Unity Team is seeking a senior project architect/design and development manager to join its team in London.

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

Architectural leadership and 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

Design management and 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

Information management and 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 and building regulations
fire strategy and statutory requirements
employer’s requirements and development brief
control document status, revisions and issue procedures

Development and 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

Site ownership and 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

Client, stakeholder and 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

Candidate’s profile – desired skills and experience

Essential:

ARB registered architect (or equivalent international qualification)
typically, five to ten plus 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

Unity Team

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Senior project architect/design and development manager