Senior Project Leader

About O'Neill Architecture

O'Neill Architecture (ONA) is focused on shaping sustainable places that improve how people live. The practice combines strategic thinking with research to create strong value for clients and to produce outcomes that endure. Its team includes architects, interior designers, technicians, and support staff who work together to deliver client visions with a balance of precision and broader design perspective.

About the Role

The Senior Project Leader will play a senior leadership role across the planning, design, and delivery of a broad range of building projects. This position contributes to the growth of the business while working closely with the Partners to realise the design direction of the practice. The role involves overseeing several projects at once, supporting Project Partners and Associates in guiding project teams, mentoring colleagues, and making sure work is completed on schedule, within budget, and to a high standard of quality.

The right candidate will bring a strong portfolio that shows design excellence, original thinking, and a solid understanding of architectural principles. You should be able to turn ideas into built outcomes with clarity and confidence. A genuine passion for design and a collaborative mindset are important, along with the ability to think critically and influence the design direction of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects so they achieve client objectives, stay aligned to the agreed program, and remain on budget.
• Work with the Partners to advance design innovation across the practice.
• Deliver high-quality design, documentation, and project completion outcomes in a project leadership capacity.
• Guide teams by making deliverables, schedules, and expectations clear.
• Safeguard and strengthen the original architectural intent from concept through to completion.
• Translate architectural ideas into compelling and complete design outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients and technical specialists.
• Coordinate fee and program planning with the Partner and manage project delivery accordingly.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, codes, and authority requirements.
• Support a collaborative mentor-mentee culture across the team.
• Promote the ONA brand and contribute to identifying new business opportunities.
• Represent ONA professionally and help build industry connections and networks.

Skills and Qualifications

This role requires registration as an Architect and at least 5 years of professional experience after registration. You should have a thorough understanding of architectural principles, practices, and procedures, along with strong capability in project and design software, particularly REVIT, Adobe Creative Suite, and Enscape. Strong freehand sketching skills are also important for communicating ideas quickly and effectively.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, as is the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under time pressure. The role also calls for a high level of integrity, maturity, diplomacy, and proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams.

Our Values

• Strategic thinking: knowing what needs to be done, how to do it, and why it matters.
• Results focus: solving problems and using innovation to deliver quality outcomes that add value for clients, on schedule and within budget.
• Productive relationships: working with professionalism, empathy, teamwork, and collaboration.
• Drive and integrity: bringing commitment to excellence, curiosity, continuous improvement, respect, and honesty.
• Effective communication: communicating clearly, calmly, and professionally in both spoken and written form.

Why Join Us?

ONA is a growing practice that invests in the development of its people and has a strong pipeline of work across sectors such as city-shaping mixed-use developments, hotels, commercial projects, retirement living, and aged care. The environment is collaborative and dynamic, with a focus on building a distinctive architectural service approach grounded in research and strategic insight to create value for clients and the wider community.

The business is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination, intimidation, bullying, and sexual harassment. You will also have the opportunity to work across diverse projects spanning multiple sectors, helping you broaden your expertise while contributing to the practice’s growth and performance.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should provide a portfolio, resume, and cover letter explaining their experience and why they would be a strong fit for O'Neill Architecture.

Additional Information

Applications can be sent by email to admin@oneillarchitecture.com.au or through the careers section of the company website at ona.com.au/careers.