Associate Architect

NBRS; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9 Day Fortnight

Flexible Working Arrangements

Award-winning projects

Job summary

NBRS is seeking an experienced Associate Architect to lead education-sector projects from concept to delivery, mentor teams, and drive design excellence across a diverse portfolio. You will manage client relationships, coordinate consultants, and work with the Principal to shape strategic delivery while fostering an inclusive, high-performing studio culture.

Applicants should have a recognised Architecture degree, Australian registration, and at least 10 years' post-graduate experience

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture or related discipline.
• Registration with the State-based Board of Architects.
• Minimum 10 years post-graduate experience across all project stages.
• Minimum 10 years experience in an Australian architectural practice.
• Experience leading complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Education sector project experience is highly regarded.
• Strong design leadership and knowledge of NCC/BCA.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple projects from inception through delivery.
• Manage client relationships and coordinate consultants.
• Support Principals in project delivery and growth initiatives.
• Mentor and develop team members and foster a collaborative culture.
• Ensure projects meet time, budget, and quality targets.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Project management

Architecture design

Education

Degree in Architecture

Registration with State Board of Architects

Tools

Revit

Australian Standards

Job description

• Industry leading 9 Day Fortnight initiative
• Flexible Working Arrangements to create a greater work-life balance.
• Multidisciplinary studios and award-winning projects

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Associate Architect to join NBRS and play a key leadership role in delivering exceptional projects while mentoring and developing high-performing teams. Working across a diverse portfolio, including education projects, you will lead client relationships, manage project teams, and contribute to the continued growth and success of our practice.

ABOUT US

Do you believe designing the built environment is a powerful vehicle for change?

At NBRS, we are driven by the belief that design should improve the well-being of our society and leave a lasting, positive impact on communities. We are dedicated to creating built environment solutions that support fundamental human activities: education, healing, gathering, celebrating, and socialising.

Our award-recognized designs are the result of robust, in-house dialogue from our resolute design collective, bringing together architecture, landscape architecture, heritage, and interior design. The results are contextual, inspirational, people-focused, and deeply sensitive to both environmental and cultural contexts.

We’re committed to helping every team member build a thriving career through ongoing development and mentoring along a rich professional journey. Our 9-day fortnight initiative reflects our dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of everyone at NBRS.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As an Associate Architect, you will be responsible for leading multiple projects from inception through to delivery, ensuring exceptional design, technical, and commercial outcomes. You will play a pivotal role in managing client relationships, leading project teams, coordinating consultants, and maintaining strong stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

Reporting to and supporting the Principal, you will contribute to strategic project delivery while ensuring the highest standards of design excellence, technical quality, and project management.

This role also includes people leadership responsibilities, with a focus on mentoring, coaching, and developing team members while fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Experience delivering projects within the education sector, including schools, universities, TAFEs, and other learning environments, will be highly regarded.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple projects across all stages, from concept design through to completion.
• Build, manage, and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Lead consultant teams and coordinate internal and external stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Support Principals in project delivery, business development initiatives, and strategic growth opportunities.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Lead design reviews, project coordination, documentation, and delivery processes.
• Manage and mentor team members, providing ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and career development support.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and support the achievement of individual and team performance goals.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
• Champion continuous learning and professional development within the team.
• Drive excellence in project delivery through strong leadership, technical expertise, and commercial awareness.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of education sector projects, understanding stakeholder needs, regulatory requirements, and best-practice educational design principles.

ABOUT YOU

• A recognised degree in Architecture or related discipline.
• Registration with the relevant State-based Board of Architects.
• Minimum 10 years' post-graduate experience working across all project stages from inception through to completion.
• Minimum 10 years' experience working within an Australian architectural practice.
• Strong experience leading complex architectural projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Education sector project experience, including schools, universities, TAFEs, and other educational facilities, is highly regarded.
• Demonstrated strengths in creativity, design leadership, and strategic thinking.
• Strong knowledge of the NCC, BCA, Australian Standards, and planning frameworks.
• Experience leading projects using Revit.
• Ability to manage multiple projects of varying complexity and stages of delivery simultaneously.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems and make sound decisions in non-standard situations.
• Strong commercial awareness and project management capability.
• Excellent oral, graphic, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, and developing staff.
• Ability to build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Proactive mindset with a strong sense of initiative and accountability.

WHY US?

At NBRS, we are committed to helping you achieve your full potential. You will be challenged, motivated, and developed within a supportive work environment that values creativity and innovation.

We promote an inclusive culture that respects and celebrates our unique abilities and differences. We strive to create a safe environment where everyone can thrive by recognizing talent, promoting inclusion, and celebrating diversity. With us, you will join a team that actively encourages growth, promotes flexibility, and genuinely cares about personal well-being. No matter how you identify, we encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply.

Further Information:

Please visit our website for more information about NBRS: http://www.nbrs.com.au.

Working Rights:

Only applicants with full working rights in Australia will be considered for this position.

Recruitment Agencies:

Thank you for thinking of us. We endeavor to fill this position through direct recruitment channels. We will be in touch if agency assistance is required for this role.