Architect

Due to an expanding portfolio of design led projects throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland, Hall Black Douglas are seeking an experienced architect with proven design skills, a rigorous approach to technical detailing and the complementary contractual skills to successfully deliver the design intent on site.

The position offers a variety of opportunities for career development within a collaborative and supportive environment, based in our Belfast studio, working on Cultural, Community, Health, and Education projects. Examples of ongoing cultural projects include Ulster Folk Museum Visitors’ Hub and Galleries; Letterkenny Visual Arts Hub and Cathedral Quarter Park; Ulster Orchestra Performance and Rehearsal Space; Portlaw Community Hub and Urban Quarter, and Strand Cinema and Arts Centre.

Hall Black Douglas advocate a contextual approach to architectural and urban design, seeking positive transformation of the spaces and communities with which we work. This considered approach was recognised with the RSUA Liam McCormick Prize for Building of the Year 2026 for the Monaghan Peace Campus, alongside the inaugural Architects’ Choice Award. The project also received both RSUA and RIAI Public Building and Accessible Design Awards.

Alongside new build projects, the practice has developed a reputation for both conservation and sensitive contemporary interventions within listed and heritage building settings and seek to take the same crafted approach to both new works and adaptive reuse, receiving RSUA/RIBA Regional Design Awards for Bank Buildings and St Comgall’s Community Hub.

The practice has developed its own sustainability guidelines over 25 years and is currently delivering EnerPHit Passive House on listed buildings for Queen’s University and have successfully delivered multiple NZEB and BREEAM Excellent projects, with Ballycastle Leisure Centre opening in 2027 as the first operational Net Zero Swimming Pool in Ireland.

Health Insurance, Cycle to Work scheme, RIBA Pension scheme, flexible hours, and Continual Professional Development are available to all staff. In addition to our regular in house CPD programme, targeted staff training is agreed at ongoing staff reviews e.g. NEC Project Management, Passive House, Conservation, PD/PSDP, etc. Team building activities have included tours of buildings under construction and those completed by the practice, a Taste of Belfast tour, Flout Pizza at Boundary, attendance at RSUA Awards and the recent RSUA Niall McLaughlin lecture.

Essential Criteria:

ARB or RIAI Registered Architect

Demonstrated architectural design skills

Demonstration of experience and technical ability at RIBA Stage 4 and 5

Desirable Criteria:

Proven competency in the design and delivery of high-quality architectural projects

Production of detailed Construction Drawing (BIM) and Specification (NBS) Packages

Contract Administration of Completed Projects at Construction Stage (UK/Ireland)

Experience of UK or Ireland Contracts

Demonstrated Communication Skills

UK/EU Driving Licence

Competitive salary. Negotiable given level of experience and expertise, with alternative working patterns considered.

We welcome applications from those experienced in the successful delivery new build projects or adaptive reuse/conservation.

Please submit a written CV and Sample Portfolio (10-12 pages) in PDF Format to: admin@hallblackdouglas.co.uk by 10.00am Monday 26th October 2026.