/Consultants, and one is BREEAM AP certified.

Historic Buildings Working Group

The Historic Building Group is a hub for all employees with an interest in historic buildings. The focus of the group is to promote our historic building work, and to provide support and comprehensive advice to anyone in the practice working on existing building fabric.

Chalk Talks and PechaKucha events

The Chalk Talks and PechaKuchas are alternating social events, with staff-led presentations covering a vast array of subjects. The Chalk Talks allow the speaker to cover a subject in detail. The PechaKuchas follow the established fast-paced storytelling format of 10 speakers presenting 20 slides of 20 seconds each. Both formats are engaging means of expressing ideas visually and have proved to be both popular and inspirational.

Beyond the practice

We are committed to education and provide work experience, internships, and apprenticeship opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in architecture and/or masterplanning.
We fund a travel scholarship each year for external participants to undertake unique research into an area of personal architectural interest.
We donate a percentage of our income to charitable causes, chosen on an annual basis. Recent nominated charities have included the Air Ambulance Association, bereavement charities, a local hospice and cancer support.
We are committed to continued investment in technology to improve the quality, efficiency, and accuracy of our work. We have in place a Quality Management System and are working towards ISO9001 and ISO14001 accreditation.

How we work

Our open plan design studios are designed to encourage communication and knowledge sharing across teams, with a combination of stimulating spaces and quiet zones.
Projects are carried out in small teams headed up by one of the directors. This allows individuals greater design input and responsibility, as well as the opportunity to work collaboratively with highly experienced or specialised colleagues.

Training and mentoring

ArchiCAD Training

Many people arrive at ADAM Architecture without any experience of ArchiCAD. We therefore run a structured induction and learning programme, headed up by our BIM Manager. All new employees receive:

one-to-one training from day 1 of joining; and
help, guidance, and further training on the software from an in-house CAD/BIM team.

Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 training support

ADAM Architecture works closely with Part I, Part 2 and Part 3 students to ensure that they receive an exceptional learning experience. To this end we provide:

the full cost towards course fees for Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications providing a repayment agreement is signed;
4 days study leave per year for Part 2 course attendance;
10 days study leave for Part 3 training;
mentoring to guide students through their studies and PEDR completion; and
pay for PEDR sign-off fees.

Continuous Professional Development

As part of our commitment to training and development we run a programme of structured training throughout the year, with lunchtime CPD seminars. These include internal technical seminars and the opportunity to attend academic events hosted by one or more of the directors.

Personal development

We take the personal development of all our employees seriously. To ensure our staff achieve their professional and personal development aims, we have a structured review and appraisal process:

all new employees have review meetings with their line manger at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months; and
all staff meet with at least one member of the Executive Board for their annual appraisal.

As part of the appraisal process each employee works through their key objectives with their line managers, enabling staff to build on their respective strengths and identify areas for development.

Social calendar

We have a busy social calendar to bring teams together for fun, fundraising and learning. This includes:

office study trips, including visits to suppliers such as plasterworks and joiners, and visits to completed buildings;
a summer party, which has included a family BBQ hosted by one of the directors;
Friday drinks at the end of each month;
charity fundraising runs;
a Christmas party for all staff, which has included lunch and skating at Somerset House;
life drawing classes; and
summer sketching in London and Winchester.

What our team say about working at ADAM Architecture:

“I first heard about ADAM at an INTBAU conference in Spain. I had lost hope in ever being able to practice traditional architecture, so I was extremely excited that there was somewhere I could pursue my interest in classical and traditional design. I think ADAM is a wonderful place to work for many reasons, but the main ones are how kind people are, the quality of the projects we work on, the possibility to work flexibly, and the opportunities for growth within the practice.” Servando de la Rosa, Architect, Winchester studio.

“After working for various architectural companies in the housing industry I was delighted to hear that ADAM Architecture was looking to employ architectural technologists. The practice’s focus on traditional design principles and attention to detail aligns with my understanding of what constitutes exceptional architecture. The emphasis on collaboration and teamwork at ADAM Architecture creates a positive and supportive working environment that fosters innovation and creativity, which I really appreciate, along with the opportunities for professional growth and development.” Nico Carstens, Architectural Technician, Winchester studio.

“I heard about the vacancy for a receptionist at ADAM from an ex-colleague. She told me what a lovely place it is to work and how friendly everyone is, and she was right! I have been made to feel very welcome and very quickly felt at home. I am proud to work for such a well-respected company who work on a variety of amazing projects.” Vanessa Straker, Administration Assistant and Receptionist, Winchester studio.

“I found ADAM through Indeed, and I’m very glad I did. ADAM is my first office job since leaving university. It is a wonderful place to work, and not just for those interested in architecture. Everyone in the office is incredibly friendly, and eager to help you learn. Hard work doesn’t go unnoticed here, as ADAM encourages not just professional growth, but also personal growth.” Hannah Jehan, Drawing Office Assistant, Winchester studio.

“I joined ADAM Architecture as I was looking to work on a diverse range of projects, building upon my previous experience in a small conservation-focused practice. I have a passion for vernacular construction and craft techniques, as well as an interest in traditional urbanism, so I felt the practice ticked all the boxes. ADAM is a friendly place to work, with a healthy work-life balance and for those wishing to grow within the practice, it’s well supported.” Michael Swords, Architect, London studio.

“The projects that the practice is involved with dovetails well with my love of great detailing and great design. Being able to work on such prestigious projects with such knowledgeable people has brought out the best of me.” Jaspal Chana, Architect, Winchester studio.

Automatic employee benefits

Holiday entitlement
Employees are entitled to 21 days paid holiday per year plus public holidays (England and Wales), increasing to 25 days after nine full years’ service. We usually close the office between Christmas and New Year with no requirement to work on these days.

Pension scheme
All eligible employees are automatically enrolled in our Group Personal Pension Scheme. This is a contributory scheme, with an employer contribution of 3% and an employee contribution of 5%. Employees can make additional contributions to their pension fund.

Private medical health insurance
The well-being of all is of great importance to the practice and therefore we have introduced a private medical insurance scheme for all employees who have satisfactorily completed their probation period (usually after 6 months).

The scheme is with AXA and is non-disclosed, meaning that staff will be covered without having to reveal their medical history, noting any pre-existing medical conditions are not covered under the policy. There is an excess (currently £100) payable in each policy year.

Employee Assistance Programme
ADAM Architecture recognises that from time-to-time people may need independent support, information, or advice about personal, work, or financial issues. Our AXA EAP provides access to a completely confidential telephone service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Professional memberships
The practice will pay for relevant professional membership subscriptions for employees.

Eye testing
All ADAM Architecture employees are entitled to an annual eye check paid for by the practice. Eye tests should be arranged and paid for by the individual and claimed back via the expenses system up to a maximum of £25. The practice will contribute up to £55 towards prescription VDU glasses.

Group life assurance
We operate an employer funded group life plan for qualifying employees on satisfactory completion of their probation period (usually after 6 months). The aim is to provide some peace of mind that their beneficiaries would receive a payment in the form of a tax-free lump sum of up to two times their annual salary, in the event of a successful claim.

Discretionary benefits

Bonus
At the discretion of the directors, employees may receive a bonus payment to recognise their performance and contribution to the profitability of the practice. Bonus payments are performance related and non-contractual and dependent on the profitability of the practice and economic climate at the time.

Interest-free season ticket loan
Employees may be eligible to apply for a loan to purchase an annual season ticket for travel to work. This often offers a considerable saving and additional benefits over a weekly/monthly ticket. Repayment will be in 12 equal instalments deducted from monthly salary and proof of purchase will be required. On leaving employment, outstanding loan amounts will become immediately repayable.

Cycle to Work Scheme
Our Cycle to Work Scheme aims to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce environmental pollution. The scheme allows you to buy a bike through the practice, which is exempt from income tax and national insurance. This means that you can save up to 40% of the cost of your bicycle and accessories. This is a salary sacrifice scheme where you pay for the bike by reducing your salary over a period of 12 months. On leaving employment, any outstanding amount will become immediately repayable.

Relocation support costs
ADAM Architecture recognises the difficulties facing employees who are moving to a new city for the first time. To assist employees, we can consider relocation support as part of your initial employment offer.

Parking for staff working in Winchester
We offer free onsite parking, or reimburse the cost of parking at a nearby public car park, for nominated staff at our Winchester studio.

Current Vacancies

Urban designers – London office

Our multi-disciplinary urban design team is looking for experienced and talented urban designers and confident job runners with 10+ years’ professional experience and a degree in Architecture or Urban Design to assist with our masterplanning and speculative housing services.

This exciting opportunity will see candidates assist with the expansion of the existing Winchester-based Urbanism studio to a new London-based Urbanism studio at our architecture offices in Summerset House. In addition to the ability to work independently, candidates will have the opportunity to work closely with directors as well as members of the wider Urbanism team in Winchester.

Candidates will have the opportunity to develop vision statements and masterplans of varying sizes, taking a project from initial concept through the outline and reserved matters planning application stages. They will gain experience working with existing building types as well as developing bespoke homes and mixed-use buildings in plan and elevation to facilitate these projects. Additionally, they will become familiar with the production of design codes to protect these masterplans over their development life cycle.

Candidates should have the ability to design by hand and on computer. Experience of operating ArchiCAD is an advantage but not essential as training is provided. No prior experience of traditional or classical architecture is necessary provided individuals have a passion for the traditional and contextual urbanism we promote.

To apply please send your CV and examples of your work to recruitment@adamarchitecture.com

Urban designers – Winchester office

Our multi-disciplinary urban design team is looking for experienced and talented urban designers and job runners with 5-10 years’ professional experience and a degree in Architecture or Urban Design to assist with our masterplanning and speculative housing services.

To apply please send your CV and examples of your work to recruitment@adamarchitecture.com

Building Energy Modeller – Winchester or London

We are looking to appoint a Building Energy Modeller, as part of our growing sustainability team, to contribute to our commitment to help tackle the climate and biodiversity emergency by developing energy efficient and zero carbon buildings. As a Building Energy Modeller you will carry out building performance modelling across a range of metrics to support and inform our developing designs as well as analyse post occupancy evaluation generated data to understand and improve existing building performance. You will have the opportunity to engage with various software packages and carrying out energy modelling studies and Life Cycle Analyses (LCAs), applied to a wide range of projects, including new traditional country homes, refurbishment of listed buildings, commercial development, and masterplans. Providing advice about integration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services into architecture is among the key contributions will be expected to provide, as well as collaborating closely with the practice’s architectural teams to inform the emerging design with data-driven input. You will also be responsible for supporting the Sustainability lead in developing sustainability’s focused knowledge sharing activities across the practice, PQP reviews and project research.

Candidates should have a scientific degree as background (e.g. Engineering, Math, Physics, Data Science or equivalent), to align with our ambitions for integrated building services and architectural design. Post qualification experience working in professional practice would be desirable but not essential.

To apply please send your application, including a CV that tells us how your skills match our requirements to recruitment@adamarchitecture.com. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any additional queries. A detailed job description is available on request.

Conservation architects – London office

We are looking for experienced and talented conservation architects to work on our portfolio of historic and listed buildings, working in our London office at Somerset House. Successful candidate will have 5+ years qualified professional experience; bring solid experience of the design process, technical detailing and contract administration, as well as experience in the preservation and refurbishment of historic buildings.

You will be responsible for projects at various work stages and therefore must have experience of managing RIBA Stages 2 – 6, a thorough knowledge of construction details and the ability to produce presentation drawings. Candidates must be capable of operating alone and unsupervised as well as within complex, multi-agency teams. Experience of operating Archicad is an advantage but not essential as training will be provided.

To apply please send your CV and examples of your work to recruitment@adamarchitecture.com

Project architects – London & Winchester office

We are looking for experienced and talented registered architects for bespoke private residential projects with 5+ years qualified professional experience, working in our London office at Somerset House or our Winchester office. Successful candidate will bring solid experience of the design process, technical detailing and contract administration, and specifically, in the supervision of bespoke residential projects.

You shall be responsible for projects at various work stages and therefore must have experience of managing RIBA Stages 2 – 6, a thorough knowledge of construction details and the ability to produce presentation drawings. Candidates must be capable of operating alone and unsupervised as well as within complex, multi-agency teams. Experience of operating Archicad is an advantage but not essential as training will be provided.

To apply please email your CV plus examples of your work, and state whether your application is for the role in our London or Winchester office. Send your email to recruitment@adamarchitecture.com

Technical architects / architectural technologists – London & Winchester office

We are looking for experienced and talented technical architects / architectural technologists for bespoke private residential projects, with 3+ years qualified professional experience, working in our London office based in Somerset House or our Winchester office. Successful candidates will bring with them solid experience of technical residential detailing, and preferably will have some experience working on high quality bespoke projects.

You will be able to deliver projects at various work stages and therefore must have experience in RIBA Stages 2 – 6 and a thorough knowledge of construction details and regulations. Candidates must be capable of operating alone and unsupervised as well as within complex, multi-agency teams. Experience of operating Archicad is an advantage but not essential as training will be provided.

No prior experience of traditional or classical architecture is necessary provided individuals have a passion for the work we do.

To apply please email your CV plus examples of your work, and state whether your application is for the role in our London or Winchester office. Send your email to recruitment@adamarchitecture.com

Part 2 Architectural assistants – Winchester office

We are looking for talented Part 2 architectural assistants with 2 to 3 years post qualification experience, with focus on RIBA stages 2 and 3. Successful candidates will have a proven knowledge of the English planning system and the ability to prepare drawings and supporting documents for the submission of planning applications and listed building consents. Working with a director you will interpret requirements and present work in both hand-drawn and CAD format. Experience of working on bespoke high-end residential projects and listed buildings is advantageous. This position is based in our Winchester office and would suit an individual who, whilst qualified, is seeking to develop their career and broaden their understanding of the architectural profession. No prior experience of traditional or classical architecture is necessary provided individuals have a passion for the work we do. Full study support is provided for candidates wishing to undertake their Part 3 with a view to registration as an Architect.

Apply with a CV and examples of your work to recruitment@adamarchitecture.com

Part 1 placement scheme

We are keen to support students during their academic studies and have places available for Part 1 students for a 1 year placement scheme.

Based in our Winchester office, students will be able to contribute to a variety of projects, working as part of a team of highly skilled and motivated individuals. Our current projects include masterplanning work, new country and town houses, speculative housing, and commercial developments.

If you would like to be considered for a place please apply by sending your CV, six A3 drawings or illustrations to demonstrate your full range of skills and experience, and a covering letter explaining why you want to work for ADAM Architecture.

Please send your application to recruitment@adamarchitecture.com