Principal Architect

Principal Architect Institutional & Large-Scale Projects

Role Overview

Principal Architect

Role Overview The Principal Architect will be the strategic and creative lead on large-scale institutional architecture projects. The role demands deep technical knowledge, refined aesthetic sensibility, proven leadership in crossfunctional teams, and an ability to deliver complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept to commissioning. You will act as the principal point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring architectural quality, design integrity, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery across all phases of project execution.people-centric design. Key Responsibilities Design Leadership • Lead the conceptualization and evolution of architectural design with a strong creative and sustainable approach. • Set the architectural design vision across projects and ensure consistency with the companys design philosophy. • Evaluate design briefs, site constraints, user needs, and building typologies to craft context-sensitive solutions. • Conduct and oversee design charters, peer reviews, and internal critiques to raise design standards. Technical Oversight • Provide expert-level oversight on construction documents, working drawings, tender documentation, and BOQs. • Resolve complex architectural detailing, building envelope strategies, structural-MEP integration, and building performance challenges. • Review and approve all drawings and specifications for architectural and interior works. • Ensure compliance with NBC, GRIHA/LEED, local municipal codes, statutory norms, and applicable development control regulations. • Advise on material selection, faade systems, waterproofing, fire safety, and building systems integration. Project & Team Management • Oversee end-to-end delivery of projects – from pre-design through schematic design, design development, documentation, construction administration, and final handover. • Develop project work plans, timelines, design deliverables, and resource allocation in collaboration with the PMO. • Lead internal teams of architects, designers, and draftsmen and coordinate work with structural, MEP, HVAC, and Interior Design consultants. • Conduct periodic site visits to monitor design implementation, coordinate RFIs, and resolve site-level technical issues. Stakeholder Interface • Engage directly with clients to understand vision, functional needs, budgets, and timelines. • Represent the firm in all major project meetings, design reviews, coordination meetings, and stakeholder discussions. • Liaise with PMC firms, client-appointed consultants, government authorities, and vendor teams. • Support client organizations in technical evaluations, value engineering, procurement, and lifecycle planning. Business Development & Thought Leadership • Contribute to bids, proposals, design competitions, and pre-qualification documentation. • Support marketing and communication efforts with project narratives, publications, and presentations. • Mentor junior staff and guide knowledge development, training, and professional growth. • Represent the firm at industry forums, client interactions, academic events, and design juries. Required Qualifications & Experience • Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) or equivalent. Master’s degree or international qualification (optional but preferred). • 15–20 years of post-qualification experience with at least 10 years in institutional architecture. • Proven track record leading high-value projects such as hospitals, corporate offices, universities, hospitality buildings or other such buildings. • Strong working knowledge of services coordination (MEP, HVAC, IBMS), sustainability standards, and digital design tools. • Proficiency in software: AutoCAD, Revit (preferred), SketchUp, Adobe Suite, and project management tools (MS Project, Primavera, etc.) • Strong analytical, interpersonal, and leadership skills with a high degree of accountability. Personal Attributes • Deep passion for architecture, design thinking, and socially responsible building practices. • Highly collaborative and empathetic leadership style. • Strong verbal and visual communication skills. • Solution-oriented mindset with attention to detail and execution excellence. • Adaptable and effective in high-pressure, multi-project environments.