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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Project Architect / Design & Development Manager - **Company:** Unity Team Ltd - **Location:** UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Adobe InDesign, Audit Trail, Information Management, Value Engineering, Build Management - **Published:** July 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.totaljobs.com/job/architect-manager/unity-team-ltd-job107749579 ## About the Role * 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 ## Description 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., 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 2. 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 3. 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 4. 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 5. 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 6. 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 ## Related Videos - [One Does Not Simply Make Architecture Decisions Alone](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2128-one-does-not-simply-make-architecture-decisions-alone) - [Resilient by Design: Building Robust Architectures in High-Stakes Financial Systems](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2106-resilient-by-design-building-robust-architectures-in-high-stakes-financial-systems) - [Answering the Million Dollar Question: Why did I Break Production?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1171-answering-the-million-dollar-question-why-did-i-break-production) - [Dev & Test in the Cloud? 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