About Kennelbuild
Kennelbuild is a fast-growing specialist construction company delivering high-quality, purpose-built facilities for a client base that includes the Ministry of Defence, UK police forces and large national charities. Having established an in-house design capability, we are now investing in its growth, and we are looking for an experienced Senior Architectural Technician to lead our design department.
This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with the autonomy to shape how the department operates, set technical standards, mentor a growing team and take full ownership of design delivery, from initial client brief through to construction-ready information.
The Role
Reporting to the Operations Director, you will lead the design department and take ownership of the design process from RIBA Stage 3 through to RIBA Stage 7 . You will produce and coordinate accurate, buildable and fully compliant drawing packages, ensuring every scheme satisfies Building Regulations and is grounded in sound construction methodology.
As the department’s technical lead, you will set standards, review the work of others, liaise with clients and approving authorities, and help grow both the team and its capability as the business expands.
Key Responsibilities
Design delivery (RIBA Stages 3–4)
- Lead drawings through the full design process from RIBA Stage 3 and RIBA Stage 4 .
- Develop from feasibility design, to technical design including complete, construction-ready information packages.
- Produce and coordinate planning drawings, planning applications, building control submissions and detailed technical drawings.
- Undertake and oversee site and building surveys to inform accurate, well-founded design.
- Manage a team of consultants to ensure quality and programme targets are achieved.
- Ensure any planning conditions are discharged ahead of requirements
Technical design & Building Regulations
- Ensure all designs fully comply with current Building Regulations and the relevant Approved Documents.
- Ensure designs meet the relevant animal standard guidance documents.
- Prepare and manage building control applications through to approval, ensuring any construction stage documents are collated
- Produce detailed construction details and specifications (e.g. NBS), resolving technical issues with robust, compliant solutions.
- Keep the department current with changes to regulations, standards and best practice, including the Building Safety Act where applicable.
- Undertake production drawings, to ensure the factory has the right information to enable production
Construction methodology & buildability
- Apply in-depth knowledge of construction techniques and methodology to ensure designs are practical, buildable and cost-effective.
- Work closely with site and construction teams to align design intent with on-site delivery.
- Ensure drawings and clear and presented in a way to convey technical details clearly.
- Advise on materials, build sequencing and value engineering.
Department leadership & growth
- Lead, mentor and develop the design team, setting technical standards and quality benchmarks.
- Manage design workload, programme and priorities across multiple concurrent projects.
- Help recruit, onboard and grow the team as the department expands.
- Establish and maintain CAD/BIM standards, templates and efficient workflows.
- Provide technical guidance to the design team.
- Advise and monitor workload, communicating to the board in a clear way
Quality, client & stakeholder management
- Act as the technical design point of contact for clients, consultants, local authorities and approving bodies.
- Review and approve drawings and deliverables to ensure accuracy, consistency and quality.
- Manage design programmes to deliver on time, on budget and to the required standard.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Substantial experience as an Architectural Technician, including taking projects from RIBA Stage 1 through to Stage 6.
- Expert working knowledge of UK Building Regulations and their practical application.
- Expert understanding of construction methodology, techniques and buildability.
- Proven ability to produce detailed, accurate technical drawings and specifications.
- Experience preparing and managing planning and building control applications.
- Proficiency in both AutoCAD and Revit is essential.
- Ability to resolve complex design issues and provide sound technical solutions.
- Excellent communication, organisation, and time and cost management skills.
- A full UK driving licence for site and survey visits.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience leading or mentoring a design team, or heading a design function.
- Experience developing and implementing CAD standards, templates and workflows.
- Wider BIM proficiency (e.g. Navisworks) and specification writing (NBS / NBS Chorus).
- Experience with site and building surveys.
- Experience of specialist, technically demanding or public-sector projects (e.g. MoD, police or secure environments).
- Knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022 and associated duty holder responsibilities.
- Knowledge of CDM regulations
Qualifications & Membership
- Membership of a relevant professional body – Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) or RIBA / ARB-registered Architect – is highly desirable.
- We will also consider candidates with equivalent, demonstrable senior-level experience and technical expertise, whether or not they hold formal chartership.
- A relevant qualification in architectural technology, architecture or construction (e.g. HNC/HND, degree or equivalent) is expected.
Personal Attributes
- A confident, hands-on leader able to set direction and standards.
- Meticulous attention to detail and pride in accurate, well-presented work.
- Self-motivated, able to work independently as well as lead a team.
- Commercially aware, with a practical, solutions-focused mindset.
- Keen to grow with the business and build a department for the long term.
Pay: £55,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
