Associate Director
Description
Your Responsibilities
Project Leadership, Planning & Delivery
Lead projects across the full lifecycle, from feasibility, concept and design development through tender, construction, contract administration and project close-out.
Support the Project Director in setting up and maintaining project delivery plans, including scope, programme, manpower deployment, information flow, deliverables and key decision points.
Oversee resource planning across assigned project teams, ensuring appropriate capability, capacity and coordination to meet agreed timelines and quality standards.
Monitor project cost management considerations, including manpower effort, fee utilisation, stage completion, change impact and cost-effective deployment of resources.
Identify project risks, unresolved issues and potential non-conformities early, and lead practical solutions to maintain progress, quality and client confidence.
Provide regular updates to the Project Director on project status, design direction, technical and regulatory matters, contractual issues, resource requirements and key risks.
Design, Technical & Construction Delivery
Lead the translation of design intent into robust, buildable and coordinated architectural solutions.
Guide design development, architectural detailing, material selection and technical documentation to ensure alignment with the client brief, budget, programme and statutory requirements.
Review key drawings, specifications, tender documents, construction packages and submissions for quality, completeness, coordination and compliance.
Ensure compliance with planning parameters, building regulations, codes of practice, authority requirements and relevant project-specific standards.
Resolve design and technical issues with consultants, contractors and internal teams, balancing design quality, buildability, cost, programme and operational requirements.
Maintain design and technical quality through the construction stage by reviewing site queries, shop drawings, material submissions, method proposals and design changes where required.
Conduct site reviews and inspections to verify that works are carried out in accordance with the design intent, approved drawings, specifications and contractual requirements.
Client, Consultant, Contractor & Stakeholder Management
Act as a senior point of contact for clients, consultants, contractors, authorities and internal stakeholders, representing the project leadership team where required.
Lead or chair project, design, technical, consultant and site coordination meetings, ensuring decisions, actions and responsibilities are clearly followed through.
Manage client expectations by communicating progress, risks, constraints and required decisions in a clear and professional manner.
Coordinate closely with structural, M&E, C&S, QS, specialist consultants and contractors to resolve interdisciplinary issues and maintain project alignment.
Support constructive working relationships that protect project outcomes, commercial interests and SAA’s reputation for design and delivery quality.
Project Documentation, Contract Administration & Commercial Awareness
Oversee the preparation, review and coordination of project documentation across design, tender, construction and completion stages.
Lead the architectural team in producing complete, coordinated and buildable tender and construction documentation, including drawings, schedules, specifications and material selections.
Support contract administration processes, including correspondence, instructions, clarifications, site records, progress claims, variations, extensions of time, defects matters and close-out documentation, in coordination with the Project Director and relevant consultants.
Assist in the preparation and review of fee proposals, scope clarifications, appointments, project correspondence and contractual documentation.
Track stage deliverables and support timely invoicing linked to agreed project milestones, scope and completion of services.
Maintain appropriate project records, quality documentation and filing discipline in line with office, ISO and project requirements.
Team Leadership, Mentorship & Practice Contribution
Lead, supervise and mentor project architects, architectural executives, technical staff and junior team members, setting clear expectations for quality, accountability and delivery.
Build a collaborative and disciplined team culture that supports design excellence, technical learning, problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Guide team members in consultant coordination, contractor engagement, authority submissions, site follow-up and project documentation.
Contribute to office-wide initiatives, knowledge sharing, process improvement and project delivery standards where required.
Support senior management in strengthening project governance, resource visibility and cross-team collaboration.
Pre-requisites and Preferred Qualifications
At least 15 years of relevant architectural experience, including senior-level responsibility for complex projects from design through construction and completion.
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
Registered Architect with the Board of Architects, Singapore, or equivalent professional registration is preferred.
Strong track record in leading multidisciplinary project teams, managing client and consultant relationships, and resolving design, technical, regulatory and site issues.
Sound understanding of Singapore planning parameters, building regulations, authority submission processes, codes of practice and contract administration requirements.
Demonstrated ability to manage project resources, programme commitments, project documentation and cost-related considerations with discipline and commercial awareness.
Experience in large-scale, complex or mixed-use developments in Singapore or the region will be advantageous.
Strong design judgement, technical capability and buildability awareness, with the ability to balance creativity, compliance, cost, programme and construction realities.
Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, mentor and work effectively across all levels.
Proficiency in commonly used architectural and BIM/project delivery tools, including Revit or equivalent platforms, is preferred.