Technical Design Manager
London, UK * Full-Time, Permanent * BTR / Residential Development * Client-Side * RIBA Stages 3-5
The Opportunity
Our client is a London-based real estate developer and investor with an active pipeline of residential-led schemes, including Build-to-Rent, office-to-hotel conversions, and emerging pipeline projects. They are seeking an experienced Technical Design Manager / Architectural Technologist to take on a central technical delivery role within their growing in‑house development team. This is a hands‑on, client‑side position working directly with the Development Director. You will act as the key interface between the external design team, consultants, and construction delivery – ensuring design information is coordinated, buildable, compliant, and aligned with programme and commercial requirements.
At a Glance
* Client-side role reporting directly to the Development Director
* Lead technical coordination across BTR and mixed‑use residential schemes
* RIBA Stages 3-5 through to construction, handover, and close‑out
* Involvement in early‑stage feasibility, massing studies, and development appraisal
* Office-based, 5 days per week, with regular site attendance
* Competitive salary based on experience
Key Responsibilities
Technical Design & Coordination
* Review, prepare, and coordinate architectural drawing packages, technical details, schedules, and specifications across tender, construction, and as-built stages
* Translate concept and planning‑stage information into coordinated, construction‑ready packages
* Manage and review consultant information across architectural, structural, MEP, fire, façade, interior, and landscape workstreams to ensure integration and eliminate clashes
* Coordinate design information in line with the project brief, planning conditions, Building Regulations, warranty requirements, and employer standards
* Identify and resolve coordination conflicts between architectural, structural, and MEP information using BIM workflows and drawing coordination processes
Planning & Statutory Compliance
* Assist in discharging planning conditions and ensuring technical submissions remain aligned with approved consents
* Review accessibility, space planning, and apartment layouts against UK residential standards, including London Plan, NDSS, and M4 requirements where applicable
* Contribute to design risk reviews and support CDM compliance at design stage
Construction & Site
* Liaise with contractors, subcontractors, statutory authorities, approved inspectors, and utility providers throughout delivery
* Conduct site inspections, monitor construction progress against drawings and specifications, and identify non-conformances and coordination gaps
* Respond to RFIs and technical queries in a timely, commercially aware manner
* Support quality assurance processes, including benchmark reviews, sample apartments, façade interfaces, and finishing standards
Early-Stage & Feasibility
* Prepare and coordinate feasibility layouts, massing studies, and technical assessments to support acquisition, planning, and development appraisal activities
* Assess site constraints, efficiency metrics, unit mix, circulation, servicing, and buildability at concept stage
Handover & Closeout
* Support handover documentation, O&M information coordination, snagging close‑out, and production of as‑built records
* Maintain document control standards, revision management, drawing registers, and audit trails across all technical information
Candidate Profile
Experience
* 4-8+ years in a technical delivery role on UK residential projects
* Strong track record coordinating external architects and consultant teams during technical design and construction phases
* Proven experience on medium to large-scale residential developments – apartment-led or mixed‑use schemes in London or major UK urban locations
* Prior experience on BTR, private sale residential, student accommodation, or high-density housing schemes is highly advantageous
* Solid grounding in RIBA Stages 3-5 from developed design through to practical completion
* Experience preparing residential feasibility studies, test fits, and massing exercises
Skills & Knowledge
* Proficiency in AutoCAD is essential; Revit and BIM-based coordination experience is strongly preferred
* Sound knowledge of UK Building Regulations and technical standards relevant to residential design
* Good understanding of planning compliance, statutory approvals, and technical submission processes
* Practical understanding of construction sequencing, site logistics, and buildability
* Strong space planning and residential layout capability
* Commercial awareness – able to balance design quality, compliance, cost, and programme
* Excellent organisational skills, document control discipline, and attention to detail
* Competence in Microsoft Office and common document management platforms
Qualifications
* Degree, diploma, HNC/HND, or equivalent in Architectural Technology, Architecture, Building Studies, or a related built environment discipline
* Demonstrated right to work in the UK
* CIAT membership (ACIAT or MCIAT) is advantageous but not essential
Personal Attributes
* Detail‑oriented and technically rigorous, with a solutions‑led mindset
* Delivery-focused and comfortable in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial development environment
* Confident challenging inconsistencies and driving coordinated outcomes
* Collaborative and professional in dealings with consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders
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