Principal Aviation Architect - WSP Architecture

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. 
• Experience with CAD and Revit

• Must be able to obtain UK vetting level of Security Check (SC)