Architect (Arts, Culture, and Heritage Team)

We are looking for a newly qualified Architect to join our Arts, Culture, and Heritage team. Someone who shares our passion for positively shaping the places we live, work, and play through excellent, thoughtful, and contextual interventions within the historic environment.

Our work spans a variety of scales and contexts within existing and historic buildings. You’ll be joining a collaborative team that cares deeply about the quality, character, and long-term sustainability of the places we shape.

As an Architect, you’ll play an integral role in the design and delivery of building projects, leading or supporting multidisciplinary teams from initial concept through to completion on site.

You’ll take responsibility for developing designs, coordinating technical information and managing project delivery in line with the RIBA Plan of Work, ensuring projects meet agreed programmes, budgets and quality expectations.

Working collaboratively with colleagues, clients and external consultants, you’ll bring your technical knowledge, creativity and professional judgement to deliver successful projects while supporting and developing others and championing the values of Buttress.

Key responsibilities

You’ll be involved in:

• Designing and specifying building projects in line with relevant standards, regulations and guidance.
• Leading multidisciplinary design teams on small to medium-sized projects, with support from senior colleagues where needed.
• Supporting the delivery of complex and higher-risk projects, ensuring they meet agreed timescales, budgets and quality expectations.
• Independently leading smaller projects and coordinating colleagues to achieve successful outcomes.
• Supporting the organisation, guidance and development of colleagues.
• Managing projects through planning applications, building regulations and listed building consent processes.
• Coordinating external consultants and maintaining quality and performance standards.
• Leading discussions on architectural and related technical matters.
• Supporting fee forecasting, invoicing and project profitability monitoring.
• Building positive client relationships and delivering a high standard of service within commercial constraints.
• Demonstrating commitment to Buttress and our clients, adapting to project and business needs where required.

You'll also be expected to contribute to the wider life of the studio and to the culture we're building at Buttress.

We're looking for someone who is technically capable, collaborative, and confident in their approach, with a good understanding of architectural design and project delivery.

You’ll have:

• A relevant architectural degree or equivalent qualification.
• Professional registration with the ARB and membership of relevant professional bodies, such as RIBA.
• Working towards an architectural conservation accreditation.
• Experience of architectural design and project delivery across heritage sectors relevant to Buttress.
• An understanding of other building and engineering disciplines and how these contribute to effective design coordination and project delivery.
• A sound understanding of conservation philosophy, architectural design principles, technical standards and relevant regulations.
• Proficiency in relevant design and technical software, including AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Photoshop, InDesign and Microsoft Office.
• Experience of CMAP and Atvero, or similar project management and information management software (desirable).

Most importantly, you'll be someone who takes ownership of your work, communicates confidently, works collaboratively with others, and takes pride in delivering high-quality projects. You'll bring a professional and considered approach, with a willingness to keep learning, developing and contributing to the wider practice.

Why join us:

• Be part of an employee-owned practice with a strong sense of purpose and a simple ambition: Architecture for an equitable tomorrow.
• Work in a supportive, collaborative studio where your skills, experience, and ideas are valued.
• Work on meaningful arts, culture and heritage projects that have a positive and lasting impact.
• Develop your technical expertise and broaden your experience across a range of projects.
• Be part of a practice that is curious, progressive, and always looking at how we can do things better.
• Take on a role with real variety, responsibility, and opportunities to contribute.

Buttress Architects is a practice of 70+ 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; we embrace a 'triple bottom line' 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 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 everyone has a voice and is respected, valued, and heard. 

• 37.5 hrs per week
• Workplace pension with employer contributions and an optional salary sacrifice scheme
• 30 days holiday (including bank holidays) with full closure over the Christmas period
• Employee Assistance Programme and health insurance, currently through Vitality
• Annual study trip with travel and accommodation paid by the business
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
• Enhanced sick pay scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives and mental health first aiders
• Cycle to work scheme
• Inclusive social calendar

Salary: £35,000 per annum

Buttress is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.



We know that people don't always apply for a role unless they feel they meet every requirement. If you're excited about the opportunity but don't tick every box, we'd still love to hear from you. We recognise that skills and experience can come from different places, and we're interested in what you could bring to Buttress.