Director Design Quality, Government Architect NSW

Archinect; City of Parramatta Council; Hybrid; AUD 231,000 - 256,000; Full time

Job summary

A government architectural office in Parramatta is seeking a Director Design Quality to lead a team in championing design excellence across New South Wales. In this executive role, you will provide strategic direction and guide complex projects, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has a strong architectural background and significant leadership experience, with a salary range of $231K to $256K. This position offers hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams to champion design excellence.
• Ability to navigate complex, high-profile projects with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team dedicated to design quality across NSW.
• Provide strategic advice and lead the State Design Review program.
• Foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Skills

Executive level experience in delivering high quality design services

Strong track record of leadership in complex projects

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Architecture

Registration with the NSW Architects Registration Board (or eligibility)

Job description

Champion Design. Influence Change. Lead with Purpose.

• Executive leadership role with the Government Architect’s office
• Drive design quality and excellence, influence major projects, and help shape policy to transform NSW’s built environment.
• 2-year temporary, full-time role with the possibility to become permanent
• Parramatta location with hybrid working
• TRP from $231K to $256K including superannuation (commensurate with experience)

The role

As Director Design Quality, you’ll lead a team dedicated to championing great design across NSW. Reporting to the Government Architect, you will provide strategic advice, lead the State Design Review program, and partner with government and industry to raise design standards on major projects.

This is a leadership role at centre of NSW’s design agenda: guiding, critiquing, and improving outcomes through collaboration, research, and hands-on direction. You’ll navigate complex, high-profile projects, balance diverse stakeholder needs and responding to emerging challenges in design practice.

By fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, you’ll empower a skilled team and ensure robust processes are in place to deliver consistent, high-quality advice and outcomes.

What you will bring

• Executive level experience in delivering high quality design services
• A strong track record of leadership and significant contribution to high quality and complex built environment projects

• Tertiary qualifications in Architecture
• Registration with the NSW Architects Registration Board (or eligibility to register)

This is a rare opportunity to influence design quality at scale and make a lasting impact on the places and communities of NSW.

About us

The Government Architect NSW (GANSW) provides strategic design leadership and expert advice to improve the quality of the built environment across New South Wales.

GANSW leads initiatives such as the State Design Review Panel, supports state significant developments and precincts, and collaborates with government, industry, and communities to champion design excellence. Through research, policy guidance, and hands-on review, the Government Architect helps set benchmarks for good design, ensuring that projects deliver lasting public value and reflect best practice standards.

How to apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Please note that to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. We support various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments. If we can make adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team.