Job Description

Are you an experienced Architect with a passion for sustainable design and improving lives?

Do you want to lead a newly established architectural team delivering meaningful, energy efficient and carbon saving housing projects?

Are you ready to shape the future of retrofit design in a company driven by purpose and performance?

Are you motivated to ensure that projects are delivered safely through the Principal Designer role under CDM?

Are you ready to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team delivering meaningful domestic retrofit projects?

If the answer is "yes", then

Happy Energy Solutions Ltd

, are recruiting a strategic, visionary, and hands-on

Principal Architect

to lead our new in-house architectural function. You'll play a pivotal role in aligning architectural excellence with regulatory compliance, helping to deliver retrofit and refurbishment projects that meet both RIBA Stages and PAS2035:2023 standards.

You'll be at the heart of our mission to deliver safe, sustainable, and high-quality retrofit solutions, contributing your design expertise to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the wellbeing of residents.

Who we are

Happy Energy Solutions Ltd is a leading provider of PAS 2035:2023, PAS2030:2023 and MCS compliant domestic retrofit services. Working with housing associations, local authorities and homeowners across the UK, we specialise in improving energy performance, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing health and wellbeing. Our delivery model is built on quality, compliance, and collaboration--and now we're expanding to include a dedicated architectural team.

What the role involves

As Principal Architect, you'll:

Establish and lead a new architectural function within the business. Play a strategic role in embedding the function throughout the business Oversee design outputs from concept through to construction, aligning

RIBA Plan of Work

stages with PAS2035:2023, PAS2030:2023 and MCS frameworks. Ensure that designs respond to planning, building regulations, structural requirements, and client aspirations. Work closely with Retrofit Designers, Retrofit Coordinators, Retrofit Assessors and Compliance Managers to ensure the Golden Thread of information is maintained from assessment to evaluation. Coordinate and mentor a team of architectural staff and support their professional development. Represent the architectural function in client meetings, technical forums, and internal governance structures. Support design risk management, DNO applications, planning submissions, and stakeholder engagement. Be a key member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to strategic decisions across design, compliance and delivery as we grow our architectural capability and retrofit portfolio.

What we offer:

26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays Private Medical Insurance (history disregarded, zero excess) Employee Assistance Programme Pension Scheme Ongoing training and development including training budget CPD and professional development pathways (including support for RIBA and conservation accreditation) A supportive team culture that values people and purpose A chance to lead something meaningful, with support from a purpose-led executive team

What we're looking for:

Registered Architect with ARB RIBA Chartered Membership Minimum 5 years' post-Part 3 experience Experience with

Passivhaus or EnerPHit standards

but would be a welcome addition to your skills, especially where this informs low-energy design, detailing, and building performance in retrofit settings. This is a certification that Happy Energy may invest in for you. In-depth knowledge of Building Regulations, CDM 2015, and construction compliance Excellent leadership and communication skills Confidence with digital design tools (AutoCAD, Revit, or equivalent) and BIM environments Ability to work across departments and guide others in aligning design outputs with compliance frameworks and resident needs

Retrofit experience welcome - but not essential

We'll provide onboarding and training in PAS 2035:2023, PAS 2030:2023 and MCS design compliance including the Domestic Energy Assessor and Retrofit Coordinator certifications. What matters most is your architectural rigour, leadership skills, and passion for designing better homes for the future.

Sound like your next chapter?

Apply today with your CV and a short paragraph about your interest in the role - or contact us for a confidential conversation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Health & wellbeing programme Private medical insurance Work from home
Experience:

Architectural: 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

ARB Registration (required) RIBA Chartered Membership (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London SW11

Application deadline: 05/09/2025
Reference ID: HESL/LJW/ARC