Principal Architect

Role & responsibilities

As Principal Architect, you will:

• Define and guide the architectural vision, standards and methodology for the firms residential design & build operations.
• Lead the architectural team (senior architects, junior architects, designers) in conceptual design, detailed drawings, and site coordination.
• Ensure designs are feasible, buildable, compliant with local building regulations and the company’s quality standards.
• Act as a key client-facing leader: shaping design proposals, presenting to clients, and assuring client satisfaction.
• Participate in business development: contribute to design differentiation, help win projects, and manage high-value design assignments.
• Oversee and improve processes: design review, coordination with engineering/MEP teams, documentation standards, 3D workflows where applicable.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the entire architectural design cycle for residential houses (from concept through execution): site analysis, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction oversight.
• Review and approve architectural drawings, specifications, elevations, sections, details — ensure they align with structural, MEP, and interior elements.
• Ensure compliance with local codes, zoning laws, building regulations, and quality/safety standards.
• Coordinate with structural engineers, MEP engineers, contractors, procurement & site teams to ensure design intent is maintained during construction.
• Mentor and supervise the architectural team: set standards, conduct design reviews, provide technical guidance, uphold design quality.
• Drive innovation in materials, construction techniques, sustainable design and costefficient detailing suitable for residential scale.
• Represent BuildAhome in client meetings, design presentations, project reviews and drive design excellence as part of the brand.
• Develop internal architectural standards, templates, design libraries, best-practice guidelines.
• Collaborate with business/sales function to translate client needs into design solutions that meet budget, schedule and aesthetic goals.
• Monitor project design budgets, staffing, schedules and quality deliverables.
• Stay current with technology, software tools (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Lumion/VRay etc), construction industry trends, and incorporate relevant improvements.
• Oversees site visits as required: designintent inspections, addressing site issues and ensuring design quality during execution.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s (B.Arch) or Master’s degree in Architecture from a recognised institution.
• Minimum 10+ years of professional experience in architectural design of residential (ideally house-construction) projects, including detailed design & construction phases.
• Proven experience leading architectural teams and multidiscipline coordination (structure, MEP, interiors).
• Strong proficiency in design tools and software: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Lumion/V-Ray, and preferably Revit workflows.
• Excellent clientfacing, presentation and communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of Indian building codes, residential construction methods, materials, detailing, and site execution constraints.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large value projects, deliver design within budget & schedule constraints.
• Leadership, mentoring skills and ability to maintain design quality across multiple projects.
• A strong portfolio of completed residential houses/homes available for review.
• Preferred: experience in sustainable design, green building practices, and high quality finishes for residences.

Desired Traits

• Visionary: able to set and drive design direction, reflect brand ethos in architecture.
• Detail-oriented: strong in construction detailing, buildability, execution constraints.
• Collaborative: able to work across teams (engineering, procurement, site).
• Client-centric: able to translate client wants into meaningful design, manage expectations.
• Innovative: open to new materials, processes, sustainable systems tailored for residential markets.
• Practical: understands cost and time realities of house construction; design must be constructive, not just aesthetic.

Preferred candidate profile