Explore Part I Architectural Assistant roles across the UK — ideal for architecture graduates seeking hands-on experience in professional practice.
Part I Architectural Assistants are typically architecture graduates who have completed their first three years of RIBA-accredited study and are beginning their professional journey. These roles offer hands-on experience in design development, technical documentation, and project delivery, often as part of a supportive studio environment.
Working under the guidance of registered architects, Part I Assistants gain essential practical skills, exposure to project workflows, and insight into the realities of architectural practice. Many firms also offer mentoring or structured experience towards RIBA Part II. For salary expectations and tips on starting out, visit our Architecture Salary Guide.
Starting your career in architecture? These FAQs offer useful guidance for Part I Architectural Assistants on qualifications, responsibilities, progression, and pay.
A Part I Assistant is an architecture graduate who has completed a RIBA Part I qualification (typically a BA or BSc in Architecture) and is gaining practical experience in a studio before progressing to further study.
You’ll assist with design development, model making, presentations, technical drawings, and project research, all under the supervision of a registered Architect.
Part I salaries usually range from £22,000 to £26,000, depending on location and firm size. London roles may offer slightly higher starting pay. See our Architecture Salary Guide for more details.
No. ARB registration only applies to qualified Architects. However, experience as a Part I Assistant counts towards your practical training requirements for Part II.
Some students take year-out placements between academic years, but most Part I roles require completion of your undergraduate degree before starting full-time.
From small design-led studios to large multidisciplinary firms, many practices hire Part I Assistants to support their teams and develop emerging talent.
Familiarity with Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Rhino is often required. Being comfortable with BIM workflows is a bonus.
After gaining practical experience, most move on to complete a RIBA Part II qualification — either full-time or through a practice-based route — with the goal of eventually becoming a registered Architect.
Meet the team at HAUS Careers. An Architecture and Design recruitment agency in London, we are a team of ex-industry professionals with varied backgrounds and specialist knowledge in a multiplicity of sectors. At HAUS we love design and have a passion for great Architecture.
Our varied backgrounds and relevant experience allow for a deeper understanding of our industry. Our expert knowledge of Architecture, BIM, Landscape, Interior Design, Urban Design and Creative Support allows us to identify talented professionals and the best practices.
We work with London’s best practices and ensure our candidates are always placed in the right environment. We have a great relationship with both our clients and candidates for this exact reason. We are always looking for the most talented designers and professionals to ensure our industry’s future continues to grow.
At HAUS we understand from experience that recruitment is more than just matching someone’s skillset to a job description.
We are always looking to launch professionals next step in the industry. That’s why we get to know our candidates. We welcome the opportunity to meet over a coffee, tea or beer (or all of the above) so we can get a stronger understanding of their career aspirations and match their specialist skills and experience to the right role.
If you know someone who you think would be suitable for one of our positions, then please do not hesitate to send your name, and the contact details for the person you are referring, to hello@hauscareers.com
If the person you refer is successfully placed, and they pass a three-month probationary period, you’ll receive £150, and we will also donate £150 to a charity of your choice.
There is no limit to the number of referrals you can make either.
Refer a friend and get a £300 referral fee when we get them a job.
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