Principal Architect

1. Job Purpose

The Principal Architect is responsible for leading architectural design activities, overseeing the development and delivery of architectural projects, and ensuring that all design outputs meet client requirements, applicable building regulations, technical standards, quality expectations, and project objectives.

The role provides strategic and technical leadership throughout the architectural design lifecycle, from concept development and feasibility studies to detailed design, multidisciplinary coordination, tender documentation, and construction-stage support.

Working closely with structural engineers, MEP engineers, project managers, construction teams, and clients, the Principal Architect ensures that architectural solutions are functional, aesthetically compelling, technically coordinated, cost-effective, and aligned with SD PM's commitment to design excellence and successful project delivery.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Architectural Design Leadership

• Lead and oversee architectural design activities across residential, commercial, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, and mixed-use projects.
• Direct the development of conceptual, schematic, detailed, and construction-stage architectural designs.
• Review architectural concepts, space planning, layouts, elevations, sections, façade treatments, and material selections.
• Ensure that design solutions balance functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, constructability, and cost efficiency.
• Provide architectural direction to design teams and ensure consistency across project deliverables.
• Review design alternatives and recommend solutions that optimize space utilization, building performance, and client value.
• Support feasibility studies, preliminary design assessments, and design development proposals.
• Ensure that architectural designs reflect the project's intended purpose, operational requirements, and agreed design brief.

B. Technical Design and Documentation

• Oversee the preparation and review of architectural drawings, specifications, schedules, details, and technical documentation.
• Ensure that drawings are accurate, complete, coordinated, and suitable for their intended design or construction stage.
• Review architectural plans, elevations, sections, reflected ceiling plans, façade details, door and window schedules, and finish schedules.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, planning regulations, accessibility requirements, fire and life-safety provisions, and relevant technical standards.
• Review construction details, material specifications, and architectural systems for technical feasibility and durability.
• Coordinate design submissions and technical documentation for client approval and regulatory permitting.
• Ensure that design revisions are properly documented, reviewed, and communicated to the relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain appropriate quality standards throughout the preparation and approval of architectural deliverables.

C. Multidisciplinary Design Coordination

• Lead architectural coordination with structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, infrastructure, and other relevant engineering disciplines.
• Ensure alignment between architectural drawings, structural systems, MEP layouts, and building services requirements.
• Identify and resolve design clashes, spatial conflicts, and technical inconsistencies before construction.
• Coordinate design reviews with the relevant discipline leads and establish clear resolution procedures for outstanding issues.
• Participate in multidisciplinary coordination meetings and monitor the closure of design-related actions.
• Ensure that architectural requirements are integrated into the overall engineering design.
• Support BIM-based coordination and clash detection where applicable.
• Coordinate with project managers to ensure that design interfaces, dependencies, and deliverables are managed effectively.

D. Client Relationship and Design Brief Management

• Participate in client meetings, design workshops, project presentations, and technical reviews.
• Interpret client requirements and translate them into clear architectural design objectives.
• Present design concepts, alternatives, and technical recommendations to clients and project stakeholders.
• Manage design comments, revisions, and approval cycles within the agreed project scope.
• Advise clients on architectural feasibility, design options, materials, functionality, and value engineering opportunities.
• Ensure that client expectations are understood and appropriately reflected in design deliverables.
• Communicate design risks, constraints, and potential changes that may affect project scope, budget, or timelines.
• Support the preparation of technical proposals and architectural presentations for prospective projects when required.

E. Project Planning and Resource Management

• Coordinate architectural deliverables with the overall project schedule, contractual milestones, and submission deadlines.
• Plan architectural design activities and allocate tasks according to project priorities and team capabilities.
• Monitor progress against agreed design milestones and identify potential delays.
• Coordinate with project managers regarding resource requirements, workload distribution, and delivery priorities.
• Review architectural design hours and support the monitoring of design effort against approved budgets.
• Identify resource constraints and recommend corrective actions to maintain delivery commitments.
• Ensure that design changes are assessed for their impact on resources, costs, timelines, and deliverables.
• Contribute to project planning, risk management, and progress reporting.

F. Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and guide architects, junior architects, and architectural designers.
• Assign responsibilities according to individual competencies, project requirements, and professional development needs.
• Review team members' work and provide constructive technical feedback.
• Establish clear expectations regarding quality, productivity, coordination, and accountability.
• Promote collaboration between architectural and engineering teams.
• Support the development of design standards, drawing templates, review procedures, and technical knowledge.
• Identify training needs and recommend professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to performance evaluations and succession planning for architectural team members in coordination with management and HR.

G. Design Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Establish and maintain architectural design review and quality assurance procedures.
• Review deliverables before submission to clients, consultants, authorities, or construction teams.
• Ensure that design outputs comply with approved project briefs, contractual requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Identify technical errors, design gaps, and inconsistencies and ensure timely corrective action.
• Monitor design revisions and maintain appropriate document control.
• Support internal design audits, technical reviews, and lessons-learned exercises.
• Promote sustainable design principles, efficient material use, and practical construction solutions.
• Ensure that safety, accessibility, maintainability, and operational requirements are considered throughout the design process.

H. Value Engineering and Cost Optimization

• Collaborate with project managers, cost consultants, quantity surveyors, and engineering teams to optimize design solutions.
• Review architectural materials, finishes, building systems, and construction details against project budgets.
• Identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary complexity and improve constructability without compromising essential design quality.
• Participate in value engineering workshops and evaluate alternative design proposals.
• Consider lifecycle costs, durability, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and material availability.
• Support the evaluation of design changes and their impact on project cost and performance.
• Ensure that cost optimization recommendations remain consistent with client requirements and applicable standards.

I. Construction-Stage Support

• Provide architectural technical support during tendering, construction, and project completion stages.
• Review architectural shop drawings, material submittals, samples, and technical submissions where required by the project scope.
• Respond to requests for information (RFIs) and coordinate responses to architectural queries.
• Review proposed design changes and assess their technical and aesthetic implications.
• Coordinate with construction management teams to address discrepancies between approved drawings and site conditions.
• Participate in site visits and technical meetings when required.
• Assist in evaluating alternative materials and construction methods.
• Support snagging, inspections, and the resolution of architectural non-conformities within the consultant's contractual responsibilities.
• Ensure that relevant design clarifications and approved revisions are communicated to the appropriate project stakeholders.

3. Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture from a recognized university.
• A Master's degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Sustainable Design, or a related field is an advantage.
• Typically, 10–15 years of relevant architectural experience, including substantial experience leading architectural design teams and managing complex projects.
• Demonstrated experience in architectural concept development, detailed design, technical documentation, and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Experience across multiple building types, preferably including commercial, residential, healthcare, hospitality, or industrial projects.
• Strong knowledge of applicable building codes, planning requirements, accessibility provisions, fire and life-safety considerations, and construction practices.
• Experience reviewing architectural drawings, technical specifications, material submittals, and construction documentation.
• Proven ability to lead design teams, manage competing priorities, and deliver projects within agreed deadlines.
• Experience working with structural and MEP engineering teams on multidisciplinary projects.
• Familiarity with BIM coordination and collaborative design environments.
• Professional registration or membership with a relevant architectural association is an advantage, subject to applicable local requirements.
• Experience with international projects and multidisciplinary consulting firms is an advantage.

4. Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and architectural drawing production.
• Strong working knowledge of Revit and BIM-based design coordination.
• Familiarity with 3D modelling and visualization tools such as SketchUp, 3ds Max, Enscape, Lumion, or equivalent platforms.
• Ability to review architectural specifications, schedules, construction details, and technical submissions.
• Understanding of BIM coordination, clash detection, and multidisciplinary design workflows.
• Knowledge of sustainable design principles, energy efficiency, and appropriate material selection.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong technical reporting, presentation, and documentation skills.

5. Required Competencies

Leadership and Management

• Architectural design leadership.
• Team supervision, coaching, and mentoring.
• Resource planning and workload management.
• Decision-making and accountability.

Technical and Analytical

• Architectural design development and technical detailing.
• Multidisciplinary coordination and problem-solving.
• Design review and quality assurance.
• Value engineering and constructability assessment.

Client and Stakeholder Management

• Client communication and presentation.
• Design brief interpretation.
• Negotiation and expectation management.
• Coordination with consultants, contractors, and authorities.

Professional Effectiveness

• Strategic thinking and attention to detail.
• Time management and prioritization.
• Adaptability and continuous improvement.
• Commitment to safety, quality, integrity, and client interests.