About the Role
HDR is seeking a Senior Associate / Associate Principal - Defence to lead design philosophy, technical delivery, project management, commercial responsibility, business development, and people management. This role requires a strong understanding of architectural design principles and their translation into commercial practice, with a focus on delivering high-quality projects and fostering a collaborative team environment.
Responsibilities
- Execute Design Philosophy and Leadership expectations to a high level of proficiency.
- Clearly articulate and communicate design intent to project teams, consultants, and clients.
- Lead and facilitate design reviews, providing direction and constructive responses.
- Independently produce and oversee high-quality schematic designs, design development packages, and construction documentation.
- Coordinate the architectural design process, develop alternative solutions, and create presentation graphics.
- Lead early-stage project contributions through design brief development, site analysis, and information gathering.
- Develop comprehensive program requirements, conceptual layouts, and detailed design criteria.
- Translate client needs into functional technical spaces and document outcomes from user group meetings.
- Execute technical delivery expectations to a high level of proficiency.
- Take ownership of project requirements across multiple projects, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, and timeline.
- Develop, assign, and coordinate team deliverables, including external consultant work.
- Proactively identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Maintain proficiency in frequently used software including Revit, Rhino, MS Office, and Adobe Suite.
- Monitor project resourcing and budgets using HDR systems.
- Plan, track, and execute projects using HDR ABG project management templates and processes.
- Manage external requests by coordinating with Project Leaders and tracking scope changes.
- Accurately manage time tracking and resource allocation.
- Support monthly project financial updates.
- Contribute to the development of project fees, programs, and resourcing strategies.
- Deliver projects within agreed fee structures to achieve target profit margins.
- Work with Associate Principals/Principals to achieve sector marketing, business development, and NFB goals.
- Build and maintain strong industry relationships.
- Manage client relationships, including dispute/issue resolution.
- Act as a key client contact, representing the studio professionally.
- Present at key client interviews.
- Position HDR as a leading brand through high-quality work, awards, and publicity.
- Lead and implement studio-wide initiatives for personal and professional development.
- Actively participate in studio leadership opportunities.
- Champion a culture of professionalism, team collaboration, and accountability.
- Model positive and solution-oriented teamwork.
- Lead and manage project teams, consultants, budgets, and timelines.
- Manage several projects/teams concurrently, including resource, budget, cashflow forecasting, programming, and invoicing.
- Coach and mentor team members, providing guidance and sharing expertise.
- Provide formal and informal leadership within project teams.
- Contribute to staff development by offering feedback for annual reviews.
- Collaborate with studio leadership on strategic initiatives, resource planning, and team development.
- Recognize and escalate complex or sensitive issues to line management or HR.
- Communicate clearly and frequently with colleagues, line managers, and project teams.
- Communicate clearly and confidently with external stakeholders.
Requirements
- Tertiary qualifications in Architecture.
- Registered Architect.
- Experience managing and delivering multiple projects of varying complexity and scale.
- Strong portfolio with a great eye for presentation and attention to detail.
- A keen interest in personal and professional development.
- Role model HDR Values – Live the Network, Listen first, Hold ourselves accountable, Push Boundaries, Design Smart.
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture.
Skills
- Excellent leadership, team management, and client relationship skills.
- Excellent communication / interpersonal skills.
- Proficient across Photoshop, InDesign, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Bluebeam.
- 10+ years working knowledge of Revit.
- Strong problem solving and continuous improvement mindset.
- Collaborative, proactive, and highly organised with good time management.
- Strong technical skills and proficiency with design software tools including Revit, Rhino and Adobe suite.
Location
- Australia
Work Type
- Full-time
Experience Level
- 10+ years’ experience with demonstrated knowledge in building design and documentation.
Education Level
- Tertiary qualifications in Architecture
- Registered Architect
About the Company
- At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for; it's also about what you do and how you do it.
- Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible.
- When you join HDR, we give you licence to do the same.
- We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.
- Our workplace is collaborative and diverse, built on a history of controlling our own destiny, putting people first and offering careers that provide for a secure future.
- At HDR, you are part of a team, surrounded by talent that brings out your best.
- HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day.
- This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Equal Opportunity
- As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
- Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute.
- Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
