Senior Architect

Job description

Job Title: Senior Architect

Reports To:  Project Coordinator

Employment Type: Full Time

Location:  Garowe, Puntland, Somalia

Role Purpose

The Senior Architect serves as the backbone of all projects, leading and coordinating every aspect related to architectural design, technical solutions, and quality control. This role bridges design and execution by ensuring that project concepts are translated into high-quality, functional, and compliant built environments. Working closely with senior engineers and design team members, the Senior Architect safeguards the integrity, standards, and innovation of the company’s projects.

Key Responsibilities: 1. Design & Technical Leadership

·         Lead architectural delivery through direct involvement from concept design through to technical documentation, maintaining control of design intent through execution

·         Develop and translate design concepts, massing, spatial planning, and architectural strategies into coordinated, buildable solutions.

·         Produce, coordinate, and authorize key architectural drawings and technical outputs, including but not limited to, plans, sections, elevations, specifications, material selections, and critical details for complex elements.

·         Resolve design, coordination, and constructability challenges through the development of innovative, practical, and technically robust architectural solutions.

·         Ensure all architectural works are technically resolved, coordinated, and compliant with client requirements and company standards.

·         Lead and contribute to architectural master planning and large-scale design studies, establishing building typologies, spatial hierarchy, built-form relationships, access, and site integration to support coherent architectural outcomes.

2. Project Coordination

• Serve as the central coordinator for all design-related activities, bridging architects, engineers, and project managers.
• Actively participate in technical discussions and provide input to resolve design and site issues.
• Ensure seamless integration of architectural works with structural, MEP, and infrastructure disciplines, managing and issuing architectural information to project teams to maintain clear design intent and coordinated development.
• Lead multidisciplinary design coordination, including review of structural and MEP documentation, oversight of clash detection studies, and resolution of architectural engineering interface issues to ensure constructability, compliance, and design integrity.
• Support project teams throughout planning, procurement, and construction stages.

3. Quality & Standards Supervision

• Supervise and monitor architectural works on-site to ensure adherence to approved designs, quality standards, and specifications.
• Conduct site inspections to verify workmanship, materials, and alignment with architectural intent.
• Lead quality control reviews, prepare reports, and recommend preventive measures or corrective actions—working closely with the project coordinator to avoid errors and delays.

4. Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor junior architects and design staff, enhancing their skills and promoting the use of advanced design technologies and software.
• Collaborate effectively with senior engineers and other technical specialists to achieve project objectives.
• Foster a culture of innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement in design practices.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

• Present design concepts and technical recommendations to management, clients, and external partners.
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and regulatory authorities to secure approvals and resolve design or technical issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management to support successful project delivery.

Skills and qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

 • Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, a Master’s degree in Architecture or Urban Design is advantageous.
• Minimum 15 years  professional experience delivering architectural projects, including complex, multi-disciplinary developments.
• Demonstrated experience in architectural design leadership, from concept and master planning through detailed design and construction documentation.
• Strong technical capability in coordinating architectural, structural, MEP, and infrastructure disciplines within multi-consultant environments.

• Proven experience presenting architectural and master planning designs to clients, stakeholders, and authorities, clearly communicating design intent, technical rationale, and project constraints.
• Strong capability in leading design reviews, coordination workshops, and technical presentations, facilitating informed decision-making across project teams.
• Experience managing design discussions, client feedback, and approvals, maintaining design quality while responding pragmatically to programme and budget considerations.

• Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, and 3D modelling and rendering tools including but not limited to 3ds Max, Corona, and other professional visualization software.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for technical documentation, reporting, and design presentations.