Project Architect
FHA Architecture & Design is an innovative, design-focused practice dedicated to creating thoughtful and cutting-edge spaces. We work across a diverse range of sectors, including hospitality, commercial, and mixed-use developments, with a primary focus on residential architecture. Our aim is to deliver exceptional architectural solutions, complemented by an unwavering commitment to client service.
We are seeking an experienced Project Architect with genuinely strong conceptual design ability to take ownership of projects from inception through to completion, acting as the day-to-day point of contact for clients and as a team leader within the office. This is a role for someone who wants genuine responsibility: originating and defending a strong design direction, running jobs independently, mentoring junior staff, and being trusted to make sound design, technical, and site decisions independantly.
At FHA, we foster a collaborative and nurturing environment that encourages professional growth. Through a blend of formal training and informal mentorship, we are dedicated to supporting the development of your skills and expertise.
Our office is located within the vibrant Iconic Offices at The Masonry, Thomas Street, Dublin 8, offering excellent transport links via the Luas Red Line and various bus routes. The location also provides access to a range of local amenities, making it an ideal setting for both work and collaboration. In addition, enjoy regular perks such as breakfast, tea & coffee, monthly social events, and the opportunity to connect with other professionals within the building.
If you are passionate about architecture, hold strong design instincts, and are ready to run your own projects with real autonomy, we would be delighted to hear from you.
What we're looking for:
Strong conceptual design ability is essential. Candidates will be asked to present a portfolio of built residential work demonstrating design leadership from concept through to a resolved, delivered scheme, not just technical documentation
- Architecture qualification required
- RIAI Registered Architect or eligible for registration without further assessment
- Minimum 6 years' post-qualification experience working in the Irish architectural industry, with a demonstrable track record of running projects.
- Mixed sectoral experience (residential, commercial, mixed-use) is preferable, but the role will focus predominantly on residential projects
- Extensive site experience, including a proven ability to read a site, anticipate buildability issues, and troubleshoot on the spot
- Strong, current knowledge of Irish Building Regulations, BCAR and the BCMS platform, sufficient to carry out BCAR inspections unsupervised
- Demonstrated ability to identify defective or non-compliant work on site and to determine and instruct an appropriate remedial action, without requiring director sign-off on routine items
- Confident, client-facing manner, with experience leading client meetings and managing client relationships directly
- Experience running projects both independently and as the lead of a project team within an office
- Working knowledge of contract administration under Irish standard forms of building contract
- Proficient in AutoCAD; working knowledge of Revit, which is used on certain projects
- Sound knowledge of the Irish planning system and process
- Good knowledge of construction products, materials, and technologies
- Good knowledge of Health & Safety regulations and requirements relevant to design and site roles
The Role:
- Take ownership of a portfolio of projects, predominantly residential with some mixed-use/commercial exposure, from early conceptual design through to construction completion
- Originate and defend the design direction on each project, from initial concept and client presentation through to planning and construction detail
- Lead initial client meetings and act as the principal client contact throughout the life of each project
- Carry out site surveys on relevant projects to inform design and feasibility
- Produce and oversee the production of quality design and technical drawings and specifications across all RIAI work stages
- Carry out contract administration duties on projects at tender and construction stage
- Carry out site monitoring and BCAR inspections independently, identifying defective or non-compliant work and directing the appropriate remedial action
- Oversee BCMS submissions and Assigned Certifier compliance obligations on assigned projects
- Lead and manage the staff members assigned to your project team, allocating work and reviewing output
- Report progress, risks, and key decisions back to the Directors on a regular and ad hoc basis
- Work across all project stages as required, with a particular concentration at tender and construction stage
- Flexible working hours, with blended home and office working
Remuneration:
- Excellent remuneration package, commensurate with experience and portfolio
- Access to FHA's company pension scheme, in addition to statutory auto-enrolment, with contribution levels rising with length of service (details discussed at interview stage)
- Cycle to Work scheme (secure bike parking within the building)
