2,591 Architectural Design jobs in Kenya

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager (Architectural) to lead and coordinate residential design

projects (townhomes, mid–high–rise apartments) from concept to delivery. Reporting to the Project

Director/Director of Development Management, this role serves as the key liaison between consultants,

contractors and internal teams, ensuring design excellence, compliance, and alignment with business

objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum qualifications required for applicants:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture (Master's in Urban Design is an advantage).

• Minimum of 6–10 years of experience in residential design, including townhomes and apartments

(mid–high rise) projects with a reputable local or international firm.

• Registered Architect with the relevant professional body (preferred).

• Demonstrated site experience, having successfully completed at least one full-cycle residential

project.

• Proficiency in BIM tools, CAD, and design coordination platforms; strong presentation and

visualisation skills.

• Strong understanding of local building codes, statutory regulations, and approval processes.

• Experience with sustainable design, value engineering, and digital innovation in design delivery

(preferred).

Role purpose

The Design Manager (Architectural) is responsible for leading and coordinating all design activities from concept to delivery, ensuring that architectural, structural, MEP, and interior designs align with project

objectives. Acting as the main liaison between consultants, internal teams, and authorities, the Design

Manager ensures design excellence, compliance, and delivery aligned with business goals and brand

standards.

Reports to
: Project Director and Director of Development Management

Interfaces with
: Project Leads, Consultants, contractors, authorities, and internal development teams

Key Deliverables

1. Design Strategy & Planning:

· Develop and manage the overall design program and milestones in line with project schedules.

· Establish design briefs aligned with business case, brand standards, and regulatory requirements.

· Prepare and maintain the design risk register.

2. Consultant & Stakeholder Coordination:

· Manage and review submissions from project architects, engineers, interior designers, and

specialist consultants.

· Facilitate design workshops, presentations, and review meetings.

· Ensure design documentation is consistent and fully coordinated across disciplines on a stage-wise basis.

3. Compliance & Approvals

· Ensure all designs comply with local building codes, planning approvals, environmental

regulations, accessibility standards, and health & safety requirements.

· Manage submissions to authorities and track approval processes.

4. Quality & Technical Oversight

· Review design drawings, specifications, and material selections.

· Conduct design audits at key stages to ensure buildability, value engineering, and sustainability objectives.

· Oversee mock-ups and prototypes to confirm design intent.

5. Budget & Value Engineering

· Align design decisions with budgetary constraints without compromising quality or brand integrity.

· Lead value engineering exercises with cost consultants.

6. Change Management

· Evaluate and manage design changes, ensuring they are documented, costed, and approved.

· Maintain an up-to-date record of design revisions and change logs.

· Promote adoption of digital tools (BIM, 3D modelling, data-driven design) for efficiency and collaboration.

7. Sustainability and ESG

· Integrate sustainability principles and ESG goals into design strategies.

· Pursue green building certifications as applicable (e.g., EDGE, LEED, BREEAM).

· Ensure energy efficiency, climate resilience, and long-term lifecycle performance are embedded in design decisions.

8. Handover & Close-Out

· Oversee the preparation of as-built drawings and O&M manuals. · Ensure design-related defects are resolved within the defect liability period.

Key Skills & Competencies

· Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders.

· Advanced knowledge of construction detailing, building systems, and materials.

· Ability to interpret and challenge designs to ensure innovation, efficiency, and quality.

· Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.

· Capability to mentor and develop junior staff.

· Proficiency in CAD, BIM, and other design management platforms.