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Conquest is a private equity real estate firm with holdings in both Sydney, Australia and London, UK.

With 21 years of experience delivering institutional real estate across three core sectors—Residential, Retail and Hotels—the firm is strategically positioned to capitalise on opportunities in both markets.

Due to our exponential growth, we are seeking a Senior Architectural Associate / Practice Lead to join our in house Architectural studio, CQ. Studio

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary Sydney-based design studio team of 8–15 members
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance studio culture aligned with Australian practice norms
• Conduct regular performance reviews, set individual goals, and support CPD and NSW Architects Registration Board requirements
• Allocate resources and workloads across projects to optimise efficiency and quality

Design Direction & Quality Control

• Establish and champion the studio’s design vision, philosophy, and standards
• Lead concept development, DA/SSD schematic design, and design development phases
• Review and approve all design deliverables (drawings, models, presentations) for consistency, excellence, and NCC/BCA compliance
• Ensure integration of ESD principles, SEPPs, DCPs, and Sydney-specific urban design guidelines

Documentation Oversight & Technical Excellence

• Oversee production of full CC/CDC construction documentation sets (plans, sections, details, schedules) ie tender to construction documentation drawings & specifications
• Implement and enforce BIM/Revit standards, templates, and QA protocols aligned with DBPA & Australian Standards
• Conduct regular documentation audits to minimise errors, omissions, and RFIs during construction
• Coordinate with NSW-registered consultants (structural, hydraulic, fire, access, heritage) to integrate systems seamlessly

Project Delivery & Coordination

• Act as primary design point of contact for key Sydney clients, councils, and stakeholders
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and deliverables from DA/SSD lodgement through construction administration
• Chair internal design and documentation review meetings; accessibility compliance checks
• Support construction phase services including site visits, shop drawing reviews, and PCA liaison

Practice Growth

• Contribute to EOI/RFP submissions, and Design Excellence Competition entries
• Identify opportunities to expand services, improve workflows, or adopt NSW-specific technologies (ie, Planning Portal integration)

Required Qualifications

• Registered Architect with the NSW Architects Registration Board (or eligible within 6 months) with 5+ years post-registration experience
• Proven track record leading Class 2 projects from inception to completion in NSW under relevant planning pathways and the DBP Act
• Competent proficiency in Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, and Adobe Suite; experience with NSW Planning Portal a plus
• Strong portfolio showcasing design leadership (preferred typologies: residential, mixed-use)
• Exceptional design sensibility balanced with rigorous NSW technical and regulatory acumen
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and client/council engagement abilities
• Strategic thinker with operational rigor and attention to detail
• Collaborative leader who inspires teams and drives accountability
• Resilient under pressure; adept at managing multiple deadlines and Sydney’s fast-paced approval timelines

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Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• How many years\' experience do you have as an Architecture Associate?
• Are you currently registered with an architect\'s board in Australia?
• Which of the following CAD software do you have experience with?
• What\'s your expected annual base salary?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?

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