Reports To: Managing Director / Executive Leadership
Department: Architecture & Design
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Senior Architect will serve as the Head of the Architecture Team, providing strategic leadership, design direction, and technical oversight across all architectural projects within The Paradigm Group.
This role is responsible for driving design excellence, managing the architecture team, and ensuring seamless integration between design intent and project execution, while aligning with the company’s vision, standards, and growth objectives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Departmental Oversight
- Lead and manage the Architecture Department as the Head of Team
- Set design standards, processes, and quality benchmarks for all projects
- Allocate work, supervise deliverables, and ensure optimal team performance
- Drive accountability, discipline, and high-performance culture within the team
- Collaborate with executive management on strategic project decisions
Design Leadership & Concept Development
- Lead architectural concept development from ideation to execution
- Approve all design outputs before submission or implementation
- Ensure all designs are innovative, functional, and aligned with company standards
- Maintain consistency in design language across all projects
Project Oversight & Execution Alignment
- Oversee architectural input across multiple projects simultaneously
- Ensure alignment between design documentation and site execution
- Work closely with Project Managers, Engineers, and Quantity Surveyors
- Conduct site visits to validate implementation quality and resolve issues
Technical Excellence & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with local and international architectural standards
- Maintain adherence to Architects Registration Council of Nigeria and Nigerian Institute of Architects regulations
- Review and approve all construction drawings, specifications, and documentation
- Provide technical solutions to complex architectural and construction challenges
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Lead high-level client interactions and design presentations
- Interpret client needs and translate them into viable architectural solutions
- Manage expectations and ensure client satisfaction
- Support contract negotiations and design-related discussions
Team Development & Mentorship
- Mentor junior architects, interns, and trainees
- Conduct regular design reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions
- Support HR in recruitment, onboarding, and performance management
- Build a strong pipeline of future architectural leaders
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Drive adoption of modern architectural tools, technologies, and trends
- Promote sustainable and cost-effective design practices
- Improve internal workflows and architectural processes
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)
- Design Quality & Innovation Index
- Project Delivery Timeliness
- Regulatory Compliance Rate (Target: 100%)
- Client Satisfaction Score
- Reduction in Design Errors/Rework
- Team Productivity & Development
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture (B.Arch) – Mandatory
- Master’s Degree (M.Arch) – Advantage
Professional Certification
- Registered Architect with Architects Registration Council of Nigeria
- Member of Nigerian Institute of Architects
Experience
- Minimum of 8–12 years post-qualification experience
- Proven leadership experience managing architectural teams
- Strong portfolio of completed and ongoing projects
- Experience in real estate, architecture, or construction firms is highly preferred
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, ArchiCAD, SketchUp, Lumion, etc.
- Strong understanding of building systems, materials, and construction processes
- Deep knowledge of Nigerian building regulations and standards
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Leadership & Team Management
- Strategic Thinking & Design Direction
- Technical Expertise & Attention to Detail
- Project Coordination & Execution
- Communication & Presentation Skills
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- Internal: Executive Management, Projects Team, Procurement, Finance, HR
- External: Clients, Contractors, Consultants, Regulatory Authorities
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Applicants must attach a comprehensive portfolio of past and current architectural projects
- Portfolio should clearly demonstrate design capability, project involvement, and range of experience
- Applications without a portfolio will not be considered
SUCCESS PROFILE
A successful candidate will be:
- A strong leader capable of driving a department
- A high-level designer with practical execution knowledge
- A strategic thinker with business and project awareness
- A mentor committed to developing people and systems