Lead Technical Designer / Project Architect

Donato LLC is managing the search for an international design studio whose identity will be shared with qualified candidates. The role leads architectural design development and technical execution from concept through construction, coordinating teams and consultants while overseeing documentation, permitting, quality, and construction support.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the technical delivery of projects from initial concept through tender and construction documentation
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams on technical and design coordination issues
• Lead project meetings and oversee coordination with all stakeholders to ensure alignment and compliance
• Develop detailed work plans in line with project schedules and resource requirements
• Define project scope, schedule, and deliverables in collaboration with project managers and firm leadership
• Present and communicate design and technical solutions clearly to clients, stakeholders, and team members
• Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration with engineering and design professionals
• Promote a culture of design excellence, accountability, and professional development
• Mentor and supervise junior architects and technical staff
• Translate conceptual designs into practical workable/construction solutions
• Develop and produce comprehensive technical drawings and ensure design quality, functionality, and innovation
• Ensure compliance with building codes, accessibility standards, fire safety, and zoning regulations
• Excellent knowledge of building systems, materials, and construction methods, sustainability standards
• Refine material assemblies, façade systems, and construction detailing in alignment with performance, budget, and aesthetic goals
• Ability to produce highly accurate and organized drawings/documents and manage the submissions
• Manage the organization, versioning, and tracking of all project-related documents and drawings throughout the lifecycle of the project
• Coordinate with internal and external teams to ensure timely delivery of drawing packages for design milestones, permitting, tendering, and construction
• Ensure drawing sets are logically organized, properly annotated, and coordinated with all disciplines
• Maintain consistency in graphic standards, line weights, title blocks, sheet numbering, and drawing conventions as per office or project standards
• Create and maintain detailed BIM models (primarily in Revit)
• Manage model coordination across all disciplines
• Assist with clash detection and integration of consultant models
• Ensure all documents are aligned with project schedules, client expectations, and Contractual deliverables
• Assemble comprehensive drawing packages and supplemental documents required for authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) submissions, ensuring that each set adheres to the formatting, content, and technical standards mandated by local regulatory bodies
• Ensure all permit packages are well-organized, complete, and clearly annotated to facilitate timely review and approval by planning and building departments
• Conduct preliminary research into applicable zoning ordinances, land use regulations, building codes and other jurisdictional requirements
• Keep project managers and design teams informed of permit-related milestones, regulatory constraints, and any changes impacting design or documentation
• Provide clients with clear overviews of the permitting process, anticipated timelines, and deliverable requirements
• Assist in tracking project milestones across all design phases, ensuring that drawing submissions, consultant deliverables, and client reviews align with established schedules
• Work with project managers and senior team members to maintain design and documentation timelines, proactively flagging potential delays or resourcing issues
• Help manage internal workplans, checklists, and phase-by-phase deliverables to support efficient project delivery
• Maintain up-to-date drawing logs, issue logs, and revision histories to ensure all stakeholders work from the latest information
• Support the issuance of drawing packages by tracking submission dates, revisions, and approvals
• Track incoming and outgoing communication with external consultants, ensuring integration of their information into the architectural documentation
• Monitor the status of RFI responses, submittals, and technical queries to support the design phases
• Prepare and maintain the design change and action trackers
• Maintain the Meeting minutes and Weekly Progress reports in coordination with all the stakeholders
• Review design/technical drawings from junior staff for accuracy and completeness
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to project team members
• Implement and monitor QA/QC protocols throughout all phases of design and documentation
• Anticipate project risks and develop mitigation strategies in coordination with the Project Managers
• Support issue resolution and ensure adherence to design intent
• Review shop drawings, respond to RFIs (Requests for Information), and process change orders
• Ensure that construction adheres to design specifications and regulatory requirements
• Conduct site inspections and provide technical input during site meetings

Requirements:

• 12-14 years of professional experience in architectural practice, with demonstrated experience leading projects
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution
• Licensed or registered architect with AIA, RIBA, ARB, or equivalent professional accreditation (as applicable by region)
• Well-versed in the requirements and deliverables of the relevant accrediting bodies (e.g., AIA, RIBA, ARB, or equivalent)
• Extensive experience in hospitality and destination design, with strong familiarity with hospitality programming, FOH/BOH planning, and brand standards, ensuring these requirements are fully integrated into technical documentation, specifications, and coordinated consultant deliverables
• A strong understanding of architectural design principles, construction methods, and building codes
• Proficiency in Building Information Modeling (BIM) software (Revit preferred) and other relevant architectural software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), Microsoft Office and/or project management tools)
• Brings experience working across diverse project types, locations, and companies, including resorts and hospitality
• Culturally sensitive, demonstrating an understanding and respect for different work styles and backgrounds
• Demonstrates creativity in problem-solving, developing innovative solutions that balance aesthetics and functionality
• Maintains high-quality deliverables with meticulous attention to detail throughout the design process
• Prioritizes effectively, managing competing demands and aligning tasks with project stage and impact
• Approaches challenges with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset to minimize project risks
• Navigates conflicts constructively, facilitating communication and fostering a collaborative environment
• Adapts to different working styles with flexibility and empathy, supporting team members under pressure