Senior Architect / Architectural Design Lead

About Dezcon

Dezcon is an Architecture and Interior Design studio in Kyle Bay, in Sydney's south. We design bespoke residential projects in NSW, QLD and VIC, and we run a dedicated interior design service. We're a close team, and we care about quality design, client excellence and doing the work properly.

The role

This is a newly created senior position. One you can make your own. You'll report directly to our Managing Director & Design Director - Amani Salameh.

The Design Director sets the design vision. You make it happen. You'll take that direction and run the architectural team day to day: developing the work, solving problems, and making sure every project meets the Dezcon standard before it reaches design review.

We're looking for a second-in-command for the architecture team. You'll need the judgement to make everyday architectural decisions yourself, and the sense to know which decisions need to go higher.

What you'll be responsible for

• Leading the architectural team: directing and supporting our two project leads and three documentation staff, and setting priorities alongside the Studio Operations Manager.
• Design and technical review: checking concepts, models and documentation before they reach the Design Director, and taking responsibility for architectural quality across the studio.
• Planning and compliance: resolving planning, NCC/BCA and technical design issues across DA, CDC and CC projects.
• Documentation leadership: directing and quality-checking construction documentation so drawings go out complete, coordinated and correct.
• Consultant coordination: reviewing and managing input from engineers, surveyors, civil consultants and certifiers.
• Mentoring: building the skills and confidence of designers and documentation staff, and being the first person they come to with a problem.
• Escalating well: bringing the Design Director only the decisions that need her design judgement, commercial authority or sign-off, with the issues already worked through and clear options ready.
• Studio standards: helping shape Dezcon's design, documentation and QA systems as the practice grows.

About you

• A registered architect in NSW, or eligible for registration
• About 8–12+ years' experience, with a strong focus on residential architecture
• Excellent Revit skills. You can model and document confidently yourself, and review other people's models and drawings critically.
• Very strong knowledge of NSW planning, with hands-on experience of DA and complying development (CDC) under the Codes SEPP
• A solid record of construction documentation and technical detailing
• Experience leading, reviewing and developing other people's work
• Most importantly, autonomy. You don't wait to be told what to do. You're the kind of person who says: "I've reviewed this. There were three issues. I've resolved two. The third changes the design intent, so I need your decision between A and B."

What we offer

• A true senior role with real influence over how the studio designs, documents and delivers work

• Working closely with the Design Director on high-end residential projects

• A clear remit and room to shape the architectural team around you

• True recognition, CPD support, and other benefits

• A friendly, design-focused studio in Kyle Bay.

• Hybrid work may be considered after first 6 months

Our recruitment process

We care more about how you think than about a pretty portfolio. Shortlisted candidates will spend about 45 minutes reviewing a real Dezcon project. We'll then talk through what you'd change, what planning and documentation issues you find, and what you'd resolve, delegate or escalate.

How to apply

Send your CV, a short portfolio (residential work and documentation samples preferred) and a brief cover letter noting your leadership experience to [email protected].