Design Lead Architect

The Design Lead Architect will oversee the In-House Architectural Design Section within the Engineering/Design Department at TCF. This role involves providing technical leadership throughout the entire architectural design lifecycle, from land assessment and initial planning to detailed design, tendering, construction support, and as-built review. The Design Lead ensures that all architectural designs are functional, cost-effective, technically sound, constructible, well-coordinated, and compliant with TCF standards. Additionally, the role requires managing and guiding the in-house design team while coordinating inputs from structural, electrical, and plumbing consultants and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead and manage the In-House Architectural Design Section by providing technical direction, supervision, and quality review of all design deliverables produced by the team.
- Plan, prioritize, and monitor design activities across multiple projects, ensuring compliance with TCF standards and timely completion at every design stage.
- Review land and site assessment data to provide architectural input on site suitability, constraints, and feasibility, supporting management’s land adoption decisions.
- Lead the preparation and review of initial layouts and architectural input for the Build Purchase Requisition (BPR) stage, including site planning, building configuration, and covered area, ensuring proposals align with TCF’s theme and remain practical and economical.
- Develop detailed architectural designs post-BPR approval, ensuring layouts, elevations, sections, and details are functional, economical, constructible, and aligned with approved requirements.
- Coordinate with external structural consultants, reviewing structural drawings for consistency and resolving conflicts before issuance.
- Lead and review in-house electrical and plumbing designs, ensuring proper coordination with architectural layouts and other building services.
- Conduct thorough technical reviews of architectural, structural, electrical, and plumbing drawings to ensure accuracy, coordination, and constructability, maintaining document and revision control.
- Lead the preparation and review of tender and Issued-for-Construction (IFC) drawings, ensuring designs are detailed enough for accurate BOQ preparation, responding to design queries, and incorporating approved changes.
- Design schools within e-compounds using a phased approach, ensuring seamless integration of each building with future expansions.
- Provide continuous architectural support during construction, resolving site queries, assessing proposed changes, and maintaining the approved design intent.
- Design buildings that are well-lit and naturally ventilated, considering road levels, climate conditions, and accessibility.
- Review as-built drawings against approved IFC drawings to verify accuracy and ensure complete documentation prior to project closure.
- Maintain close coordination with Costing/QS, Budgeting, Repair & Maintenance, Project Management, QA/QC, Donor Services, Regional/Zone teams, and other stakeholders on design-related matters, cost implications, and technical clarifications.
- Ensure all designs comply with TCF standards, are cost-effective, constructible, and identify opportunities for design standardization and process improvement.
- Perform any other tasks assigned by the Line Manager.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (B.Arch.) from an HEC-recognized university, registered with the Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP).
- 15-20 years of progressive architectural design experience, including significant leadership of design teams and management of large-scale institutional, educational, or office building projects from concept through construction and handover.
- Strong architectural design leadership and management skills, with the ability to mentor and guide an in-house design team.
- Sound technical knowledge of architectural planning, layout design, and space optimization for institutional and educational buildings.
- Proficient in technical review and quality control across architectural, structural, electrical, and plumbing drawings.
- Working knowledge of design standards and ability to ensure compliance across all deliverables.
- Strong coordination skills to manage inputs from structural, MEP, geotechnical, and other specialist consultants.
- Practical, cost-conscious design approach balancing functionality, economy, and constructability.
- Excellent project planning and time-management skills to ensure timely delivery of designs.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills to coordinate with various internal teams and external partners.
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities to resolve design and site-related issues.
- Proficiency in relevant design software such as BIM, AutoCAD, Revit, and MS Office. Familiarity with AI tools related to design is preferable.

Preferred Qualifications

- Master’s degree in Architecture or a related field is preferred.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a dynamic architectural design team within a reputable organization, contributing to impactful educational and institutional projects with a focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability.