London, UK
Director of architecture
at Greystar
Greystar Europe has a vacancy for a director of architecture to join its regional design team in London.
A unique and exciting role for a passionate architect leader who will provide creative direction for architectural design in Greystar’s regional business. The successful applicant will be responsible for developing a strong creative culture that encourages open discourse, innovation and critical thinking and promoting Greystar as a regional design leader in rental housing. The role involves working with our internal teams to help develop a clear regional design vision and collaborate in the delivery of that vision through regular design reviews that engage with our global network of design directors and external consultants.
Key role responsibilities:
- implements Greystar’s architectural design vision, engages with the architecture network and in architecture reviews through a collaborative approach that encourages critical thinking and open discourse
- reviews and interprets consumer and market research to provide creative direction on asset positioning or repositioning within competitive markets, consistently driving and elevating design
- assists in the development and communication of Greystar’s architecture design principles, defining design quality standards, processes and guidance on urban design, architecture and spatial planning requirements
- develops and promotes relationships with leaders in the design industry, partners, consultants, manufacturers and suppliers
- promotes Greystar’s standing as a thought leader in the design industry by engaging in design conferences, talks, events and publications
- researches and implements innovative ideas to improve design quality, timelines and delivery costs, including procurement strategies, product standardisation and material and furniture selection
- collaborates with internal and external teams to develop thoughtful, creative design strategies that promote Greystar’s global brand standards
- collaborates with global design, investment, development, construction, technology, property management and marketing teams to establish global guidance for design strategies, budgeting and programming
- collaborates with local development teams on the interviewing, selection, negotiation and management of architectural design consultants, appointments and scopes
- collaborates with local development teams and architecture consultants on the design vision for each project, including design narrative, massing, urban design, façade design, block planning, apartments and amenity spaces
Knowledge and qualifications:
- degree in Architecture (AIA, RIBA Part 3).
- proven experience within a professional design background of architecture with some proficiency in the use of design software, including CAD (Vectorworks preferred) 3D software (SketchUp) and BIM
Experience and skills:
- excellent interpersonal and relationship-management skills in order to establish, cultivate and maintain productive relationships with external consultants, designers and architects
- proven organisational, time-management and project management skills in order to effectively track, report and manage multiple projects and priorities where meeting deadlines is critical
- demonstrable design communication and presentation skills and experience in the management of complex and/or large-scale high-end residential, hotels or commercial projects with a good knowledge of all aspects of a construction project
- demonstrate the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively to develop, comprehend and complete legal, financial, human resources, and other business documents and to provide updates and reports to owners and key business leaders
- demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel spreadsheet and Power Point programs in order to complete required reports and documents