AGM - Architect

Head of Architecture

Designation: AGM - Architect

Location: Hyderabad

About the job:

The AGM of Architecture leads the architectural vision and execution of projects, ensuring design integrity, compliance with regulations, and coordination of multidisciplinary teams. This role involves overseeing project design from concept to completion, managing external consultants, resolving on-site technical challenges, and ensuring high-quality delivery within timelines and budgets. The Head of Architecture is a key decision-maker, driving innovation and maintaining the firms architectural standards and reputation.

Job Description:

1. Leadership and Project Site Representation:

• Act as the lead representative of the architectural design team on-site for the assigned project, ensuring effective communication and alignment between design intent and construction execution.
• Oversee the coordination of design-related aspects of the project, ensuring the implementation of best practices, architectural quality, and compliance with regulations.
• Provide leadership in the resolution of design-related challenges on-site, offering practical solutions while maintaining the design vision.

2. Liaison, Coordination, and Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as the single point of contact for all external consultants (architectural, MEP, landscape, signage, etc.) and the on-site project team, facilitating the smooth and timely issuance of working drawings and clarifications.
• Interface effectively with the head office, senior management, external stakeholders, and contractors, ensuring seamless communication on all design-related matters throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure that project timelines, budgets, and quality expectations are met through diligent management and communication with both internal and external teams.

3. Comprehensive Design and Drawing Review:

• Lead the in-depth review process of designs and drawings prepared by external architects and consultants, ensuring they are fully aligned with the project brief, design principles, and technical specifications.
• Perform detailed analysis of architectural, structural, MEP, landscape, and signage designs to identify discrepancies or potential issues and recommend corrective measures.
• Evaluate the integration of various design disciplines, ensuring cohesion and functional compatibility across all project components.

4. Cross-disciplinary Coordination and Execution:

• Foster effective coordination between architectural and engineering disciplines (structural, MEP, and others) to ensure smooth project execution, identify potential issues early, and resolve them promptly.
• Ensure alignment between all parties regarding project requirements, expectations, and design specifications.
• Act as a problem solver, facilitating discussions to find solutions that minimize delays and budget overruns.

5. Detailed Specifications and Documentation Review:

• Conduct a thorough examination of specifications to identify discrepancies or ambiguities between architectural drawings, contractors' Bills of Quantities (BOQ), and other documentation during the execution phase.
• Ensure that the detailed specifications accurately reflect the design intent, construction materials, and methods, while aligning with project timelines and budget constraints.

6. Procurement, Quantity Coordination, and Resource Management:

• Collaborate closely with the procurement team to ensure all specifications are accurately understood and implemented, particularly regarding quantities, materials, and procurement processes.
• Oversee the accurate tracking of quantities and resources, ensuring that there is no deviation from the approved specifications and that all required materials are delivered on schedule.

7. Drawing and Documentation Management:

• Serve as the custodian of all project drawings, ensuring they are consistently updated, organized, and shared across the project teams, both on-site and in the head office.
• Manage version control of design documents to prevent errors and ensure that all stakeholders are working from the latest approved drawings.
• Facilitate the timely distribution and storage of drawings and ensure easy access for team members, contractors, and consultants.

8. Risk Management and Compliance:

• Actively identify and mitigate risks related to design execution, including safety, compliance, and environmental concerns.
• Ensure that all project documentation and execution processes adhere to regulatory and quality standards, minimizing the risk of non-compliance.

9. Continuous Improvement and Knowledge Sharing:

• Lead efforts for continuous improvement in architectural practices within the firm, staying updated with industry trends, new technologies, and building methodologies.
• Share knowledge and best practices with junior architects and team members, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in architectural detailing, including knowledge of materials, finishes, and construction methods.
• Expertise in AutoCAD (latest version) for both design and technical documentation.
• Strong working knowledge of Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and other design software for graphical presentations and enhancements.
• Competence in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, reporting, and communication across project teams.
• Ability to critically review and edit designs and specifications for technical accuracy, design integrity, and compliance.

Educational Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture from a recognized institution.
• Minimum 12+ years of professional experience, with a strong background in both design offices and on-site construction management.
• In-depth knowledge and expertise in city-specific building regulations, including construction sanctions, aviation restrictions, fire safety clearances, and other local compliance requirements.
• Thorough understanding of the National Building Code (NBC) of Practice and Construction, with practical application in projects.
• Comprehensive familiarity with ISI standards, building and interior specifications, and their integration into the design and construction processes.
• Extensive experience in the design, development, and execution of high-rise buildings, including complex architectural features and detailing.