Part 1 Architectural Assistant? Fancy joining us?
We’re looking for a Part I Architectural Assistant.
Not because we need another bum on a seat.
Because we’re busy. Because we believe everyone starts somewhere. And because we enjoy helping enthusiastic graduates take their first steps into practice.
At Fingerprintstudios, no two days are the same.
One week you could be helping develop ideas for a bespoke home overlooking the Solent. The next, assisting with a planning application for a listed building, creating presentation drawings for a commercial project or heading out on a site visit to see how a design comes to life.
We’re a small, friendly RIBA Chartered Practice based in a beautifully restored Grade II listed building in Fareham. We like good design, practical solutions, interesting conversations and plenty of coffee. We take our work seriously, but not ourselves.
If you’re looking for a huge practice where you’ll spend months changing line weights or rendering the same kitchen over and over again, we’re probably not for you.
If you’re curious, enthusiastic and ready to learn, keep reading.
The sort of person we’re hoping to meet
You’ve recently completed your RIBA Part I qualification (or are about to).
You’re excited about architecture and keen to gain experience in a busy, design-led practice.
You enjoy sketching ideas, making models, solving problems and learning new skills.
You’re organised, willing to get stuck in and happy to ask questions.
You communicate well and enjoy working as part of a team.
Most importantly, you have a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a genuine passion for architecture.
You’ll probably be doing things like…
Supporting architects and technicians on a wide variety of projects.
Producing drawings, diagrams and presentation material.
Building 3D models and creating visualisations.
Assisting with planning applications and design packages.
Carrying out site surveys and measured surveys.
Attending site visits and client meetings with senior team members.
Researching materials, planning policies and construction methods.
Learning how projects develop from the first conversation through to completion.
No one expects you to know everything on day one. What matters most is your enthusiasm, your willingness to learn and your desire to become a better architect.
The software bit
We primarily use AutoCAD, so any experience would be a bonus—but it’s certainly not essential.
Experience with SketchUp, BSR, Adobe Creative Suite and ArchiCAD would also be useful, but we’re far more interested in your potential than a long list of software skills.
A quick note about how we work
This isn’t a salaried position.
We’re looking for someone to work with us on a self-employed basis. For the right person, it offers flexibility, a broad range of experience and the chance to become part of a growing practice.
We’ll agree a competitive day rate or fee and, more importantly, provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across every stage of a project. You’ll work closely with experienced architects and technologists who are invested in your development, offering guidance, mentoring and exposure to the breadth of professional experience needed as you progress towards Part II and beyond.
Why work with us?
Because you’ll learn by doing.
Because you’ll work alongside experienced architects and technicians who are happy to share their knowledge.
Because you’ll gain experience across every stage of a project—not just one small part of it.
Because you’ll work on bespoke homes, heritage buildings, commercial projects and everything in between.
Because we’re building a practice we’d want to work in ourselves.
If that sounds like your sort of place, we’d love to hear from you.
Send us your CV, portfolio (PDF please) and a few words about yourself to info@fingerprintstudios.co.uk
Don’t worry if your portfolio isn’t perfect—we know you’re just starting out. We’d much rather see creativity, curiosity and potential than polished projects. Show us how you think, what inspires you and why you’d like to be part of Fingerprintstudios.
