Architect

About Us

Choosing to work at Stef & Philips is about more than just having a job. All members of our team share the same goal: to help improve the lives of vulnerable people around the UK, by delivering safe, suitable homes and vital services for the homeless, backed by investors who care. This people-centred ethos is reflected in our company culture; we prioritise wellbeing, inclusion, and opportunity for all.

Our Journey so Far

Stef & Philips began life in 2006 as a traditional family-run lettings agent, servicing private tenants and landlords in North London. But the UK’s urgent need for good quality social housing had a profound impact on our Founder and CEO, Chris Philippou. In 2012 he acted on that need, and we now operate UK-wide with over 3800 accommodation units, 5500 tenants and counting.

By bringing together private investors, local authorities, charities and housing associations in a spirit of trust and a shared commitment to improving tenants’ lives, we’ve created a versatile, end-to-end model that delivers fit-for-purpose accommodation and services – a setting where people can begin to thrive again.  

Our full service approach is unique. All work is carried out by dedicated in-house teams to ensure reliable, high-quality service.

The process begins with private or institutional investors looking for a positive social impact. Once we’ve helped them to source and acquire the right property, our construction arm remodels and refurbishes it to our exacting quality standards. We also sign a lease with the investor to handle lettings, management and maintenance, while protecting their capital and yields.

We believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home and right now though the UK’s housing crisis is getting worse, with homelessness forecast to double over the next 25 years. We’re committed to changing that trend, combining profit with purpose.

Our roots as a family business remain at the core of who we are, as do the values that go with it, and our commitment to helping vulnerable people get the housing help they need.

The Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced architect with specialized knowledge in House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) compliance to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of HMO regulations, standards, and best practices, coupled with strong architectural expertise. As an Architect specializing in HMO compliance, you will be responsible for ensuring that our projects meet all relevant regulations and guidelines related to HMO properties.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the assessment and evaluation of architectural designs to ensure compliance with HMO regulations, including space standards, fire safety, amenity provision, and occupancy requirements.

• Stay updated on all relevant HMO regulations, building codes, and standards to ensure designs meet or exceed legal requirements.

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to integrate HMO compliance considerations into architectural designs from conception to completion.

• Provide innovative architectural solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with practicality and regulatory compliance for HMO properties.

• Prepare and review architectural drawings, specifications, and other project documentation to ensure alignment with HMO regulations and standards.

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to explain HMO compliance requirements, address concerns, and provide recommendations for achieving compliance within project parameters.

• Conduct site inspections to verify compliance with approved architectural designs and regulatory requirements throughout the construction process.

• Identify potential compliance issues and propose creative solutions to ensure projects meet HMO regulations without compromising design integrity.

• Actively seek opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to HMO compliance, architectural design, and relevant technologies.

Skills & Knowledge

·         Knowledge and experience working in temporary and emergency accommodation would be highly beneficial.

·         Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.

·         Professional architectural license.

·         Minimum of 3 years of experience in architectural design, with a focus on HMO compliance.

·         In-depth knowledge of HMO regulations, building codes, and standards.

·         Proficiency in architectural design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp.

·         Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

·         Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently when necessary.

·         Attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

·         Experience in sustainable design practices (preferred).

·         Certification in HMO compliance or related field (preferred).

·         Working on own initiative without close supervision and as part of a team

·         Work flexibly to meet the varying demands of the role in order to achieve agreed outcomes.

Benefits

• 23 days leave, plus bank holidays

• Additional holiday days for long service – up to 28 days

• Celebration of tenure

  • 3 years £500

  • 5 years £1000

  • 10 years £5000

• Private health insurance with Vitality

• Birthday off

• One well-being day off per year

• Maternity/Paternity Pay

• Pension schemes increase – after 2 years.

• Mental health & wellbeing training through the charity Mind

• Professional Emergency First Aid at work training

• £500 referral scheme for staff who refer a new employee, paid upon passing probation.

• Company payday lunch

• Daily fresh fruit

Diversity & Inclusion 

Stef & Philips is built on acceptance, respect, and inclusion, where everyone feels that they belong and can make a meaningful contribution. We encourage applicants regardless of religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family, or parental status. If you need any assistance or accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We’d be delighted if you tick off all our boxes, but we also believe it’s just as important we tick all of yours. If you think you have most of what we’re looking for but not everything, go ahead and apply. We’d still love to hear from you!