Architect

VERTICAL LIVING; Chennai District; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertical Living in Chennai seeks a Senior Architect to lead projects from client requirements and design development through estimation, construction and final handover. This is not purely a design role; you will independently handle design, costing, site coordination and execution, ensuring buildable solutions and timely delivery across residential and commercial sectors.

You will travel to project locations, coordinate with consultants and vendors, prepare drawings and BOQs, and drive value

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture (B.Arch preferred).
• 5–10 years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of building construction and interior execution.
• Ability to read and prepare architectural drawings.
• BOQ preparation, quantity estimation and costing.
• Vendor and contractor management.
• Willingness to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop architectural concepts, layouts and working drawings for residential and commercial buildings.
• Prepare and coordinate architectural drawings required for project execution.
• Coordinate with structural, MEP and other consultants wherever required.
• Understand construction methodology, materials and site conditions.
• Develop custom interior concepts for homes, offices, retail spaces and other projects.
• Prepare BOQs, cost estimates and detailed project quotations.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering without compromising design or quality.

Skills

Architectural design

Site execution

BOQ estimation

Vendor management

Client liaison

Project coordination

Reading drawings

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's in Architecture (B.Arch)

Tools

SketchUp

Revit

3D visualization

Job description

WE'RE HIRING: SENIOR ARCHITECT – DESIGN, ESTIMATION & PROJECT EXECUTION

Company: Vertical Living

Role: Full-Time

Experience: 1–5 Years Preferred

Vertical Living is looking for an experienced and execution-oriented Architect who can take responsibility for projects from initial client requirements and design development through estimation, construction/interior execution and final handover.

This is not purely a design role. We are looking for someone who understands how projects are actually built and can independently handle design, costing, site coordination and execution.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop architectural concepts, layouts and working drawings for residential and commercial buildings.
• Understand client requirements and convert them into practical, buildable designs.
• Prepare and coordinate architectural drawings required for project execution.
• Work with structural, MEP and other consultants wherever required.
• Understand construction methodology, materials and site conditions.

INTERIOR DESIGN & CUSTOM PROJECTS

• Develop custom interior concepts for homes, offices, retail spaces, restaurants and other commercial projects.
• Create designs based on the client's requirements, budget, site conditions and brand identity.
• Handle projects that cannot be executed using standard modular packages or predefined designs.
• Work with designers/3D visualisers to develop presentations and detailed designs.
• Recommend suitable materials, finishes, furniture, lighting and construction methods.
• Conduct site measurements and quantity take-offs.
• Prepare BOQs, cost estimates and detailed project quotations.
• Estimate material, labour, fabrication and subcontractor costs.
• Obtain and compare quotations from vendors and contractors.
• Prepare custom quotations based on individual project requirements.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering without compromising design or quality.

SITE & PROJECT EXECUTION

• Visit project sites regularly and supervise execution.
• Be willing to travel to project locations whenever required.
• Coordinate civil, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, false ceiling, painting, flooring and other works.
• Plan project schedules and sequence of activities.
• Resolve design and execution issues arising at site.
• Ensure work is completed according to approved drawings and specifications.
• Monitor workmanship, quality, timelines and material usage.
• Coordinate and manage site supervisors, contractors, vendors and skilled manpower.
• Allocate manpower according to project requirements.
• Follow up with contractors and vendors to ensure timely execution.
• Identify and develop reliable vendors and contractors.
• Verify work completed by contractors before recommending payments.

CLIENT & PROJECT COORDINATION

• Participate in client meetings and understand their design expectations and budget.
• Explain designs, materials, costs and execution methods to clients.
• Make practical recommendations when client expectations conflict with budget or site conditions.
• Coordinate internally with design, procurement, sales and execution teams.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Degree in Architecture (B.Arch preferred)
• Approximately 5–10 years of relevant experience
• Strong understanding of both building construction and interior execution
• Strong knowledge of BOQ preparation, quantity estimation and costing
• Good understanding of civil works, carpentry, modular furniture, electrical, plumbing, false ceiling, flooring, painting and finishing works
• Ability to read and prepare architectural and working drawings
• Knowledge of SketchUp/Revit/3D/design software is an advantage
• Strong understanding of construction and interior materials
• Vendor and contractor management experience
• Ability to independently visit sites and solve execution problems
• Strong communication and client-handling skills
• Ability to work simultaneously across multiple projects

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are specifically looking for someone who is comfortable taking ownership.

The ideal candidate should be equally comfortable:

Designing a space → preparing its BOQ → calculating its cost → explaining it to the client → coordinating manpower → visiting the site → solving execution problems → delivering the completed project.

Candidates whose experience is limited only to architectural drawings or 3D designing may not be suitable for this position.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT

The candidate must be willing to travel to project locations depending on project requirements.

WHY JOIN VERTICAL LIVING?

Vertical Living is expanding across interior design, commercial fit-outs and building construction. The selected architect will play an important role in developing our architecture and project execution capabilities and will have the opportunity to handle projects from concept to completion.