Senior Data Center Architect & Growth Leader

HDR, Inc.; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, a leader in engineering and architecture, seeks a Principal Architect for Data Center Projects in London. You will lead architectural data center programs, drive business development, and coordinate with HDR’s global design and delivery teams.

The role requires a Bachelor's in architecture, 10+ years as a project lead, ARB/RIBA registration, and willingness to travel. You will mentor staff and ensure profitable, compliant project delivery in the UK.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or closely related field.
• At least 10 years’ experience as project lead on large-scale data centre projects.
• Registered Architect (ARB, RIBA).
• Able to lead a team and travel as needed.
• Extensive knowledge of local and regional market.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural data center projects of varying sizes.
• Direct design team and collaborate with project leadership.
• Engage directly with clients and ensure profitability.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Oversee staff development and delivery processes.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client interaction

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture

Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project)

Job description

Principal Architect for Data Center Projects - ( 195463 )

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

#LI-MW4

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

Primary Location

: United Kingdom-England-London

Schedule

Schedule

: Full-time

Employee Status

Employee Status

: Regular

Job Posting

Job Posting

: Oct 6, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.