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- Tasks: Lead architectural projects from concept to completion, ensuring design quality and compliance.
- Company: Join Unity Group, a forward-thinking investment house in real estate and shipping.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment focused on long-term value and career development.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on innovative projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: ARB registered Architect with 5-10+ years of experience in design management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Senior / Project Architect to join our 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. The role requires ownership of projects from early concept through delivery and handover, acting as both Lead Architect and Design / Development Manager. You will be responsible for preparing and coordinating design information, managing consultants, protecting design quality, controlling technical compliance, and acting as a key interface between development, construction, consultants, and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Architectural Leadership & 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 & 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 & 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, Building Regulations, Fire strategy and statutory requirements, Employer’s Requirements and Development Brief.
- Control document status, revisions, and issue procedures.
- Development & 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 & 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 & 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 & Experience
- Essential: ARB registered Architect (or equivalent international qualification), typically 5–10+ 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.
Please submit your most up-to-date CV along with your project portfolio to apply.
About us
Unity Group is a private investment house built on a philosophy of conscious capital and a marathon mindset. We operate and grow ambitious businesses in the distinct worlds of shipping and real estate, united by a disciplined, long-term approach to creating enduring value. At the heart of our organisational culture, we aim to prosper through generations, honour all the details, endure through storms and evolve with intentionality. It is through these values that we build what lasts.
Senior Project Architect / Design & Development Manager in London employer: Unity Team
Contact Detail:
Unity Team Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Architect / Design & Development Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the architecture and real estate sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring it along or have it ready to share digitally. Visuals can speak volumes about your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their design philosophy and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Architect / Design & Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Project Architect role. Highlight your architectural leadership, design management, and technical control experience to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Projects: When submitting your project portfolio, pick examples that demonstrate your ability to lead projects from concept to completion. We want to see how you've managed design quality and consultant coordination in real-world scenarios.
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and achievements. This helps us quickly understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unity Team
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand your past projects. Be ready to discuss your role in each project, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of experience and ability to lead architectural delivery.
✨Master the Technical Details
Brush up on UK Building Regulations and construction processes relevant to the role. Be prepared to answer technical questions and demonstrate your knowledge of compliance and design quality. This will highlight your expertise and reassure the interviewers of your capability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or managed consultants. Discuss how you ensured design intent and quality while balancing budget and programme constraints. This will illustrate your leadership style and decision-making skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you've managed communication with various stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and external consultants. Highlight your experience in mentoring junior architects and managing client relationships, as this will demonstrate your ability to be a primary design lead.