Senior project architect/design and development manager

Job purpose

We are seeking an experienced senior/project architect to join us in‑house architecture studio within a real estate development company. This is a hybrid senior role, combining hands‑on architectural delivery with development‑side design management, consultant oversight, and project governance.

Key responsibilities

Architectural leadership and design delivery

• act as lead architect for multiple projects across residential, mixed‑use, or commercial developments
• lead concept, planning, and technical design stages through to construction and completion
• prepare, review, and sign off on architectural drawings, specifications, reports, and schedules
• ensure design intent, quality, and commercial objectives are maintained throughout the project lifecycle
• develop and maintain design standards, details, and technical guidelines aligned with company objectives

Design management and consultant coordination

• act as design manager from a developer’s perspective, overseeing internal and external designers
• appoint, manage, and coordinate consultants (architecture, structures, MEP, fire, acoustic, façade, landscape, planning, specialists)
• manage information flow, design programmes, deliverables, and approvals
• lead design reviews, value engineering exercises, and risk mitigation workshops
• ensure design coordination and clash‑free documentation before construction issues

Information management and technical control

• own the design information process, including staging, gateway reviews, and audit trails
• review and approve technical drawings, specifications, schedules, and outputs
• ensure compliance with: planning conditions and building regulations
• fire strategy and statutory requirements
• employer’s requirements and development brief
• control document status, revisions and issue procedures

Development and commercial oversight

• work closely with development, commercial and construction teams to align design with budget, programme and risk
• review and manage consultant appointments, scopes of service, and fee proposals
• review payment applications, milestone completions, and variation requests
• support procurement by reviewing tender queries, contractor proposals, and technical submissions

Site ownership and construction stage involvement

• maintain design ownership during construction, acting as the design authority
• attend site regularly to review progress, quality, and compliance
• review and respond to: RFIs and technical queries
• shop drawings and samples
• design changes and site instructions
• ensure the built work reflects the approved design and specifications

Client, stakeholder and team management

• act as a primary client‑side design lead, representing the company internally and externally
• manage communication with: Internal development and construction teams
• local authorities and statutory bodies
• external consultants and contractors
• mentor and manage junior architects and assistants within the studio
• support recruitment, workload planning, and capability development within the studio

Candidate’s profile – desired skills and experience

Essential

• ARB registered architect (or equivalent international qualification)
• typically, five to ten plus years’ post‑qualification experience
• proven experience delivering projects from concept to completion
• strong background in design management within a developer‑led, or client‑side environment preferred
• excellent technical knowledge of UK Building Regulations and construction processes
• experience managing consultants, appointments, and fee structures
• confidence leading projects on‑site and during construction

Desirable

• experience working within or alongside real estate developers
• understanding of commercial and residential development viability
• strong BIM coordination experience
• familiarity with JCT and/or Design & Build procurement routes

Personal attributes

• strong leadership and decision‑making skills
• commercially aware and risk‑focused
• design and detail‑oriented with the ability to see the wider project picture
• confident communicator across design, construction, and commercial teams
• able to balance design quality with programme and cost constraints

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