Technical Design Manager- Residential developer

Architectural Technician/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 Technician / 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
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed