Architectural Manager

Equalbase; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Equalbase is seeking an experienced Architectural Manager to support the Head of Design in delivering industrial and logistics developments in Malaysia. This senior, hands-on role requires strong architectural and technical knowledge, familiarity with Malaysian building regulations, and extensive project and site coordination experience.

You will act as a key architectural representative for the Design team in Malaysia, reviewing designs, coordinating with consultants and contractors,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or equivalent recognized architectural qualification.
• Approximately 8–12+ years of relevant architectural experience, including substantial project delivery and construction-stage experience.
• Strong knowledge of Malaysian building regulations, UBBL, local authority requirements, fire and life-safety requirements, and statutory approval processes.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Design in managing architectural design and technical delivery for projects in Malaysia.
• Review architectural designs, drawings, specifications, materials, details, and submissions prepared by consultants and project teams.
• Ensure the architectural design intent is maintained through design development, tender, construction and handover.
• Coordinate architectural requirements with structural, MEP, civil, landscape, fire engineering and other disciplines.
• Represent the Head of Design at site meetings and coordinate with consultants, contractors and authorities to resolve issues.

Skills

Architectural design

Site coordination

Regulatory compliance

Construction administration

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Architectural Manager / Senior Architectural Manager to support the Head of Design in the delivery of industrial and logistics developments in Malaysia.

This is a senior, hands-on role requiring strong architectural and technical knowledge, familiarity with Malaysian building regulations and authority requirements, and significant experience in project and site coordination.

The successful candidate will act as a key architectural representative for the Design team in Malaysia, working closely with consultants, contractors, clients, authorities, and internal stakeholders. The role requires someone capable of independently reviewing technical matters, representing design intent on site, identifying issues early, and providing clear recommendations to the Head of Design.

What We Are Looking For

This role requires someone with the experience, judgment, and confidence to represent the Head of Design on the ground in Malaysia. Preference will go towards candidates who can be stationed in Johor but not mandatory. You should be comfortable walking onto a construction site, identifying architectural and coordination issues, discussing them directly with consultants and contractors, and determining which matters can be resolved at project level and which require

escalation.

We are looking for someone practical and technically strong who can balance design quality, regulatory compliance, constructability, cost, program, and operational requirements while maintaining the overall architectural intent of the project.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Technical Management

• Support the Head of Design in managing architectural design and technical delivery for projects in Malaysia.
• Review architectural designs, drawings, specifications, materials, details, and submissions prepared by consultants and project teams.
• Ensure that the architectural design intent is maintained throughout design development, tender, construction, and completion.
• Review designs for compliance with applicable Malaysian building codes, regulations, authority requirements, and industry standards.
• Identify design, coordination, constructability, and compliance issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Coordinate architectural requirements with structural, MEP, civil, landscape, fire engineering, and other disciplines.
• Review shop drawings, material submissions, samples, mock-ups, RFIs, and other technical submissions where required.
• Support value engineering exercises while protecting key design and functional requirements.
• Assist with tenancy fit out design and coordination.

Site Representation & Project Delivery

• Represent the Head of Design and Design team at site meetings, technical meetings, consultant coordination meetings, inspections, and project reviews in Malaysia.
• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor architectural quality, workmanship, design compliance, and progress.
• Identify discrepancies between approved design documentation and site execution.
• Work with project managers, consultants, and contractors to resolve architectural and technical issues efficiently.
• Provide clear site observations, recommendations, photographic records, and reports to the Head of Design.
• Escalate significant design, quality, compliance, cost, or program issues when necessary.
• Follow through on outstanding architectural issues to ensure timely closure.
• Assist with inspections, testing and commissioning coordination, defects inspections, and project handover.

Project Management and Consultant & Stakeholder Coordination

• Manage the project including but not limited to timeline setting and tracking of progresses, budgeting, and coordination with local architects, consultants, contractors, project managers, and other project stakeholders.
• Participate in design and technical workshops and provide architectural input on behalf of the Design team.
• Communicate design requirements clearly and confidently to external consultants and contractors.
• Support discussions with Malaysian authorities and local consultants regarding planning, building control, fire safety, accessibility, and other statutory requirements.
• Maintain clear communication with the Head of Design regarding project status, key decisions, risks, and matters requiring management attention.

Job Holder Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or equivalent recognized architectural qualification.
• Registered Architect in Malaysia / LAM registration is strongly preferred.
• Approximately 8-12+ years of relevant architectural experience, preferably including substantial project delivery and construction-stage experience.
• Strong knowledge of Malaysian building regulations, UBBL, local authority requirements, fire and life-safety requirements, and statutory approval processes.
• Experience working with Malaysian authorities, consultants, contractors, and project teams.
• Strong technical architectural knowledge and ability to review drawings and construction details critically.
• Significant experience in site coordination, inspections, construction administration, and resolution of technical issues.
• Experience in industrial, logistics, warehouse, manufacturing, data center, or large-scale commercial developments is highly advantageous.
• Ability to read and coordinate architectural, structural, MEP, civil, and specialist consultant drawings.
• Good understanding of buildability, materials, detailing, specifications, and construction methodology.
• Strong written and spoken English; and proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia.
• Able and willing to travel to project sites within Malaysia as required.