Senior Architectural Designer / Architect (2IC)

We are a small, 6 person, growing, design-focused registered architect’s practice based in central Christchurch, looking to welcome a senior team member who is highly skilled and reliable.

We are located in a great office in the centre of Christchurch CBD sharing space with separate companies with QSs, PMs and Structural Engineers.

We work in an environment where integrity, humility, and care for others are very strongly valued.

We value team members who take ownership of their work, are solution-focused, and approach challenges with a constructive mindset—without shifting blame or making excuses.

We’re seeking an Architectural Designer, NZ Registered Architect, or Technician with a minimum of 8 years' experience in New Zealand architecture. This role suits someone with management experience, strong technical capabilities, a detail-oriented mindset, and the ability to confidently take projects from early design through to completion.

At the moment, our core work is centred around multi-unit residential projects, with some commercial, infrastructure and very occasionally standalone residential houses. Over the next 12 months we will be pursuing civic and community projects. Our website doesn't really reflect what we do. We have multiple websites which we'll share with you at the interview.

Commercial architectural experience will definitely be a plus. Our projects are complex and have planning, fire acoustic considerations.

You'll primarily be responsible for reviewing drawings, refining resource consent and building consent documentation, and helping to improve our workflow.

What You’ll Bring:

Qualifications & Experience

-NZ Registered Architect, Architectural Designer, or Technician

• 8+ years working in NZ architectural practices
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, compliant documentation
• In-depth understanding of NZ Building Code and local council consent processes
• Confidence managing projects from concept to completion
• Commitment to rigorous QA processes and effective use of checksheets

Technical Competence

• Familiarity with Revit or ArchiCAD (note: this role doesn’t involve documentation)
• Experience using PDF tools like Bluebeam for markup and review
• Excellent knowledge of construction detailing and documentation standards
• Capable of producing clear, high-quality working drawings for consents

Design Capabilities

• Strong design sensibility with a practical edge
• Proven experience in medium-density residential and commercial design
• Detail-focused in both creative and technical aspects

Project & Workflow Management

• Efficient multitasker able to manage several projects simultaneously
• Confident communicator when engaging with clients, consultants, and contractors
• Works well in a team and independently
• Strong time management skills and ability to deliver to deadlines

People Skills & Cultural Fit

• Clear, thoughtful communicator who builds trust with clients and colleagues
• Self-motivated, dependable, and proactive
• Experience working with and managing offshore collaboration
• Genuinely enjoys multi-unit residential work and seeing great design realised

About Justin Leadbetter

Justin Leadbetter is an NZ-Registered Architect with over 30 years of experience, including 20 years in Christchurch. Mostly commercial. He brings an enthusiastic and optimistic approach to architecture and has a strong background in delivering high-quality projects.

Previous Roles:

Registered Architect at Williams Corporation! :-) Director at GHD, Christchurch Principal at WSP, Christchurch Director at Leadbetter Carr Architects, Christchurch Project Architect at WAM UK Project Architect at prestigious London firms