Senior Architectural Associate / Practice Lead (CQ. Studio)
Senior Architectural Associate / Practice Lead (CQ. Studio)

Senior Architectural Associate / Practice Lead (CQ. Studio)

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Conquest™ Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic design team while driving innovative architectural projects.
  • Company: Join Conquest, a leading private equity real estate firm with a global presence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative studio culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in architecture while working on exciting projects in Sydney.
  • Qualifications: Registered Architect with 5+ years of experience and strong design leadership skills.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and creativity.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Conquest is a private equity real estate firm with holdings in both Sydney, Australia and London, UK. With 21 years of experience delivering institutional real estate across three core sectors—Residential, Retail and Hotels—the firm is strategically positioned to capitalise on opportunities in both markets. Due to our exponential growth, we are seeking a Senior Architectural Associate / Practice Lead to join our in-house Architectural studio, CQ. Studio.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary Sydney-based design studio team of 8–15 members.
  • Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance studio culture aligned with Australian practice norms.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews, set individual goals, and support CPD and NSW Architects Registration Board requirements.
  • Allocate resources and workloads across projects to optimise efficiency and quality.
  • Design Direction accessibility compliance checks.
  • Support construction phase services including site visits, shop drawing reviews, and PCA liaison.

Practice Growth

  • Contribute to EOI/RFP submissions, and Design Excellence Competition entries.
  • Identify opportunities to expand services, improve workflows, or adopt NSW-specific technologies (ie, Planning Portal integration).

Required Qualifications

  • Registered Architect with the NSW Architects Registration Board (or eligible within 6 months) with 5+ years post-registration experience.
  • Proven track record leading Class 2 projects from inception to completion in NSW under relevant planning pathways and the DBP Act.
  • Competent proficiency in Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, and Adobe Suite; experience with NSW Planning Portal a plus.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing design leadership (preferred typologies: residential, mixed-use).
  • Exceptional design sensibility balanced with rigorous NSW technical and regulatory acumen.
  • Outstanding communication, presentation, and client/council engagement abilities.
  • Strategic thinker with operational rigor and attention to detail.
  • Collaborative leader who inspires teams and drives accountability.
  • Resilient under pressure; adept at managing multiple deadlines and Sydney’s fast-paced approval timelines.

Senior Architectural Associate / Practice Lead (CQ. Studio) employer: Conquest™ Group

Conquest is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture within its Sydney-based architectural studio, CQ. Studio. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from mentorship opportunities, regular performance reviews, and support for continuing professional education, all while working on diverse and impactful projects in a dynamic environment that values design excellence and strategic growth.
Conquest™ Group

Contact Detail:

Conquest™ Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Architectural Associate / Practice Lead (CQ. Studio)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the architecture field, especially those who might know someone at Conquest. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with their vision and values.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your portfolio and how your design leadership has made an impact on past projects. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at CQ. Studio.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Architectural Associate / Practice Lead (CQ. Studio)

Leadership
Mentoring
Team Management
Design Direction
Accessibility Compliance
Construction Phase Services
Resource Allocation
Performance Review
Proficiency in Revit
Proficiency in Rhino
Proficiency in AutoCAD
Proficiency in Adobe Suite
NSW Planning Portal Knowledge
Communication Skills
Strategic Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your 5+ years of post-registration experience and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you've tackled Class 2 projects and what makes you a standout candidate!

Tailor Your Portfolio: Your portfolio should reflect your design leadership, especially in residential and mixed-use projects. We love seeing creativity paired with technical skills, so make sure it’s up to date and showcases your best work.

Be Clear About Your Skills: When filling out the application, be specific about your proficiency in Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, and Adobe Suite. If you’ve got experience with the NSW Planning Portal, don’t forget to mention that too!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Conquest™ Group

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role. Brush up on your knowledge of NSW planning pathways and the DBP Act, as well as the software tools like Revit and AutoCAD. Being able to discuss your experience with these will show that you’re not just a good fit, but the right fit.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Senior Architectural Associate, you’ll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past, fostered collaboration, and driven accountability. Highlighting your mentoring experiences will resonate well with the interviewers.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and design sensibility. Think about past projects where you had to navigate challenges or make tough decisions. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of those situations.

Engage with the Company’s Vision

Research Conquest and CQ. Studio’s recent projects and their approach to design excellence. Showing that you understand their ethos and can contribute to their growth will set you apart. Bring ideas on how you could help expand their services or improve workflows.

Senior Architectural Associate / Practice Lead (CQ. Studio)
Conquest™ Group
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