Head Architect

HEAD ARCHITECT
Company: Sarojini Interiors Pvt. Ltd.
Location: Chennai
Department: Architecture & Design
Reporting To: Managing Director / General Manager
Experience: 1218 Years
Employment Type: Full-Time

1. Job Purpose
   We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Head Architect to lead the Architecture & Design function for turnkey Civil & Interior projects. The role will be responsible for design leadership, client coordination, design quality, team management, design development, and ensuring timely delivery of projects in line with client requirements, statutory standards, budgets, and project timelines.
2. Key Responsibilities
   A. Design & Architectural Leadership

• Lead the complete architectural and interior design process from concept to execution.
• Review and approve architectural, interior, and detailed construction drawings.
• Ensure designs are functional, innovative, practical, and aligned with project requirements.
• Develop design standards, templates, and best practices for the organization.
• Ensure design intent is properly translated into site execution.

B. Project & Execution Coordination

• Coordinate closely with Project Managers, Engineers, QS, Procurement, and Site Teams.
• Review drawings and resolve design-related site issues promptly.
• Ensure timely release of GFC, shop, coordination, and as-built drawings.
• Participate in design coordination meetings and project review meetings.
• Support project teams in achieving quality, cost, and schedule objectives.

C. Client & Consultant Management

• Act as the senior architectural point of contact for clients and consultants.
• Lead design presentations and client design review meetings.
• Understand client requirements and convert them into effective design solutions.
• Manage design changes, approvals, comments, and revisions.
• Maintain strong professional relationships with clients, architects, consultants, and other stakeholders.

D. Team Management

• Lead and mentor the architecture and design team.
• Allocate projects and responsibilities to architects, junior architects, and designers.
• Review team performance and provide technical guidance.
• Conduct regular design reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Identify training and development requirements for the team.

E. Technical & Quality Control

• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, regulations, and project specifications.
• Review material selections, finishes, details, and construction methodologies.
• Identify design clashes and coordinate with MEP, structural, and other disciplines.
• Ensure architectural documentation meets company and project quality standards.
• Support implementation of ISO and quality management requirements.

F. Business Development Support

• Provide architectural inputs for tenders, proposals, and presentations.
• Support the Business Development and Tendering teams with design concepts and technical proposals.
• Participate in client presentations and pre-bid meetings when required.
• Develop innovative design solutions that strengthen the companys proposals and project opportunities.

3. Key Deliverables / KPIs

• Timely completion and approval of design deliverables.
• Design accuracy and reduction of site-related design errors.
• Client and consultant satisfaction.
• Effective coordination between Design and Project Execution teams.
• Timely closure of design RFIs and technical queries.
• Design quality and compliance with project specifications.
• Team productivity and development.
• Contribution to successful tender and business development opportunities.

4. Qualification & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Architecture (B.Arch) from a recognized institution.
• 1218 years of relevant experience in architecture, interior fit-out, commercial, corporate, IT/ITES, hospitality, or turnkey projects.
• Strong experience in large-scale corporate/interior fit-out projects will be preferred.
• Experience in managing architectural teams and multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, 3D visualization, and relevant design software.
• Knowledge of building codes, materials, construction detailing, and interior execution.

5. Required Skills

• Strong architectural and design leadership.
• Excellent client and consultant management skills.
• Strong technical and construction knowledge.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Good commercial and project understanding.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building capabilities.
• Creative approach combined with practical execution knowledge.

6. Preferred Industry Experience
   Candidates with experience in the following sectors will be preferred:

• Corporate Offices
• IT/ITES Workspaces
• MNC Projects
• Commercial Buildings
• Hospitality
• Laboratories & Healthcare
• Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities
• Turnkey Civil & Interior Fit-Out Projects

7. Ideal Candidate Profile
   The ideal candidate should be a strong design leader with hands-on project execution knowledge, capable of managing both the creative and technical aspects of architecture while ensuring seamless coordination between clients, consultants, design teams, and site execution teams.