Principal Architect for Data Center Projects

HDR; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Principal Architect for Data Center Projects in the United Kingdom. You will lead architectural data centre initiatives, manage design teams, and drive client engagement across UK markets while ensuring profitability and adherence to HDR processes.

Ideal candidates have a decade of project leadership in data centres, ARB/RIBA registration, and strong leadership, communication and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or closely related field.
• Registered Architect (ARB, RIBA).
• 10+ years of experience as project lead on large-scale data centre projects.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and client management skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally and domestically.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural data centre projects of varying sizes and profitability.
• Direct design team and collaborate with project leadership and clients.
• Develop business opportunities and marketing plans for UK practice.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and HDR delivery processes.
• Mentor staff and maintain staff sharpness and effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

Project management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Industry knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture

Master's degree in Architecture

ARB or RIBA registration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

HDR was ranked #1 among the "Top 30 Data Center Architecture + AE Firms" in BD+C's "2022 Giants 400" report - the list of the largest architecture, engineering and construction firms in the United States.

Primary Responsibilities

In the role of Principal Architect for Data Center Projects, we'll count on you to:

Business Development, Marketing and Practice Growth:

• Develop new business opportunities for the data center project architecture practice
• Partner with Architecture leadership to develop growth plan to support growth of UK HC practice
• Be well-connected in the industry
• Lead the data center production team in the UK
• Liaison to HDR design and delivery teams outside UK
• Lead HDR’s marketing efforts to win new business, including proposal strategy and writing and interview presentations
• Develop annual BD/marketing plan
• Bring energy, excitement, and fun to thriving practice

Client Management and Project Delivery Responsibilities:

• Lead architectural data center projects of varying sizes
• Direct design team and collaborates with other project leadership
• Enjoy working directly with clients
• Oversee the design team’s performance
• Collaborate with PM to ensure project profitability
• Ensure firm’s project delivery processes are met
• Ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulations, and best practice
• Help keep our staff sharp, trained, and effective
• Perform other duties as needed

Required Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or closely related field
• A minimum of10 years’ experience of working as project lead
• Have a strong recent experience of working with Data Centre projects
• Registered Architect (ARB, RIBA)
• Must have experience on large-scale projects
• Must be able to lead a team on projects
• Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional market
• Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational/organizational and people skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be willing to travel
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project)
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture

Why HDR

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.

Primary Location:United Kingdom-England-London Industry:Architecture Schedule:Full-time Employee Status:Regular BusinessClass:Gen Architecture Job Posting:Sep 3, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.