Design Manager-Architecture

Dublin

We are partnering with a leading Irish residential developer to recruit an experienced Architect to join their in‑house Design Team. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping and influencing some of Ireland's most prominent residential schemes, working collaboratively across the wider business to continuously enhance product quality and design standards.

Based in a central Dublin city office, this role will suit an experienced, motivated architect who thrives in a fast‑paced, dynamic, client‑side environment and enjoys working across multiple stakeholder groups.

Reporting to the Design Lead – Architecture, you will support the oversight and coordination of architectural design across a portfolio of residential developments, ensuring consistency, quality, and market alignment.

Key responsibilities include:

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• Supporting the Design Lead in overseeing architectural design produced by external consultants, ensuring alignment with established design standards and market expectations.

  
  

• Working closely with planning, technical, commercial, and sales teams to review and interrogate designs at all stages of development, identifying opportunities for optimisation and added value.

  
  

• Preparing clear and robust design briefs for designated schemes and communicating these effectively to external design teams.

  
  

• Managing the evolution of design briefs as projects progress, tracking compliance with standards and requirements.

  
  

• Developing, maintaining, and expanding design templates, briefing documentation, and design guidance material.

  
  

• Building and maintaining a library of standard residential typologies and championing best‑practice design approaches.

  
  

• Producing design guidance drawings, imagery, and principles to support consistent implementation.

  
  

• Managing and contributing to the selection of external finishes, materials, and products.

  
  

• Effectively communicating proposed designs to key stakeholders and managing approvals on critical design decisions.

  
  

• Staying informed on market trends, product innovation, and emerging best practice to continuously improve residential offerings.

  
  

• Researching competitor and international residential schemes to identify design opportunities and innovation.

  
  

• Challenging suppliers to deliver high‑quality, cost‑effective, and market‑appropriate products.

  
  

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

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• A Degree or Higher Diploma in Architecture.

  
  

• Approximately 10 years' experience in residential design, with developer or client‑side experience a strong advantage.

  
  

• Excellent knowledge of Irish housing and apartment design guidelines and the ability to work creatively within regulatory frameworks.

  
  

• A strong understanding of customer‑led residential design principles.

  
  

• A keen eye for detail and a commitment to design quality.

  
  

• Up‑to‑date knowledge of planning policy and building regulations.

  
  

• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to add value throughout the design process.

  
  

• Proficiency in CAD, SketchUp (or similar 3D software), and InDesign.

  
  

• A proactive, self‑motivated approach with the ability to work independently and take ownership of tasks.

  
  

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

  
  

• Willingness to travel to sites across Dublin and occasionally further afield. xcfaprz

  
  

• A full driving licence.

  
  

This organisation offers an above‑industry‑average remuneration package and a comprehensive benefits programme designed to support long‑term career development and wellbeing, including:

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• Competitive salary

  
  

• Performance‑related bonus

  
  

• Pension scheme with employer matching contributions

  
  

• Comprehensive private health insurance

  
  

• Annual salary review

  
  

• Continuous Professional Development (CPD) support and funding

  
  

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

  
  

• Additional annual leave days

  
  

• Life assurance and income protection

  
  

• Employee Assistance Programme

  
  

• TaxSaver commuter and Bike to Work schemes

  
  

• Structured talent development and progression programmes

  
  

• Approved Profit Sharing Scheme

  
  

For a confidential discussion on this, or any other vacancy in the Civil or Structural Engineering sector contact Wianda Pretorius at Vickerstock Recruitment