Recruitment. Clear and simple.

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We find and recruit the best talent for the Architecture, Design, Engineering, Construction

& Planning industries.

Clear and simple.


It's not rocket science. There are no bells & whistles, no fancy processes. Just hard work and incredible relationships. That's what gets the job done.

With over 26 years collective experience, we know recruitment and our industries like the back of our hands. Whether you're a business looking to level up your workforce or you're an individual looking for your next career move, we can help.


Located in Melbourne and Ballarat, we have presence across Geelong, Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Our Specialisations


With vast networks in the Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Design and Planning industries,

Vivid Recruitment are partnered with the best companies in Australia.


From multi-national engineering consultancies and architecture firms to boutiques that provide a niche offering to particular sectors.

We know who's who.


And we can help you with your Business Support too, across all functions of your business.

Clients

Interested in how we can help you find your next superstar or introduce you to your next BD opportunity?

Candidates

Looking for your next career move?

Recent Posts


By Annie Salter September 17, 2025
If you ask an engineer where it all began, there’s a fair chance their story involves a mountain of brightly coloured bricks, a living room floor, and a wild ambition to build the tallest tower ever (only to watch it collapse spectacularly). That’s the magic of Lego — and why engineers never really grow out of it. Because whether you’re designing bridges, stress-testing materials, or creating complex systems, Lego captures the very heart of engineering : construct, deconstruct, problem-solve, repeat. 1. Design & Planning: From Instructions to Innovation Remember those little instruction booklets that came with Lego sets? Neat diagrams, clear steps, and a promised outcome at the end. They’re not unlike engineering drawings and CAD plans — except in real life, things don’t always fit together as neatly as the manual suggests. Engineers know that a design is just the beginning. The real challenge (and fun) lies in adapting when pieces don’t behave as expected. 2. Trial, Error, Collapse… and Try Again Every engineer has lived through the heartbreak of a Lego tower toppling over. But that’s the best lesson of all: failure isn’t the end, it’s part of the process. Just like prototyping or stress-testing a material, Lego teaches persistence. Collapse? Rebuild. Wrong piece? Swap it. Over-engineered monstrosity? Strip it back. The cycle of iteration is as essential in Lego as it is in engineering projects worth millions. 3. Creativity Without Limits A Lego kit might come with instructions, but true engineers know the fun really begins when you throw the manual away. That’s when a pirate ship becomes a space station, and a car becomes an aircraft (with questionable aerodynamics). Engineering thrives on the same principle: innovation comes from bending the rules, trying new combinations, and pushing boundaries. 4. Collaboration Builds Better No great Lego city is built by one person alone — unless you’ve got a lot of spare weekends and a very forgiving partner. Engineering, like Lego, is about collaboration. Structures stand taller and systems run smoother when ideas, skills, and perspectives are shared. It’s not just about having bricks — it’s about how you bring them together. 5. Scaling Up: From Coffee Table to Skyline Sure, that Lego bridge on your desk won’t carry a truckload of concrete, but the same principles apply. From load distribution and weight tolerance to structural integrity, engineers use the very same thinking that Lego once trained into their childhood brains. It’s a reminder that small beginnings can scale into monumental outcomes. The Recruitment Connection: Finding the Missing Piece Whether you’re building Lego or leading an engineering project, success depends on having the right pieces in the right place. At Vivid Recruitment , we like to think of ourselves as the connector between those scattered bricks and the masterpiece you’re trying to build. We help engineering firms find the missing parts of their team — from graduate engineers to senior leaders — so that projects aren’t just built, but built brilliantly. Because even the most creative design falls flat if you’re missing that one crucial brick. Final Thought Lego isn’t just a toy. It’s the perfect metaphor for what engineers do every day: imagine, design, test, fail, rebuild, and ultimately, create something extraordinary. So next time you find yourself with a pile of Lego bricks, don’t dismiss it as child’s play. It’s engineering in its purest, most joyful form. Contact the Team Nicholas Koop , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Engineering - 📲 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Lee Stevens , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Architecture & Design - 📲 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au You can also connect with Lee on LinkedIn and Nick on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips!
By Vivid Recruitment September 14, 2025
Starting a new job is exciting – and let’s be honest, a little terrifying. For your new hire, those first few days are when they’re deciding if they’ve made the right move. Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many brilliant candidates join a business, only to spend their first week lost, lonely, or wondering if they’ve signed up for the wrong gig. Sometimes the manager’s on holiday. Sometimes IT hasn’t set up their logins. Sometimes no one even knows they’re starting that day. Whatever the reason, it’s not exactly the warm welcome they were hoping for. Here’s the thing: in today’s market, great candidates are in high demand across Architecture and Interior Design Jobs , Engineering Jobs , and Urban and Town Planning Jobs . With competition heating up, the way you welcome your new hire can be the difference between keeping them and losing them before they’ve even unpacked their coffee mug. Remember: probation isn’t just for employers. It’s also a “get out of jail free” card for candidates. If they’re not feeling the love, they can just as easily walk away. And in a candidate-short market, that’s a risk you don’t want to take. The good news? Creating a great first impression doesn’t require a red carpet or a champagne tower. It’s about being organised, being human, and showing your new hire they matter. Here are three simple ways to get it right: 1. The human touch counts A quick team lunch, coffee run, or even a walk to grab a sandwich helps break the ice. It shows your new starter they’re not just filling a seat – they’re joining a team. 2. Onboarding: more than HR videos Have a clear first-week plan. Training, inductions, introductions – whatever’s relevant, make sure it’s scheduled and communicated. If your new hire spends the whole week watching compliance videos and refreshing LinkedIn , you’ve missed the mark. 3. Communication is everything Let the team know who’s starting, what their role is, and when they’re arriving. Better yet, ensure that people are present to welcome them, answer questions, and help them feel part of the group from the start. Why this matters When you invest in making new hires feel welcome, you’re not just ticking boxes. You’re showing candidates that they’ve joined a business that values its people – and that goes a long way in industries like Engineering Recruitment , Architecture and Interior Design Recruitment , and Urban and Town Planning Recruitment . At Vivid Recruitment, we know a great candidate experience doesn’t end when the contract is signed. A thoughtful first week can boost retention, improve engagement, and set the tone for a strong working relationship – and that’s what keeps the best talent around. The Vivid 3-Step First Week Fix ✅ Here's our handy checklist to ensure your new hires feel welcome from day one. ✔️ Plan a proper welcome – Coffee, lunch, or something simple to break the ice. ✔️ Map out onboarding – Clear schedule, not just HR videos. ✔️ Communicate with the team – Make sure everyone knows who’s starting and when. It’s not rocket science, but it makes all the difference.
By Vivid Recruitment September 3, 2025
Salary reviews. Two little words that can spark excitement, dread, or even a cold sweat depending on where you’re sitting. Some professionals in Architecture and Engineering may have already had their 2025 salary review, while others are still waiting for that conversation to roll around. But here’s the reality: talking about money isn’t always easy. Asking for more can feel uncomfortable. And sometimes, even if you’ve done everything right, a salary increase simply isn’t on the table. So, how do you navigate this tricky territory without damaging your relationship with your employer - or worse, feeling undervalued? Let’s break it down. 1. Preparing for the Salary Conversation Like most things in this industry, preparation is key. Walking into a salary review armed with evidence will help shift the conversation from “I want” to “Here’s why I deserve.” Document your contributions: Keep track of the projects you’ve delivered, the clients you’ve kept happy, the responsibilities you’ve stepped up to, and the results you’ve achieved. In Architecture and Engineering, tangible project outcomes matter. Know your market value: Salary benchmarking is critical. Tools like Vivid Recruitment’s 2025 Salary Guide can help you understand what others in similar roles are earning across Architecture & Design , Engineering and Planning . Be realistic: Align your expectations with your level of experience, seniority, and the current market conditions. 2. Timing is Everything Not all moments are created equal when it comes to negotiating salary. Performance reviews or post-project milestones are perfect opportunities to raise the discussion - your achievements are fresh in mind. Avoid downturns: If your firm is navigating budget cuts, redundancies, or economic uncertainty, consider delaying your request. 3. Handling the “No” Sometimes the answer won’t be what you hoped for. That doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation. Ask for feedback: Find out what areas you need to develop to be considered for a raise in the future. Set a timeline: Agree on when the conversation can be revisited. And here’s the important bit - if a pay rise isn’t possible, you can still negotiate other forms of value. What else can you ask for? Work–Life Balance Perks Reduced hours for the same pay (e.g. a 9-day fortnight). Extra annual leave (or the ability to purchase additional leave). Flexible hours or hybrid work-from-home arrangements. Career Development & Growth Paid training and certifications. Conference attendance (local or international). Mentorship or leadership opportunities. A clear career progression pathway with timelines and targets. Financial & Lifestyle Benefits Performance-based bonus schemes. Increased super contributions. Professional membership fees covered ( AIA , Engineers Australia , etc.). Health and wellbeing perks (gym membership, EAP programs, wellness allowance). Technology allowance (home office setup, phone, laptop). Recognition & Role Adjustments A title change or promotion to reflect your responsibilities. More autonomy on projects or leadership opportunities. Secondments or transfers to other offices (where available). Sometimes these benefits can add far more to your lifestyle and long-term career than a modest salary bump. At the end of the day, if you consistently feel undervalued and under-rewarded, the likelihood is you’ll start looking elsewhere—and employers should be mindful of that. 4. Salary Negotiation Tips for Success When you’re in the room, confidence and professionalism go a long way. Do: Stay calm, constructive, and focused on your value. Be open to alternatives (benefits, training, flexibility). Express gratitude for the discussion, regardless of the outcome. Don’t: Make ultimatums (“Give me X or I walk”). Compare yourself directly to colleagues. Let emotions take over—stick to facts. 5. Retention Beyond the Paycheck For employers , the salary conversation is just one piece of the puzzle. Retaining top Architecture and Engineering talent requires more than pay rises. Culture, recognition, growth opportunities, and genuine flexibility are what make professionals feel valued in the long run. An engaged, supported team will deliver far more than a few extra dollars on a payslip ever could. Final Word Salary reviews can be nerve-wracking, but they don’t need to be a battlefield. Preparation, timing, and confidence are your best allies. If the pay rise doesn’t come, there are still plenty of ways to ensure you feel valued and supported. And if you don’t? Well, that’s often the clearest sign it’s time to explore new opportunities. At Vivid Recruitment, we’re here to help candidates navigate their careers with clarity—and to help employers retain and attract the best talent in Architecture and Engineering. Need advice on preparing for your next salary review or want insight into current market salaries? Get in touch with Lee or Nick for a confidential chat. Contact the Team Nicholas Koop , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Engineering - 📲 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Lee Stevens , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Architecture & Design - 📲 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au You can also connect with Lee on LinkedIn and Nick on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips!
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