Sydney, New South Wales
As a Designer, you will play a pivotal role in contributing to the creative direction and technical delivery of complex projects across multiple sectors and scales. Working closely with colleagues, consultants and stakeholders, you will contribute to all stages of the project lifecycle, from concept design and client engagement through to construction and completion. Your expertise will span spatial planning, materiality, sustainability and regulatory compliance, helping develop functional and aesthetically compelling design solutions that meet client needs. You will assist in developing detailed documentation and presentations, communicate design intent to clients and contractors, apply emerging technologies and best practices, and collaborate to deliver high-quality design outcomes while balancing creativity, technical expertise, deadlines and budget constraints.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management & Design
Collaborate with project team and clients to understand contract requirements, project brief and deliverables, and team structure and communication protocols.
Contribute to creating innovative design options that align with the client’s vision, functional requirements, and budget constraints.
Contribute to the presentation of design proposals to clients, addressing questions, concerns, and modifications as needed.
Select appropriate materials to create cohesive design schemes. Consider factors such as sustainability, durability, maintenance, performance aesthetic appeal, cost, and impact on Country when choosing materials.
Refer to material trade information, Australian Standards, building codes, council requirements and industry best practices that align with the design concept and client requirements.
Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and new design materials to incorporate innovative ideas into projects.
Documentation
In collaboration with the Project Lead, be able to produce clear and concise documentation to a level necessary to satisfy the target milestone, the project brief and the relevant documentation standards.
Have a general understanding of construction detailing requirements for a broad range of projects.
Contribute to developing renders and virtual walkthroughs in accordance with the Digital Delivery Plan or the BIM Execution Plan for the project, to help clients visualise the final design.
Assist in project coordination activities and document control.
Construction Phase Services
Work closely with COX team, contractors, and other professionals to ensure seamless integration of design concepts into the construction process.
On occasion travel to and visit project construction sites to observe construction progress and assist the Project Lead in composing site reports like Site Quality Advice and Defect Inspection Reports. Site visits may require travel involving both day trips and some overnight stays when required.
Collaborate with the Project Lead in reviewing shop drawings and samples, and answering RFIs
Perform other related duties as required.
Qualifications & Skills Required
Qualifications and experience
Qualifications: Master’s degree in Architecture or equivalent in a related field.
Experience: Generally, a minimum 3 years of experience in architectural design, with a focus on starting to take on a mentor role within the studio.
Technical Skills
Architectural design and documentation: Proficiency in designing and documenting buildings and projects, with a strong understanding of architectural principles and practices.
Project planning and coordination: Familiarity in supporting project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
Construction knowledge: Understanding of construction principles and practices, including building codes, regulations, and standards.
Proposal Presentation: Proficient in preparing and presenting design proposals, reports, and visual materials.
Site analysis and research: Proficient in conducting site analyses and researching local context.
Design thinking: Skilled at applying design thinking principles to drive innovative solutions.
ESD (Environmentally Sustainable Design): Knowledgeable about sustainable design principles and practices.
BIM (Building Information Modelling): Experienced in using BIM software and protocols.
Business and Management Skills
Quality management: Understanding of how projects align with organisational goals, policies, regulations, and quality standards.
Software Skills
Modelling & Documentation Software: Skilled in using Revit for architectural design and documentation tasks.
Graphic Design Software: Proficient in using Adobe Creative Cloud applications (e.g. InDesign, Photoshop & Illustrator) for creating and designing visual materials.
Common Data Environment: Knowledge of using Autodesk Construction Cloud for sharing and managing 3D models with internal and external stakeholders.
Computational Design Software: Familiarity with computational design tools such as Rhinoceros is desirable, though not essential.
Microsoft 365 Products: Experience with Microsoft 365 applications (e.g. Word, Excel & Outlook) for document management, data analysis, and communication.
Soft Skills
Communication
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey design concepts, ideas, and solutions to project teams, clients, and stakeholders.
Ability to present design rationales and thinking in a clear and compelling manner, and to negotiate design decisions with stakeholders.
Maintain clear and regular communication with the Project Lead and team to keep them informed of progress and to confirm alignment with briefing.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Skilled in working with multidisciplinary teams, including architecture, interiors design, planning, urban design, consultant engineering, and construction teams, to deliver cohesive design outcomes and drive project success.
Skilled in building strong working relationships with colleagues, project leads, and external stakeholders, including clients and consultants, and contributing to team goals and project delivery.
Leadership
Support project teams and mentor junior team members, providing guidance, constructive feedback, and design expertise to drive team growth and project success.
Contribute to project strategy and influence design direction, with a focus on deliver high-quality design outcomes.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability
Skilled in analysing complex design problems, developing innovative solutions, and adapting to changing project requirements, stakeholder needs, and market trends.
Ability to think critically, creatively, and strategically, and to balance competing design priorities and stakeholder expectations.
Time Management and Organisation
Proficient in prioritising work, and meeting deadlines while ensuring quality and accuracy in design outputs.
Attention to Detail
High attention to detail and precision, with a focus on delivering high-quality outputs that meet project requirements and exceed stakeholder expectations.
Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
Effectively resolve conflicts and negotiate with stakeholders, including clients, consultants, suppliers and internal teams, to find mutually beneficial solutions that meet project goals and stakeholder needs.
Empathy and Inclusivity
Developing empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives, with a commitment to promoting inclusivity and respect in the workplace and project delivery.
Ability to work effectively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, and to design solutions that meet the needs of diverse users.
Resilience and Professionalism
Demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, maintaining professionalism and composure under pressure, and driving design excellence in complex projects.
Ability to manage stress, prioritise tasks, and maintain a focus on design quality and project goals, even in dynamic environments.
Continuous Learning
Commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth, including staying informed on industry trends, design tools, and emerging practices, and applying this knowledge to drive design innovation.
Ability to integrate new skills and knowledge into processes to improve quality, efficiency, and innovation, and to share knowledge with colleagues.
How to Apply:
If you are passionate about architecture and eager to make an impact on exciting projects, we want to hear from you. Please submit your cover letter, CV and copy of your portfolio to
[email protected].