26th May, 2025
Principal Architect – Apartments Focus
Location: Sydney, NSW
Type: Full-time | Permanent
We are seeking an accomplished and driven Principal Architect to lead and grow the apartment and multi-residential sector within a highly regarded Sydney-based studio. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a strategic thinker who combines strong design sensibility with exceptional project delivery and business development skills.
The Principal will be responsible for driving project success, building client relationships, mentoring teams, and contributing to the strategic direction of the practice, particularly within the residential and mixed-use apartment markets.
About the Company:
A Sydney-based design studio championing an integrated approach to sustainable architecture, landscape, interiors, and urban design.
The team creates quality environments that reconcile natural, social, urban, and economic forces, growing single ideas into cohesive solutions with multiple benefits. Their commitment to diversity — across their team, clients, and projects — underpins everything they do.
With extensive experience across master planning, brief development, and project delivery, they design innovative, high-quality architecture and infrastructure. Supported by a national network of resources and expertise, they consistently deliver projects that are well-coordinated, cost-controlled, and time-managed, building lasting client relationships and earning industry recognition.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead major multi-residential and apartment projects across all phases – from feasibility and concept design through to delivery.
- Drive client engagement, nurture long-term relationships, and identify new project opportunities within the apartment sector.
- Provide high-level design leadership while balancing commercial, planning, and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee project resourcing, fee proposals, programming, and profitability.
- Manage and mentor project teams, fostering a collaborative, high-performance studio culture.
- Ensure design quality, technical rigor, and project excellence are maintained across all projects.
- Contribute to the strategic growth and profile of the practice within the Sydney market.
- Represent the practice at industry events, networking functions, and business development opportunities.
Skills & Experience: - Registered Architect in Australia.
- 15+ years' professional experience, with a strong portfolio of multi-residential/apartment projects.
- Deep understanding of NSW planning controls, SEPP 65, the Apartment Design Guide (ADG), and approval pathways.
- Strong leadership skills with proven ability to manage complex projects, large teams, and multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent business development, networking, and client relationship management skills.
- Advanced technical knowledge and understanding of Australian construction methods.
- High-level proficiency in Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and presentation tools.
- Strategic thinker with commercial acumen and an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Outstanding communication and negotiation abilities.
What's on Offer: - A key leadership role with influence over the practice’s strategic and design direction.
- Exciting portfolio of high-profile, city-shaping residential projects.
- Competitive senior salary package with leadership bonuses/incentives.
- Flexible working arrangements and commitment to work-life balance.
- A respected, collaborative studio culture focused on design excellence and innovation.
If you are a senior architectural leader passionate about driving design excellence and business growth within the apartments sector, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now or contact us for a confidential discussion.
�� 0414 534 688
�� lee@glassrecruitment.com.au
Apply For Job