Senior Project Architect

SENIOR PROJECT ARCHITECT

• Location: Lagos, Nigeria
• Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
• Experience: 10+ years
• Professional Registration: Current ARCON registration required
• Compensation: Competitive

About the Practice

Our client is a London-headquartered, design-led architecture, interior design and property development practice established in 2019. Its work is driven by considered design, craftsmanship, materiality and cultural context. Taking a holistic approach to the built environment, the practice brings architecture, interiors and property development together to create distinctive spaces.

With London serving as its design leadership hub and Lagos as a strategic growth market, our client is building an integrated international studio with a shared commitment to design excellence and technical quality.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Project Architect to join our Lagos team and lead architectural design development and project delivery. You will translate design concepts into technically resolved, buildable architecture, taking ownership of assigned projects from design development through construction and handover. Working closely with the Lead Architect and the London studio, you will manage architectural workstreams, coordinate consultants and contractors, resolve technical challenges and maintain high standards of design and delivery. We are looking for someone who combines architectural creativity with technical rigour, exercises sound professional judgement and can work independently without constant supervision.

Key Responsibilities

Architectural Design and Development

• Develop architectural concepts into detailed, buildable designs while preserving the original design intent.
• Apply strong design judgement across spatial planning, proportion, materiality, detailing and finishes.
• Identify opportunities to improve design quality, functionality and buildability.
• Contribute to design reviews and technical decisions with the London studio.

Technical Design and Documentation

• Lead the preparation and coordination of architectural drawings, construction details, schedules and specifications.
• Ensure drawings and technical documentation are accurate, coordinated and construction-ready.
• Coordinate structural, MEP, and other specialist designs, resolving technical conflicts before issuing documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Nigerian building regulations and standards.

Project and Construction Delivery

• Manage assigned projects from design development through construction and handover.
• Oversee project programmes, milestones, deliverables and documentation.
• Review RFIs, shop drawings, material samples and contractor submissions.
• Conduct site inspections, resolve construction issues and monitor work against approved drawings and specifications.
• Support tendering, procurement, snagging and project handover.

Consultant and Studio Coordination

• Coordinate effectively with engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, contractors and other consultants.
• Maintain clear communication, decision records and action trackers.
• Work seamlessly with the London studio through regular virtual meetings and design reviews.
• Maintain studio documentation standards and contribute to technical processes.
• Guide junior team members where required.

What We Are Looking For

Essential Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from a recognised institution.
• Full professional qualification and current ARCON registration.
• Minimum of 10 years' relevant architectural experience.
• Proven experience delivering architectural projects from design development through construction and handover.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating involvement in high-quality completed projects.
• Experience within reputable architectural practices with strong design and technical standards.

Technical and Design Competence

• Excellent understanding of architectural design, construction methods, materials, and detailing.
• Strong construction documentation and technical drawing capabilities.
• Proven experience coordinating multidisciplinary consultants.
• Good knowledge of Nigerian building regulations and statutory requirements.
• Proficiency in Revit, Archicad, Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or an equivalent architectural platform.

Professional Attributes

• Strong design sensibility and appreciation of materiality, craftsmanship, spatial quality and architectural detailing.
• Ability to interpret and protect design intent throughout technical development and construction.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making and project ownership capabilities.
• Excellent communication, organisation and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with an international team.

Desirable

• Experience in high-end residential or architecturally distinctive projects.
• Experience working with international architectural practices or on UK projects.
• Exposure to both architecture and interior design.
• Experience mentoring junior architects and improving studio standards.

What Success Looks Like

You will be expected to:

• Deliver projects to consistently high design and technical standards.
• Translate design concepts into accurate, coordinated and buildable solutions.
• Manage projects and deliverables independently.
• Anticipate and resolve technical and construction challenges.
• Maintain effective collaboration between the Lagos and London teams.
• Help establish a strong architectural presence and delivery capability in Lagos.

Please note: We are particularly interested in understanding your individual contribution to the projects in your portfolio, rather than simply the projects associated with your previous employers.

Selection Process

1. CV and portfolio review.
2. Initial interview with the Lead Architect.
3. Technical assessment or portfolio walkthrough.
4. Final interview with the practice's leadership team.

<