Principal Aviation Architect - WSP Architecture

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The role is aimed at a qualified Architect with demonstrable experience in the planning and design of international airport terminals, combining strong design capability with the leadership required to manage complex stakeholder environments, develop robust project briefs and resolve concept designs. Candidates should be proactive, collaborative and confident in leading architectural workstreams, guiding multidisciplinary teams and contributing to the successful delivery of major aviation projects.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate relevant experience or a clear interest in aviation architecture, with an understanding of passenger experience considerations. The ideal candidate will appreciate the complexity of terminal environments and understand how thoughtful planning and design can bring together operational efficiency, commercial objectives and regulatory requirements while creating intuitive, enjoyable journeys for passengers.

The role will support the growth of our international aviation design capability, with particular emphasis on stakeholder engagement, brief development and concept design resolution for airport terminals. The successful candidate will be comfortable working across cultures and geographies, translating diverse stakeholder needs into clear design principles, coordinated spatial solutions and compelling project narratives.

Responsibility

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT – Plan and lead structured engagement with airport operators, airlines, authorities, commercial partners, technical stakeholders and user groups. Prepare and facilitate workshops, build consensus, manage competing priorities and maintain clear records of decisions, actions and design implications.

BRIEF DEVELOPMENT – Lead the capture, testing and translation of operational and user requirements into clear architectural briefs, accommodation schedules, adjacencies, performance criteria and design principles. Maintain traceability from stakeholder need through to design response and change control.

CONCEPT DESIGN – Lead the development and resolution of coherent terminal concepts, integrating passenger experience, processing capacity, operational flows, security, baggage, commercial planning, accessibility, sustainability, structure, building services and future flexibility. Direct teams to produce coordinated options, evaluations and recommendations.

Knowledge

TECHNICAL – Broad knowledge of international airport terminal planning and design, including passenger and staff journeys, landside and airside interfaces, processing systems, baggage, security, border control, commercial planning, accessibility, wayfinding, fire and life safety, resilience and phased development. Able to apply capacity and operational inputs critically while coordinating architectural responses with aviation specialists and engineering disciplines.

LEADERSHIP – Understanding of multidisciplinary design governance, stakeholder decision-making and design assurance. Able to establish clear workplans, allocate and review team outputs, manage interfaces, communicate risk and opportunity, and present persuasive recommendations to senior client groups in an international context.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Demonstrated experience of collaborative working and providing leadership within multidisciplinary teams, with the judgement to represent the architectural team effectively with senior clients and stakeholders.
• Have an ability to sketch and communicate technical detail graphically. As well as have effective facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to engage airport operators, airlines, regulators, commercial teams, security bodies, technical advisers and passenger representatives.
• Commitment to the aviation sector and recognition that the role will typically focus on international airport terminal projects and related transport-led environments.
• Expertise in stakeholder engagement and delivery; from stakeholder workshops and briefing documents through to concept design reports, drawings and presentations.

Qualifications

• ARB-registered Architect, or an equivalent internationally recognised professional qualification, with substantial post-qualification experience appropriate to Associate level.

Experience

• Experience on at least one major international airport terminal project, demonstrating an understanding of complex operational, commercial and regulatory environments.
• Experience across multiple project stages, with particular depth in early-stage definition, briefing, option development and concept design.
• A portfolio demonstrating the resolution of terminal concepts, including passenger processes, flows, adjacencies, capacity, operational interfaces and architectural identity.
• Must be able to obtain UK vetting level of Security Check (SC)

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

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What’s In It For You?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.