Architect - Education Project Lead

DLA ARCHITECTURE Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architecture firm in Leeds seeks a Project Lead / Education Architect. The candidate will be responsible for leading technical delivery and managing education projects to high standards. With a strong focus on client relationships and team leadership, the successful applicant will have at least 5 years of experience, be adept in BIM coordination and Revit, and demonstrate excellent project management skills. Application involves sending a CV and digital portfolio by 28th February 2026.

Benefits

CPD (Continued Professional Development) programme

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years post qualification UK experience.
• Experience in delivering education projects.
• Strong understanding of construction stage processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery and construction-stage performance.
• Manage project delivery within budget and timeline.
• Act as a key point of contact during construction.

Skills

Leadership skills

Client-facing skills

Construction stage risk management

BIM coordination

Revit expertise

Education

Fully qualified Architect

Tools

Adobe Suite

Job description

Salary Competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a CPD (Continued Professional Development) programme.

Type Permanent

About

Following recent growth within the education sector, we are seeking an experienced Project Lead / Education Architect to join our expanding team. The successful candidate will take a leading role in the technical delivery and construction-stage performance of education projects.

Our education team is widely recognised for delivering outstanding learning environments across primary, secondary, SEN, further, and higher education schemes. This role presents an excellent opportunity for an individual with a strong background in education projects, supported by exceptional client-facing and project management skills.

Working closely with the Studio Director on a day-to-day basis, the appointed individual will contribute to the successful delivery of high-quality education projects within a collaborative and forward-thinking studio environment.

Key Responsibilities

This delivery-focused role calls for an experienced professional with a proven track record of successfully delivering education projects to DfE or equivalent standards. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership capability alongside advanced expertise in Revit and BIM coordination.

You will take responsibility for leading the technical, commercial, and construction-phase delivery of projects, working closely with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams to ensure schemes are delivered on site, on programme, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Project Delivery and Management

• Lead technical delivery, produce coordinated, compliant solutions and managing construction-stage delivery.
• Plan, manage, and monitor programmes, resources and risk to ensure effective project delivery.
• Ensure accurate, timely issue of technical information in compliance with contractual, statutory, and BIM requirements; chair and manage design, technical, and site meetings where required.
• Manage construction-stage queries, RFIs, change control, and technical risk; monitor site progress and consultant performance through to project closeout, including as-built and handover documentation

Technical Leadership and Quality Control

• Lead the production, coordination, and review of technical information, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and quality across all outputs.
• Maintain compliance with statutory, regulatory, and CDM requirements, promoting robust, sustainable, and buildable design solutions.
• Act as technical lead for BIM coordination, clash resolution, and effective information management.
• Ensure technical delivery aligns with DfE, and contractor requirements, where applicable.

Team and Business Management

• Lead, manage, and motivate project teams during delivery stages, ensuring clear accountability and direction.
• Mentor and support junior staff, promoting best practice technical delivery and professional development.
• Deliver projects in line with business objectives for quality, profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Report project progress, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.

Client, Contractor and Stakeholder Interface

• Act as a key point of contact for clients, contractors, and consultants during construction.
• Communicate clearly and confidently in client-facing, contractor, and site-based meetings.
• Build strong working relationships to support smooth project delivery and issue resolution.
• Support repeat business through reliable delivery performance and professional credibility.

The Candidate

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Fully qualified Architect with a minimum of 5 years post qualification UK experience.
• Confident leader with excellent client and contractor facing skills.
• Strong understanding of construction stage risk, change control and technical delivery.

DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Adobe Suite & good graphic presentation skills.
• Experience working within CF21 or similar education frameworks.
• Knowledge of DfE processes and technical standards.
• Experience across primary, secondary, or SEN education projects.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will be a collaborative and dependable team member who builds strong, trusting relationships and contributes positively to both individual and collective objectives. They will communicate with clarity and confidence, actively listening to others, welcoming feedback, and presenting ideas effectively through verbal, written, and visual means. With a strong focus on quality and client outcomes, they will proactively identify and resolve issues while maintaining consistently high standards in all work produced. Highly self‑motivated and organised, they will take ownership of their personal development, manage priorities effectively, and approach tasks with enthusiasm, professionalism, and initiative. A creative and analytical problem‑solver, they will apply industry best practice to develop innovative solutions, drawing on the expertise of colleagues to address challenges and add lasting value to projects and the wider practice.

To apply please send your CV & digital portfolio to [e-mail] by 28th February 2026.