About MLA Architects
What is MLA Architects?
MLA (Michael Laird Architects) is an established UK architecture, interior design and consulting practice with three city offices: Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester. Founded in 1954, the firm covers full architectural design + master-planning + interior design services across commercial, residential, education and civic sectors throughout the UK and Europe.
Where will I work?
Three UK studios:
- Edinburgh — 5 Forres Street, EH3 6DE (HQ)
- Glasgow — 83a Candleriggs, G1 1LF
- Manchester — 11 York Street, M2 2AW
Most roles are studio-based with hybrid flexibility, plus regular site visits to project sites.
What is the MLA team like?
~110 architects, designers, technicians, project architects and support staff across the three offices. Active recruitment for talented people across all disciplines.
Work-Life Balance
MLA list "Flexible working / 9 day fortnight" explicitly as a company benefit on their careers page. The practice originally announced the 9DF as a 6-month trial starting September 2024 in their published knowledge article "How to Transition to 9-Day Fortnight": "With MLA trialling the 9DF we thought it would be a good opportunity to share our thoughts based on our process so far." The 6-month trial period would have ended ~March 2025; the fact that the careers page (with 2024 photography credits) still lists the 9DF as a benefit suggests the trial was extended or made permanent.
Transparency note: confirm during your hiring conversation whether you'll be on the 9-day fortnight from day one or whether terms have changed since the original September 2024 trial.
Perks and Benefits
- 9-day fortnight (per careers page).
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Three UK city locations (Edinburgh / Glasgow / Manchester) — flexibility to work across studios.
- Strong portfolio across commercial, residential, education and civic sectors.
- Standard UK statutory leave plus bank holidays.
- Pension contribution.
How to Apply
MLA does not run a public ATS-backed careers page. Get in touch via their contact form — the careers page states: "We're always looking for talented people... If you are interested in working with us, get in touch."
Note: this profile is added on 4dayweek.io for visibility of their 9-day fortnight policy. Individual jobs are not auto-imported because MLA does not publish an ATS-backed jobs board.