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We are hiring. Architectural Assistant Part 2. Chagford, Devon

Salary: Dependent on experience and RIBA Benchmarking

Location: Chagford, Devon.

Application Deadline: 5pm Friday 27th November 2026.

Start Date: December 2026.

O’Brien Van der Steen Workshops is an RIBA Chartered practice based in Chagford, working across Dartmoor and the wider South West region. Our projects grow from a close understanding of place: its buildings, landscape, history and communities.  

We work on a varied range of projects, often involving historic buildings, rural settings and community life. We aim to combine thoughtful, ambitious design with a careful understanding of existing fabric and a commitment to making places work well for the people who use them. We value collaboration, curiosity and the craft of turning good ideas into buildings that are carefully resolved and built to last.

Current projects include the restoration and revitalisation of a number of listed farm groups and work with community groups on ensuring resilience and the long term sustainability of their built assets

As a studio, we founded and run the renowned talk series TERRAIN Talks that is now in its 5th year.  The talks are developed collaboratively within the studio and add a great depth of interest and knowledge to our studio culture.

We also offer a compressed, flexible four-day working week and aim to create a supportive and collaborative working environment where people can take responsibility, share knowledge and contribute to the development of our practice.

O’Brien Van der Steen also has a sister studio in Mexico City.

About the role:

Join our studio as a Part 2 Architectural Assistant, working alongside our Directors and Project Leads across the RIBA Plan of Work. You’ll contribute to projects from early design through to technical delivery, while gaining practical experience in a small, collaborative practice.

At O’Brien Van der Steen you will:

  • Support Architects across all RIBA stages.
  • Liaise with Directors and Project Leads on project progress and studio matters.
  • Prepare and check drawings and specifications for accuracy and compliance.
  • Contribute to design reviews and sustainable design.
  • Attend client and design team meetings.
  • Help maintain high standards across the studio.
  • Travel to sites as required.

 

We are looking for:

  • RIBA Part 1 and Part 2 validated qualifications – essential.
  • Experience in Adobe Suite, SketchUp and Revit – essential.
  • Strong sketching and drawing ability – desirable.
  • Familiarity with Google Workspace – desirable.
  • Experience in a similar role is welcome, but recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

 

How to apply

Please send your CV and portfolio to info@obrienvandersteen.com