Location: Galway (Office-based, full time)
Discipline: Architecture / Architectural Technology
Experience:10+ years (Irish experience essential)

Your new company

Our client is a highly respected design practice with a strong track record delivering high quality residential and mixed-use developments across Ireland. From urban schemes to large scale masterplans, they partner with leading developers, local authorities and multidisciplinary teams. Their Galway studio is growing, and they are now seeking an Associate Director to lead design quality, mentor our team, and drive projects from concept through delivery.

Your new role

• Lead design development from feasibility and concept through planning, detailed design and construction stages.
• Oversee project teams and coordinate inputs from planners, engineers, QS, M&E, and landscape.
• Champion compliance including BCAR, Building Regulations, local authority processes, fire certs, DAC, and assigned certifier coordination.
• Prepare high quality planning submissions, liaise with planning authorities, and present at meetings.
• Ensure technical robustness detail to Irish standards; review drawings, specifications, schedules, and tender packages; resolve site queries/RFIs.
• Drive design efficiency & buildability, optimise unit layouts, elevations, and façades with cost in mind.
• Lead stakeholder engagement, work closely with clients, design teams, and contractors; lead design team meetings and workshops.
• Mentor and manage team members, support resourcing, QA reviews, and contribute to fee proposals and programme planning.
• Represent the practice at client meetings and design reviews.

What you'll need to succeed

• Degree in Architecture or Architectural Technology
• You must be registered with the RIAI or CIAT
• 10+ years post qualification with demonstrable Irish experience delivering residential and mixed-use schemes at scale.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Irish Building Regulations, BCAR, Fire/DAC processes, planning procedures and development contribution considerations.
• Strong proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD; experience with BIM.
• Proven ability to take projects from feasibility through planning to tender/construction, including coordination with contractors and site stage support.
• Comfortable with fee proposals, scope definitions, risk registers, value engineering and programme/resource planning.
• Excellent client facing skills, clear report writing, and team leadership/mentoring experience.

What you'll get in return

As part of this opportunity, you’ll enjoy a competitive salary tailored to your experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that supports your personal and professional wellbeing. The company is committed to offering clear career progression pathways and access to additional training to enhance your skills. You’ll be joining an award-winning practice with a modern office environment, a collaborative and experienced team, and a company culture that values innovation, support, and balance. This permanent, office based role also comes with a strong emphasis on work-life balance.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.