Lead Designer (Architect / Technologist)

Your new company HAYS Architecture & Design NI are proud to present to the market, an excellent opportunity for technically proficient Architects or Architectural Technologists who want to branch into a newly developed construction arm of a well-established specialist contractor. It offers the chance to showcase your technical talents, work within a fast-advancing area of the business, and build a genuinely progressive long-term career. The organisation is a respected leader in the UK and Ireland's building services and offsite prefabrication sector, delivering innovative, sustainable and fully designed prefabricated building service solutions across the UK and Europe. Their expertise spans prefabricated energy systems, turnkey energy centre design and build, and large-scale district heating solutions, as well as high-profile retrofit schemes. Their design, fabrication and delivery processes are all driven by technical accuracy, modern construction methods and a strong commitment to quality.

Your new role You will act as Lead Designer, taking responsibility for the technical design and delivery of a diverse portfolio of architectural and building-services-driven projects from concept through to completion. You will take ownership of building control submissions while ensuring full compliance with fire regulations, statutory codes and relevant construction legislation. The role requires a strong capability in both historic construction methods and modern retrofit solutions, enabling you to assess existing structures, develop conservation-led proposals and design upgrade works aligned with current performance standards. You will play a key role in undertaking U-value and thermal performance assessments and in specifying cladding systems and architectural materials suitable for a range of building types. Your work will involve close coordination with clients, contractors, consultants and statutory authorities, as well as leadership across multidisciplinary project inputs. Advanced proficiency in Revit, Navisworks and AutoCAD is essential given the organisation's BIM-integrated design approach.

What you'll need to succeed You will bring a minimum of five years' professional experience within architectural technology and a proven background as a lead designer. A degree or diploma in Architectural Technology, Architecture or a closely related field is required, along with demonstrable expertise in building control processes, fire regulation compliance and sustainable retrofit methodologies. Experience in both historic and modern construction environments will be crucial, supported by strong capability in thermal performance analysis, U-value calculation, and materials and cladding specification. You will be an advanced user of Revit, Navisworks and AutoCAD, capable of producing accurate, coordinated and compliant design outputs. Strong communication, team leadership and project coordination skills will also be essential. Professional accreditation such as CIAT / ARB / RIBA membership would be an advantage.

What you'll get in return You will join an organisation that prioritises employee development and offers a structured pathway for career growth supported by full in-house training. The benefits package includes a competitive pension, life assurance, a health cash plan, an annual health check during working hours and a generous annual leave entitlement that increases with service. Employees enjoy a modern, supportive working environment, free onsite parking, complimentary refreshments and regular social events organised through a dedicated Health and Wellbeing Committee.

What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.