Senior Architectural Designer

About the role

NBBJ Shanghai is looking for a Senior Architectural Designer to join its collaborative, design‑driven studio. The role blends hands‑on design work with mentorship and leadership, supporting the firm’s reputation for innovative, high‑quality architecture.

Key responsibilities

• Define and exemplify quality standards through design reviews, mentoring and open discussions.
• Inspire radical thinking and creativity across the studio.
• Provide hands‑on design for 1‑2 projects from concept through construction, ensuring holistic continuity.
• Review and critique project work, leading firm‑wide peer reviews.
• Craft and present compelling design narratives to clients and internal teams.
• Network with design peers across the firm to enhance collaboration.
• Champion the use of the latest design and visualization technologies.
• Promote robust process design and collaborative delivery with project managers and assistants.
• Apply sound design methods across practices while developing expertise in a specific typology.
• Collaborate with multiple disciplines for integrated project delivery.

Required profile

• 12–15 years of professional architectural experience; international experience is a plus.
• Corporate and commercial project background preferred.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture (B.Arch. or M.Arch.) preferred.
• Architectural licensure is a plus.
• Strong understanding of high‑performance building concepts; LEED accreditation preferred or attainable within 18 months.
• Excellent conceptual and schematic design abilities.
• Proven experience managing projects through all design and construction phases.

Required skills

• High‑performance building concepts
• LEED accreditation (or commitment to obtain)
• Conceptual and schematic design
• Architectural design and documentation
• Bilingual Mandarin/English verbal fluency (preferred)