Architect at FEZ Consultants

Responsibilities
As an architect, you’ll need to be able to:

• Discuss the ideas, objectives, requirements and budget of a project and in some cases help to select a site;
• Consult with other professionals about design;
• Assess the needs of the building and its users and advise the client on the practicality of their project;
• Prepare and present feasibility reports and design proposals to the client;
• Assess the impact on the local environment;
• Use IT in design and project management, specifically using computer-aided design software;
• Keep within financial budgets and deadlines;
• Produce detailed workings, drawings and specifications;
• Specify the nature and quality of materials required;
• Prepare tender applications and presentations;
• Negotiate with contractors and other professionals;
• Prepare applications for planning and building control departments;
• Draw up tender documents for contracts;
• Manage projects and help to coordinate the work of contractors;
• Control a project from start to finish;
• Carry out regular site visits to check on progress and ensure that the project is running on time and to budget;
• Resolve problems and issues that arise during construction;
• Ensure that the environmental impact of the project is managed.

Working hours:

• Your contracted working hours will generally be 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but you need to be prepared to work long hours, including evenings and weekends when a project demands it.
• Part-time work or career breaks may be possible, although they are generally uncommon.

What to Expect

• Architects are predominantly office based, but their work does include out-of-office visits to both clients and sites. Appropriate safety equipment, such as protective boots and headgear, must be worn on site.
• There may be considerable travel within a working day, although absence from home overnight is uncommon. A company car is not usually offered, but mileage for site visits may be payable.

Skills
You will need to show:

• Good design and drawing skills to demonstrate your flair for architecture;
• A strong imagination and the ability to think and create in three dimensions;
• Sound analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail;
• A keen interest in buildings and the built environment - an insight into Building Information Modeling (BIM) will also be a significant advantage;
• Excellent communication skills, written and oral, with the ability to liaise effectively with a range of other professionals;
• Good organisational and negotiation skills;
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills;
• An understanding about the relationship between people, buildings and the wider environment;
• A first-rate understanding of construction processes;
• Commercial awareness and business acumen;
• Reasonable mathematical skills;
• Project management skills;
• Excellent IT skills, including computer-aided design skills with familiarity with specific soft wares such as AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Revit, Sketch Up, 3D Max

Educational Requirements and Experience
You will need to possess:

• Good design degree(s) (HND, B.Sc., B.Tech., M.Sc., M.Tech.) in Architecture;
• Registration with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) may be an advantage.
• Strong portfolio to prove artistic skills
• Expert knowledge of building products, construction details and relevant rules, regulations and quality standards
• Proven working experience as an architect