About
Archibat HR is seeking a Principal Architect for a leading provider of integrated solutions for designing, developing, and managing infrastructure and building facilities. The company has a strong track record of shaping asia’s skyline through iconic projects. Driven by principles of sustainability, resilience, and technology, the company strives to create resilient cities worldwide. With a diverse group of companies, they offer one-stop consultancy services across the entire building lifecycle.
Job description
Role:
We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Principal Architect to lead the architectural design operations and project delivery pipelines based in our Shanghai office. In this senior leadership role, you will act as the key design authority and operational anchor for regional landmark developments, smart campus initiatives, and large-scale architectural projects across China.
The ideal candidate combines elite conceptual design capabilities with robust technical delivery experience, a proven track record of autonomous team leadership, and native-level fluency in bilingual (Mandarin Chinese and English) professional communication to liaise seamlessly with clients, local regulatory bodies, and cross-border engineering teams.
Responsibilities
– Design Leadership & Direction: Drive the conceptualization, development, and execution of high-profile architectural projects from initial design conception through schematic design, design development, and construction documentation.
– Autonomous Team Management: Lead, mentor, and oversee a multidisciplinary team of architects, designers, and technical coordinators in Shanghai independently, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring rigorous adherence to project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
– Client & Stakeholder Presentation: Serve as the primary design spokesperson and executive presenter for high-stakes client pitches, design competitions, and negotiations with corporate partners, investors, and municipal authorities in China.
– Regulatory & Technical Compliance: Navigate complex local Chinese architectural codes, zoning laws, statutory approvals, and construction guidelines, coordinating closely with local design institutes (LDI) and engineering consultants.
– Cross-Border Collaboration: Bridge communication and execution strategies between regional headquarters, international partners, and local operational teams, ensuring design integrity and seamless project delivery.
Required profile
Requirements
– Professional Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive architectural design and project management experience, with a proven portfolio of completed large-scale commercial, institutional, or educational projects.
– Mobility & Relocation: Demonstrated willingness and readiness to relocate and be permanently based in Shanghai, China. This position will also require the candidate to travel domestically and internationally for business purposes.
– Language Proficiency: Full professional proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Mandarin Chinese (to review complex regulatory documents, draft technical specifications, and conduct high-level presentations) alongside professional fluency in English.
– Leadership & Independence: Proven ability to manage a regional office or large design team autonomously, with strong conflict-resolution, resource-allocation, and strategic decision-making skills.
– Presentation Skills: Exceptional public speaking, verbal articulation, and visual presentation skills, with a track record of successfully securing major design bids and managing high-level stakeholder relations.
– Education: Bachelor or Master degree in Architecture from an accredited institution. Professional architectural registration, licensure (e.g., RIBA, AIA, PRC Class 1 Registered Architect), or equivalent international credentials is strongly preferred.
To apply: Submit your CV and portfolio via our website (Ref: 1119788) or email o.hon-pin@archibat.com
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