We’re working with an established, award-winning architectural practice based in Central London. With over three decades of experience, the studio is known for delivering high-quality, design-led projects across a diverse portfolio including workplace, residential, heritage, and masterplanning schemes.
Their collaborative and thoughtful approach to design is matched by a strong commitment to sustainability, placemaking, and long-term value. The studio comprises a multidisciplinary team of architects, designers, and support staff working in a highly collegiate and inclusive environment.
The team is now seeking a highly capable Practice Manager to oversee and coordinate operational and HR functions—ensuring the smooth running of the studio and enabling the design team to focus on project delivery.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone with prior experience in a similar role within a professional services or creative studio environment—architecture, design, or related fields preferred.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee staff resourcing and project allocations to ensure teams are supported and efficiently utilised.
- Coordinate all HR activities including recruitment, onboarding, maintaining employee records, and facilitating annual reviews.
- Support professional development initiatives such as CPDs and Part III studies, and liaise with external HR consultants.
- Manage internal processes for reviewing and tracking contracts with clients, consultants, and freelancers.
- Act as the main point of contact for external legal advisors and ensure the practice meets legal obligations.
- Maintain and update internal policies, HR handbooks, and operational guidelines.
- Lead on Health & Safety, coordinate risk assessments, and manage CHAS and QA compliance.
- Handle renewal of office insurances including Professional Indemnity.
- Prepare for and follow up on board and strategy meetings, ensuring actions are tracked and progressed.
- Provide operational insight to support the practice’s strategic direction.
- Manage studio operations including archiving, landlord communications, and lease negotiations.
- Oversee annual submissions to industry benchmarks such as the AJ100.
- Represent the practice at relevant industry events and forums.
Skills and Experience- Proven experience in operations or practice management within a creative, design-led, or architectural setting.
- Strong grasp of HR, operations, and compliance within a professional services context.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to liaise confidently with a range of stakeholders.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Discreet and professional in handling sensitive or confidential matters.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and general business systems; knowledge of architectural software is advantageous.
