Senior Architect - Design Management

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Architect with deep expertise in Design Management to join our in-house design studio. This is a senior leadership position that sits at the intersection of design excellence, technical rigour, and project delivery. The ideal candidate brings a strong portfolio from leading corporate architecture firms (such as RSP Architects, AECOM, Gensler, Perkins & Will, or similar) or from the in-house design studio of a large, reputed real estate developer — and is well-versed in managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects across Residential, Commercial, Mixed-Use, Retail, Hospitality, and Institutional typologies. Key Responsibilities Design Leadership & Vision Lead the design management function for a portfolio of concurrent large-scale projects across multiple typologies. Champion design quality, architectural intent, and brand consistency throughout all phases — concept through handover. Drive Design development across stages, collaborating with external architects, master planners, and specialist consultants. Creative and conceptual design will be the responsibility of another member of the Product Design Studio (Creative Architect) Establish design guidelines, standards, and benchmarks to ensure a consistent, market-leading design ethos across all projects. Act as the primary design authority and internal client representative in all engagements with appointed architects and design consultants. Studio Team: To build capability, set creative standards, and mentor team members in product design thinking and the 4Q framework.

Project & Consultant Management Lead the selection, appointment, and management of external architecture firms, interior designers, landscape architects, façade consultants, and specialist design agencies. Define and monitor design deliverables, review schedules, and consultant fee structures; ensure deliverables align with project milestones and contractual obligations. Conduct structured design review meetings at all key project gates — concept, schematic, design development, and construction documentation. Identify and manage design risks, resolving conflicts between design intent, programme, budget, and local regulatory requirements. Co-ordinate multi-disciplinary inputs (MEP, structural, civil, landscape, interiors) to ensure integrated, buildable design solutions.

Technical Oversight & Documentation Review and approve design drawings, specifications, and technical documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable codes (NBC, local byelaws, fire norms, sustainability mandates). Evaluate and provide structured feedback on GFCs (Good For Construction drawings), ensuring design intent is preserved through the construction documentation phase. Oversee value engineering exercises without compromising the overall design quality or user experience. Maintain a centralised design change log; manage design change requests (DCRs) with clear impact assessment on cost, time, and quality. Support procurement teams with technical input during vendor and contractor selection processes.

Approvals & Statutory Compliance Navigate complex statutory approval processes including building plan sanctions, environmental clearances, RERA compliance, and fire NOCs in coordination with the PMC and legal teams. Liaise with local authorities, urban development bodies, and town planning departments as required. Ensure all design outputs meet mandatory green building and sustainability certifications (IGBC, GRIHA, LEED) where applicable.

Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with the Business Development, Sales & Marketing, and Branding teams to align design positioning with product strategy and customer expectations. Collaborate with the Construction and Project Management teams to ensure design intent is executed faithfully on site. Present design concepts, progress updates, and recommendations to senior leadership and Board-level stakeholders with clarity and conviction. Build and mentor an internal design team; foster a culture of design thinking, continuous learning, and innovation.

Experience & Background Minimum 15 years of post-qualification experience in architectural design and design management. Proven track record at a recognised corporate architecture firm (e.g., RSP Architects, AECOM, Gensler, Benoy, HOK, Nikken Sekkei, or equivalent) and/or in the in-house design/architecture studio of a large real estate developer or corporate entity. Demonstrated experience as Design Manager or Lead Architect on projects valued at INR 500 Cr or above. Deep familiarity with India's regulatory and approvals landscape; experience with pan-India multi-city project portfolios is preferred. Exposure across at least two or more of the following typologies: Residential (high-rise, villas, townships), Commercial & IT Parks, Mixed-Use & Retail, Hospitality & Resorts, Institutional.

Technical Competencies Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit (BIM), and SketchUp; working knowledge of Rhino, Grasshopper, or parametric tools is an advantage. Strong command of building codes and standards — NBC 2016, local municipal byelaws, fire norms, accessibility guidelines, and RERA requirements. Experience with sustainability frameworks: IGBC, GRIHA, LEED, or EDGE certification processes. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) for presentation and design communication. Familiarity with project management tools and document management platforms (e.g., Aconex, Procore, or similar).

Soft Skills & Leadership Qualities Exceptional design sensibility — the ability to articulate and defend a design rationale with depth and clarity. Strong leadership presence; capable of influencing without authority across multi-disciplinary teams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; confident in senior stakeholder presentations. Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously. Collaborative by nature; builds strong, trust-based working relationships with consultants, contractors, and internal teams. Entrepreneurial mindset; comfortable with ambiguity and agile in adapting to evolving project requirements.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from a recognised institution — mandatory. Master of Architecture (M.Arch), Urban Design, or equivalent post-graduate degree — preferred. Council of Architecture (COA) registration — mandatory. Professional membership of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) or equivalent — preferred. Any additional certifications in Project Management (PMP), BIM, or Sustainability (IGBC AP / LEED AP) will be an added advantage.