Principal Architect - Data Centres

Description

The company is an infrastructure consulting firm, and this role sits in its specialist data centre team, based in the UK.

The team works on hyperscale, colocation and enterprise data centre projects across Europe, with local teams handling localisation and permitting and global design teams adding resource and capability.

The company is expanding in the UK.

You will be a principal architect with a strong technical background in large multi-disciplinary design projects, ideally data centres, and you will work well within architectural and engineering teams.

You will drive the production and coordination of design information through every RIBA Stage, working closely with those teams to keep work accurate, compliant and high quality.

Deep technical design knowledge is essential, with a CSA bias, alongside design management, digital tools and design workflow skills.

Projects run to very tight timelines and fixed deadlines that cannot move.

Responsibilities

• Act as lead designer across a multi-disciplinary team and coordinate integrated architectural and engineering outputs with discipline leads.
• Oversee design activity and the production of design information, keeping it correct, accurate and coordinated across disciplines.
• Review and approve drawings and design information, and mark up drawings in Adobe PDF.
• Review vendor, subcontractor and third-party design documents, and check that work complies with codes, permits and discipline standards.
• Work with CDE platforms for document control and coordination.
• Deliver design packages of moderate to high complexity, and prepare reports and supporting data tables.
• Provide key design input early on and general design leadership through delivery, supporting proposals for new build, refurbishment, compliance upgrades and expansion.
• Present to clients and prospective clients, and negotiate to resolve critical issues with clients, contractors and local authorities.
• Line manage and mentor junior and lower-grade staff, and promote teamwork and a creative culture.
• Take on the lead verification role once you are settled and have the required sector and business experience.
• Act as the BR PD using the company's standard proformas and procedures to demonstrate compliance.
• Organise your own work and that of others to hit deadlines, and make sure projects meet the design brief and client requirements.
• Ensure the team's technical work meets the company's Technical Excellence standards, and support technical excellence initiatives, training and CPD.
• For site projects, manage the link between the design and site teams so support arrives on time.
• Support Associate Directors and Directors with resource forecasting, HR and, when asked, business reporting.
• Keep projects within budget, including fees and design to budget, and monitor hours spent.
• Help assess new projects and competitions, support bids and fee proposals, and build professional relationships with clients.
• Support marketing and business development, and keep up with current software and digital methods, identifying training needs.

Requirements

• Fully qualified and ARB registered architect.
• Proven experience on large multi-disciplinary projects, preferably in infrastructure.
• Willingness to work across infrastructure areas under the guidance of Associate Directors and Directors, including surface transport, rail, aviation, education, health care, science and logistics.
• A degree, ideally a Diploma or Masters; a Masters is not essential.
• Some experience of building contracts is helpful.
• Understanding of UK building systems, standards, regulations and construction types.
• IT literacy, including CAD software and Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel and Teams.
• Ability to manage a heavy workload and tight deadlines.
• A clear work history and evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Preferred: ARB registration, or an equivalent European or international qualification.
• Preferred: RIBA Part 3, or RIBA Part 2, or an equivalent European or international qualification.

Conditions

Hybrid working is available, from a company office, a remote location or a client site.

The role is best based in Belfast, with Dublin, Manchester and London also suitable.

Travel across the UK, Ireland and Europe is required.

Attending an in-person Day 1 onboarding at a company office is a condition of employment.

Applicants with a disability or long-term condition who meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview under the Disability Confident scheme.

The company is an equal opportunity employer, and applicant information is handled under EEO guidelines.

Benefits

• A broad range of pay, benefits and well-being programmes for employees and their families.
• Access to leading technology and expertise, and work with a large global infrastructure firm.
• Flexible working and the chance to take on large, high-impact projects.
• Support for your growth and development within the company.