Job Vacancies

Established in 1920, Scotts of Thrapston, a family business, has an enviable reputation for manufacturing high quality, specialist timber products including Summerhouses, Stables, Garages, Pavilions, Roof Trusses, and Timber Framed Buildings.

Scotts has supplied products to a variety of prestigious customers over its 100 year history. The customer base includes private individuals, large housebuilders and developers, racing yards and studs, London Boroughs, schools, hospitals, hotels and sports clubs.

As the business continues to expand and thrive, we are currently looking to recruit the following vacancies, based at our Thrapston office.

Scotts of Thrapston Limited, Bridge Street, Thrapston, Northamptonshire. NN14 4LR

Overview

This role combines architectural design with hands-on understanding of timber frame construction, supporting both bespoke projects and the development of new timber solutions within the equestrian and house-building sectors. You will work across concept design, detailed technical development, and close collaboration with our manufacturing and site teams to improve efficiency, buildability, and quality.

Key responsibilities

• Develop front-end designs for timber frame buildings, focusing on stables, barns, and equestrian facilities, as well as architecturally led structures such as glulam portal frames.
• Produce clear presentation materials, including concept sketches, 2D/3D drawings, visuals, and outline specifications for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare detailed design and technical information suitable for manufacture and construction, including factory production packs, cutting lists, and assembly drawings, in conjunction with existing design and manufacturing teams.
• Work closely with the manufacturing team to refine and standardise timber frame details, improving production efficiency, buildability, and material utilisation.
• Support innovation in timber use across the product range – from basic stable units to high-end architectural schemes – exploring new systems, details, and connections.
• Liaise with site teams to resolve design queries, improve installation methods, and feed lessons learned back into design and production processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of internal design processes, digital workflows, and drawing standards. Innovate to enhance the customer journey.
• Coordinate with external consultants (e.g. engineers, planning consultants) to ensure designs are compliant, buildable, and cost-effective.

Skills and experience

• Proven experience in architectural design, ideally with a strong bias towards timber frame or off-site construction.
• Good understanding of timber engineering principles and practical construction detailing.
• Proficiency in relevant CAD/BIM and 3D modelling software (e.g. AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, MiTek timber frame or similar).
• Experience producing both client-facing presentation information and detailed technical/production drawings.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with an interest in process improvement, lean manufacturing, and efficient site assembly.
• Comfortable working across the full design journey, from early concept through to factory packs and on-site support.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with workshop, site, and office teams.

Personal attributes

• Practical, hands-on attitude with an eye for good design and buildability.
• Genuine interest in timber as a material and its application within equestrian and rural environments.
• Proactive, organised, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.