Respond is a construction led Approved Housing Body and service provider. We're expanding our dedicated team, seeking individuals who possess both the drive and skills necessary to help us make a significant impact.
Respond is committed to equal employment and growing a diverse workforce. If you do not "tick every box" there are likely other valuable attributes and skills that you have, that would make you a great fit for the organisation. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, nationalities, genders and from anyone who has historically faced social exclusion. If you feel this role is for you, then please apply
Location: Dublin / Waterford / Hybrid
Reporting To: Design Lead & Head of Development
Hours: 39 hours per week
Terms: Full time permanent
Salary Range: €69,566 to €90,027
(Please note that offers are typically made at the beginning to mid-range of the advertised salary, based on skills and experience)
Purpose of the Role
The Senior Architect plays a key leadership role in shaping Respond's development programme and ensuring the highest standards of design and delivery across residential and community projects. The role leads architectural design, manages Public Works Contract (PWC) schemes, and provides expert guidance to Respond internal teams as a member of the Design sub-division of the Development Department team including liaising with Housing, Finance, Health and Safety and Construction teams and external and internal delivery partners.
The post holder supports the Executive Head of Development in delivering annual housing targets and ensuring alignment with Respond's Corporate Strategy, Design Guide, and ESG Strategy. The Senior Architect acts as an inhouse senior design professional across multiple residential, community, public realm and mixeduse projects, ensuring design quality, compliance, sustainable construction practices and value for money across all schemes. Significant experience in the design and evaluation of complex urban/suburban residential schemes and the ability to lead design reviews under technical merit/qualitative criteria is essential.
Key Responsibilities
1. Architectural Design & Delivery
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Translate briefs into feasible design concepts and lead design development from sketch to completion.
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Manage PWC projects including feasibility, funding applications, tendering, contract administration, and onsite delivery.
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Prepare business cases, feasibility studies, and funding proposals.
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Conduct design due diligence, risk assessment, and stakeholder negotiation.
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Ensure all projects reflect Respond's design principles, sustainability goals, and placemaking standards.
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Evaluate development submissions and design responses for technical merit and quality under Responds designated quality criteria.
2. Design Leadership & Quality
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Act as Senior Architect on residential, community, childcare, amenity, conservation, refurbishment, landscaping and public realm projects liaising with Housing, Asset management, Health and Safety and other internal teams in Respond as required.
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Lead design teams and external consultants; oversee internal design reviews.
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Embed inclusive design, universal design, lifetime homes standards, and lowcarbon principles in all development schemes.
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Support innovation including MMC, NZEB compliance, ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable construction.
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Develop tools, systems, and procedures to strengthen design quality and consistency.
3. Stakeholder & Client Engagement
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Present design proposals both internally and externally to stakeholders and negotiate with both consultants and contractors.
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Support internal and external partners including local authorities, the Housing Agency, and HFA.
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Lead internal design review workshops and ensure futureproofing and sustainability principles are applied.
4. Public Works Contract Delivery
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Support procurement and appointment of design teams, contractors, and advisors.
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Ensure compliance with CWMF, PWC requirements, and procurement rules.
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Review development agreements, building contracts, and legal documentation.
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Monitor consultant performance and address issues or disputes.
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Review tender documentation, construction drawings, and design submissions.
5. Technical Oversight
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Lead design on reviews, verify constructability, and ensure building regulations compliance, and attend site meetings as required.
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Oversee tender processes, contractor appointments, and consultant fee recommendations.
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Provide architectural and contractual advice to delivery teams including technical assessments.
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Support Senior Development Managers on community and specialist buildings.
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Contribute to research on sustainability, MMC, ecology, biodiversity, and lowcarbon design.
6. Quality, Compliance & Reporting
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Maintain accurate documentation including planning, funder, consultant, and contractor agreements.
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Prepare timely internal and external reports.
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Ensure compliance with legislation, building regulations, procurement rules, and health and safety requirements.
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Maintain records using Respond's IT systems (ActiveH, AutoCAD, BIM tools).
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Ensure O&M manuals, safety files, and handover documentation are complete.
7. Financial & Contract Management
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Assist in procurement and tendering for new build projects.
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Coordinate external consultants and manage project budgets, logs, and progress tracking. Support cost management, valueformoney assessments, and financial reporting.
8. Leadership & Team Development
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Contribute to strategic planning and decisionmaking within the Development Department.
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Build strong relationships with government bodies, local authorities, developers, funders, and contractors.
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Mentor junior architects and designers; support recruitment and professional development.
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Ensure high standards of client care and organisational representation.
Experience & Qualifications:
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Master's degree in architecture; Chartered Architect (RIAI).
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10+ years postqualification experience including social housing design and delivery.
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Strong experience with PWC projects, CWMF compliance, contract administration, and design reviews.
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Comprehensive knowledge of the Irish Planning System, Building Regulations, and construction delivery.
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Expertise in lowcarbon and energyefficient design, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable construction an advantage.
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Strong IT skills: AutoCAD, BIM (Revit/Archicad), MS Office, 3D rendering tools.
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Proven leadership, negotiation, and stakeholdermanagement skills.
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Experience in residential, community, and mixeduse design.
Desirable
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Postgraduate qualification in conservation, sustainability, urban design, landscaping , MMC or the public realm, Master planning in an urban/ suburban context.
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Experience with PPP projects, strategic procurement, and cost management.
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Experience with AHBs, local authorities, or public bodies.
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Evidence of continued professional development in legislation, construction regulations, safety, procurement, and contract administration.
Personal Attributes
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Strong leadership and teammanagement capability.
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Analytical, detailoriented, and comfortable interpreting complex data.
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Motivated, passionate, and committed to highquality design.
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Customerfocused with strong negotiation and influencing skills.
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Excellent organisational, planning, and problemsolving abilities.
Closing date for applicants: 10th of July 2026.
