Senior Project Architect / Design & Development Manager

Job Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Senior / Project Architect to join us 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
1. 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

Contact information

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.