Custodial Architect

Why this role?

Our architects specialise in delivering highly regulated, secure, and technically complex projects. With a reputation for guiding every stage of the architectural process, we’ve built a proven track record in delivering some of the most challenging custodial and justice-sector facilities across the UK.

As a qualified Architect, you’ll work in a multi‑disciplinary environment on high‑security and critical infrastructure projects, ensuring technical excellence, design quality, and delivery to programme.

We are looking for a Senior or Principal Architect with strong custodial experience, capable of leading design development from concept through detailed design and providing the assurance and compliance essential for projects in this sector. Our work spans RIBA Stages 0–7, collaborating closely with architectural, civil & structural, building services, project management and CDM specialists, using modern technologies and integrated design tools.

We also pride ourselves on promoting a healthy work–life balance, with a supportive culture and opportunities to take part in office social activities and professional development initiatives.

 

About You

You will be a registered Architect (RIBA/ARB) with demonstrable custodial project experience, particularly at RIBA Stage 4 detailed design. You bring creativity, technical rigour and a passion for developing high‑quality architectural solutions within stringent standards and security requirements.

You’ll be joining an enthusiastic and collaborative team of Architects and Technicians focused on producing robust, compliant design outputs. As client care is central to BakerHicks’ success, you’ll be empowered in developing and maintaining long‑term relationships with internal and external stakeholders, end users and multi‑disciplinary teams.

 

Key Purpose

• Design and specify all aspects of architectural work in line with current standards, guidelines, MoJ requirements and project deliverables.
• Lead quality and compliance controls across local teams and project workstreams.
• Manage and coordinate architectural input into multi‑disciplinary projects including time, cost, quality, and client relationships.
• Contribute to the mentoring and development of Early Careers colleagues and support continuous departmental improvement.

Responsibilities

• Produce design deliverables including drawings, specifications, reports, surveys and construction‑stage documentation.
• Check technical drawings, specifications and calculations to ensure design quality and compliance with project briefs.
• Review and audit the design work of team members, ensuring accuracy and adherence to standards.
• Support preparation of tender documents, fee proposals, scopes of work and change control submissions.
• Liaise with clients, end users and wider project teams to assess feasibility, planning considerations, environmental constraints and budget implications.

 

Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Architect (RIBA/ARB).
• Strong custodial sector experience, including RIBA Stage 4 detailed design.
• Knowledge of MoJ standards and ability to develop custodial layouts and solutions.
• Significant experience in design, technical detailing and specification writing.
• Experience contributing to bids, proposals and tender documentation.
• Working knowledge of British Standards and Eurocodes relevant to architectural design and sustainability.
• Ability to guide and manage design work from RIBA Stages 0–7.
• High proficiency in Autodesk Revit and working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Understanding of CDM regulations.

 

Desirable

• Experience managing multi‑disciplinary design teams.
• Understanding of commercial aspects of project delivery.
• Experience collaborating with external design organisations.
• Ability to produce NBS Chorus specifications.
• Awareness of business fundamentals to ensure commercial targets are met.

 

Many of the positions within our company are subject to security clearance. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by various factors. The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain security clearance for this role as required by our clients and sectors. 

Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

 

About BakerHicks 

We’ve been innovating in design, engineering and project delivery since 1957 and operate from 14 locations for a truly European reach. For more about our company story, see: About | BakerHicks. 

BakerHicks. A Morgan Sindall Group company.  

  

Benefits 

Whatever your discipline, you’ll be alongside some of the most talented people in the industry. Our network of offices are appealing, friendly and comfortable spaces, easily accessible by car or public transport. And our salary and benefits packages are some of the best in the industry.  

What you get will depend on what you do, with individual performance-related rewards also on offer in addition to: 

• Company car or cash allowance 
• Up to 6% matched contributory pension plan 
• Life assurance scheme 
• 25 days annual leave plus ability to buy additional leave 
• Discount scheme (including gym membership, mobile phones etc) 
• Flexible/hybrid working 
• Family friendly policies 
• Employee assistance 
• Professional development 

BakerHicks is an equal opportunity employer. We care about creating an inclusive atmosphere and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout.  
BakerHicks is an inclusive organisation welcoming talent from all backgrounds. Applicants are assessed on the basis of personal merit and qualifications.   

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