Senior Architect

Senior Architect

- (193444)

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for; it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you licence to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.

Our workplace is collaborative and diverse, built on a history of controlling our own destiny, putting people first and offering careers that provide for a secure future. At HDR, you are part of a team, surrounded by talent that brings out your best.

The Role

As a Senior Architect, we'll count on you in the following areas:

Key Accountabilities

Design Philosophy & Leadership

• Coordinate the architectural design process, develop alternative solutions and presentation graphics to communicate concepts effectively.

• Produce high quality study models, renderings, montages, diagrams and presentations, including same or image boards, to clearly communicate design intent.

• Demonstrate a solid understanding of national / international design precedents, applying best practice, innovation and considered design response.

• Lead early-stage project contributions through design brief development, site analysis and information gathering to support project direction and deliverables.

• Display strong sketching, diagramming, visualisation and verbal / visual presentation skills to support your involvement and contribution to project early stages.

• Review and interpret Design Reports from prior stages to gain insight into the cumulative project design narrative.

• Understand the hierarchy of current stage project Design Intent to determine a ‘critical / nice to have / minimum level of design’ appraisal of all elements.

• Propose creative and technically sound design solutions that capture / enhance the design intent of the project.

• Prepare for and contribute to internal and external design and documentation reviews, ensuring all design solutions enhance and maintain the project’s design intent.

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of materiality and material limitations being specified and drawn within project-specific contexts.

• Translate Design Intent into clearly defined project deliverables across all project phases.

• Demonstrate sound understanding of how theoretical architectural design translates into commercial architectural practice (understanding the ‘Design Process’).

Technical Delivery

• Independently create high quality schematic, design development and construction documentation.

• Take ownership of assigned deliverables, using your knowledge and experience to deliver accurate and consistent outcomes.

• Possess sound fundamental knowledge of minimum project compliance requirements including DA, CC, BCA/NCC, DDA, ensuring documentation is aligned with codes and regulations.

• Demonstrate advanced attention to detail; review and quality check tour work and that of junior team members before submission.

• Maintain proficiency in all frequently used software’ including Revit, Rhino, MS Office, Adobe Suite.

• Maintain document control and ensure up to date documentation using HDR’s systems and workflows.

Project Management

• Apply fundamental Project Management principles to support project delivery.

• Confidently manage external requests (consultants, clients, contractors) by coordinating with Project Leaders and tracking potential scope changes via internal change control procedures on the HDR Variation Change Register.

• Proactively work with your Project Leader to understand and confirm weekly drawing, design and task deliverables.

• Proactively work with your Project Leader to understand and confirm the next Project Deadline and any critical dates affecting your apportioned work.

• Accurately manage time tracking and resource allocation, ensuring tasks are delivered within project budgets and timelines.

• Support monthly project financial updates including contributing to the HDR Deliverables Planner, estimating hours to complete and helping establish accurate Project Financial Status (Earned Value & Project Progress).

Project Commercial Responsibility

• Deliver work efficiently and autonomously, identifying areas for improvement and best practice.

• Demonstrate a developing understanding of Architectural Fee structures and the commercial rationale for operational efficiency.

• Contribute to fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all aspects of project delivery and design coordination.

Business Development

• Actively engage in opportunities to broaden knowledge across multiple typologies through all project stages.

• Promote HDR positively to industry and colleagues.

• Demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of HDR’s ABG core sector typologies in Australia.

• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals, presentations and design documentation that reflect HDR’s design excellence and strategic value.

Culture & Growth

• Actively participate in office wide initiatives that promote personal and professional staff development.

• Champion a culture of professionalism, team collaboration and accountability.

• Model positive and solution-oriented teamwork.

• Take initiative in seeking out appropriate pathways for professional and self-development.

People Management & Leadership

• Support and mentor team members, offering guidance, sharing knowledge and creating a collaborative project environment.

• Provide informal leadership within project teams, helping to organise workflows.

• Recognise and escalate complex or sensitive issues to line management or HR as required.

• Communicate clearly and frequently with your colleagues, line manager and project teams.

• Communicate clearly and confidently with external stakeholders.

• Assume project leadership roles where required.

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Tertiary qualifications in Architecture

• Typically, 8+ years’ experience with demonstrated knowledge in building design and documentation.

• Registered Architect.

• Excellent communication / interpersonal skills.

• Strong problem solving and continuous improvement mindset.

• Collaborative, proactive and highly organised with good time management.

• Strong portfolio with a great eye for presentation and attention to detail.

• A keen interest in personal and professional development.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Our Commitment

HDR is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified and/or experienced candidates, regardless of gender identity or expression, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or religious and political beliefs. This includes encouragement for veterans.

HDR acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we, our clients and communities live and work. As part of our commitment to reconciliation and diversity, we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply. Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to an inclusive community.

Primary Location

Australia-NSW-Sydney

Industry

Architecture

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass

Health ARC

Job Posting

Jun 1, 2026