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# 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:** September 9, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.totaljobs.com/job/architect-manager/unity-team-ltd-job107958925

## 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