Senior Architect

Archway Recruitment; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Archway Recruitment is seeking a Senior Architect in Christchurch to lead complex projects from concept through to completion. You will work closely with clients, consultants and contractors, balancing hands-on technical delivery with strategic leadership to deliver high-quality architecture.

As a senior team member, you will mentor junior staff, support studio development and help shape the Christchurch practice.

Qualifications

• Leads projects through all phases from concept to completion.
• Strong technical design, detailing and documentation capability.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Experience leading consultant teams and coordinating complex project delivery.
• Strong communication and collaborative leadership style.
• Experience mentoring junior team members and supporting studio growth.
• Solutions-focused, practical approach to architecture and project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects through all phases from concept design to completion.
• Collaborate with clients, consultants, contractors and internal team members to achieve outcomes.
• Remain hands-on with technical delivery, problem-solving, coordination and documentation.
• Mentor colleagues and contribute to studio development and growth.
• Pathway toward Studio Leader role with progressive leadership responsibilities.

Skills

Project leadership

Mentoring

Stakeholder management

Communication

Coordination

Documentation

Technical design

Education

Registered Architect (or eligible for registration)

Tools

Revit

Job description

About The Organisation

Our client is a well-established and growing architectural practice with a strong reputation for delivering thoughtful, technically robust architecture across NZ.

With their Christchurch studio experiencing continued growth and a diverse pipeline of work spanning commercial, civic, education, healthcare, residential, and mixed-use developments. The practice is known for its collaborative culture, high-quality design outcomes, and commitment to professional development.

This is an opportunity to join a team where your expertise will be valued, your contribution will make a genuine impact, and your career can continue to grow alongside the business.

The Role

This position offers the opportunity to take a leading role in the delivery of complex architectural projects while remaining closely connected to the day-to-day work of producing great architecture.

You will lead projects through all phases, working closely with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal team members to achieve successful project outcomes. While project leadership is a key part of the role, we are looking for someone who enjoys remaining hands‑on with technical delivery, problem‑solving, coordination, and documentation.

As a senior member of the Christchurch team, you will also play an important role in mentoring colleagues, supporting studio development, and contributing to the continued growth of the practice.

Importantly, this opportunity offers a genuine pathway towards a Studio Leader role. You will initially work with the support of the Principal, giving you the opportunity to build your leadership remit progressively before stepping into greater responsibility for the Christchurch studio.

This role offers genuine autonomy and ownership, together with the opportunity in time, to influence projects, people, and the future direction of the studio.

Role Requirements

To be successful in this position you will be:

• A Registered Architect (or hold extensive Architecture experience (and the ability to obtain Registration))
• Advanced Revit proficiency
• Strong technical design, detailing, and documentation capability
• Proven experience managing projects through all phases from concept design to completion
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead consultant teams and coordinate complex project delivery
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative leadership style
• Experience mentoring and supporting junior team members
• A practical, solutions‑focused approach to architecture and project delivery

Healthcare Project Experience Would Be Highly Regarded. However, We Are Equally Interested In Professionals Who Have Delivered Complex Projects Across Sectors Such As

• Commercial
• Civic and public architecture
• Education
• Multi‑unit residential
• Mixed‑use developments
• Other technically demanding and highly coordinated project types

What’s in it for You?

• Join a respected and growing architectural practice
• Work on diverse and technically challenging projects
• Become a key member of a collaborative Christchurch studio
• Enjoy genuine autonomy and ownership of your work
• Opportunity to influence project outcomes and studio growth
• Clear pathway towards a Studio Leader position, with initial support from the Principal as your leadership responsibilities grow
• Long‑term career progression and leadership development
• Supportive and professional team environment