Architectural Assistant / Planning Intelligence Coordinator – UK Construction

About the Role

RCB Design & Build is looking for a technically minded and organised Junior Architectural Assistant / Planning Intelligence Coordinator to support and gradually take ownership of our Planning Intelligence process.

This role combines:

architectural drawing review + construction understanding + planning application research + client communication + CRM management + AI and automation tools.

This is not a general VA or data-entry role.

The successful candidate must be comfortable reading architectural drawings and understanding residential construction projects. We will provide training on our UK Planning Intelligence process, systems, workflows and procedures.

What You Will Be Doing

You will help manage residential planning opportunities identified from UK local council planning applications.

Your responsibilities will include:

Reviewing UK residential planning applications
Reading and comparing existing and proposed architectural drawings
Reviewing floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans and site plans
Understanding what the homeowner is proposing to build
Identifying works such as:
rear extensions
side extensions
wraparound extensions
loft conversions
dormers
internal alterations
structural changes
refurbishments
Summarising proposed works clearly
Helping determine whether a project is suitable for RCB
Checking applicant, property and planning information for accuracy
Reviewing and quality-checking AI-generated project summaries and correspondence
Preparing personalised letters and project communication
Managing daily postal campaigns through Stannp
Supporting email outreach to homeowners, architects and consultants
Communicating with prospective clients where required
Helping qualify project enquiries
Maintaining accurate CRM records
Scheduling follow-ups
Supporting consultation and site survey arrangements
Coordinating with RCB’s estimating, design and management teams
Helping improve our Planning Intelligence workflow
Using AI and automation tools to reduce repetitive manual work
What the Process Looks Like

You will be working across a structured workflow similar to:

Planning application identified → drawings reviewed → project understood → opportunity qualified → personalised letter/email prepared → quality checked → sent through Stannp → follow-up → homeowner/architect communication → qualified project → consultation/site survey → estimating/design team

Some tasks will be automated.

Your role is to provide the human technical judgement, checking, organisation and communication needed to make sure the process remains accurate and professional.

Essential Requirements

You should have a background in one or more of the following:

Architecture
Architectural Technology
Architectural Design
Civil Engineering
Structural Engineering
Quantity Surveying
Construction
Estimating
Building Technology

You must be able to:

Read and understand architectural drawings
Compare existing and proposed plans
Understand basic residential construction
Explain technical information clearly
Communicate confidently in spoken and written English
Work accurately with detailed information
Follow processes consistently
Work independently
Learn new systems quickly
Use AI and digital tools comfortably
UK Experience

Direct UK planning experience is not required.

Training will be provided on:

UK planning applications
Local council planning portals
Planning drawings and documents
RCB project qualification
Planning Intelligence workflow
CRM procedures
Stannp mailing process
Client communication standards

We are more interested in someone who already has a good technical foundation and can learn quickly.

Technology

Experience with any of the following is useful:

AutoCAD
Revit
Bluebeam
Procore
PlanSwift
Estimating software
CRM systems
Zapier
Make
n8n
ChatGPT / AI tools
Google Workspace
Microsoft Office

Experience using automation or AI in construction, architecture or project administration is an advantage.

Client Communication

This role may involve communicating with UK homeowners, architects and construction professionals.

You therefore need to be comfortable speaking professionally in English and asking clear project-related questions.

You do not need to be a salesperson, but you should be confident enough to discuss a project naturally and professionally.

Who This Role May Suit

This position may suit:

Junior Architectural Assistants
Architecture Graduates
Architectural Technicians
Junior Architectural Designers
Junior Civil Engineers
Junior Quantity Surveyors
Junior Estimators
Construction Graduates
Design Coordinators
Working Arrangement
Remote / Work From Home
Full-time preferred
Monday to Friday
UK business hours
Long-term opportunity
Training provided
Opportunity to take greater ownership as you develop
Compensation

Starting rate: £3–£4 GBP per hour

The exact starting rate will depend on:

Technical ability
English communication
Drawing-reading ability
Relevant experience
Reliability
Performance during the assessment

This is intended as a long-term role, and performance/rate reviews may be considered once the successful candidate becomes more independent and capable of managing the Planning Intelligence workflow.

Please only apply if you are comfortable with the stated starting rate.

How to Apply

To apply, please send:

1. Your Updated CV

Highlight your relevant experience in:

Architecture
Construction
Engineering
Estimating
Quantity Surveying
Technical coordination
2. Portfolio / Work Samples

Please include examples such as:

Architectural drawings
Construction drawings
Drawing reviews
Quantity take-offs
Estimates
Technical documentation
Residential projects
Other relevant work

Please remove confidential client information where necessary.

3. Two-Minute Video Introduction

Please record a simple video of approximately 2 minutes.

A phone or webcam recording is perfectly fine.

Please briefly tell us:

Your name
Your professional background
Your experience reading architectural drawings
Your construction or engineering experience
Your experience communicating with clients
Your experience using software, AI or automation
Why you believe you are suitable for this role
Why We Require a Video

This position includes communication with UK homeowners and professionals.

The video allows us to assess communication ability early in the process and helps both the applicant and RCB avoid unnecessary 30–45 minute introductory interviews where the role may not be the right fit.

The video is an important part of the initial assessment.

Important Application Instruction

Please begin your application with:

RCB PLANNING A2Z

Then include:

CV
Portfolio/work samples
Two-minute video
Current employment status
Notice period / earliest start date
Confirmation that you can work UK business hours
Confirmation that you are comfortable with the £3–£4 GBP/hour starting rate
A short description of your experience reading architectural drawings

Shortlisted candidates will complete a practical assessment based on a UK residential planning application and architectural drawings.