Sydney, New South Wales

As a Graduate Designer, you will embark on a foundational journey within our team, contributing to innovative design solutions that meet client needs and support architectural excellence. Under the guidance of experienced architects and designers, you will assist in exploring design concepts, analysing spatial layouts, and developing detailed design elements. This role offers the opportunity to build skills across the project lifecycle, from concept design to construction, while developing technical expertise in documentation, presentation and project coordination. Through collaboration and mentorship, you will gain practical experience in design development and documentation, expand your knowledge of digital platforms and emerging technologies, and contribute to delivering high-quality design outcomes that support your growth as a future designer.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Design

Collaborate with project team to understand needs, preferences, and project goals.
Assist with the creation of innovative design concepts that align with the client’s vision, functional requirements, and with a general awareness of budget and program constraints.
Assist with the analysis and interpretation of data to inform design decisions and solutions.
Begin to develop external stakeholder relationships.
Contribute to presentation of design proposals to clients, addressing questions, concerns, and modifications as needed.
Assist in selecting appropriate materials and products to create cohesive design schemes. Consider factors such as sustainability, durability, maintenance, performance aesthetic appeal, cost, and impact on Country when choosing materials.
Refer to material trade information, Australian Standards, building codes, council requirements and industry best practices that align with the design concept and client requirements.
Assist in project coordination activities and document control.
Attend project meetings as required.
Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and new materials to incorporate innovative ideas into projects.

Documentation

Under guidance from the Project Lead and senior team members, contribute to the production of clear and concise documentation to a level necessary to satisfy the target milestone, the project brief and the relevant documentation standards.
Contribute to developing renders and virtual walkthroughs in accordance with the Digital Delivery Plan or the BIM Execution Plan for the project, to help clients visualise the final design.

Construction Phase Services

On occasion travel to and visit project construction sites to observe construction progress and assist in composing site reports like Site Quality Advice and Defect Inspection Reports. Site visits may require travel involving both day trips and some overnight stays when required.
Assist the Project Lead in reviewing shop drawings and samples, and answering RFIs
Produce documentation updates as required.
Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications & Skills Required

Qualifications and experience

Qualifications: Master’s degree in Architecture or equivalent in a related field.

Technical Skills

Architectural design and documentation: Familiarity with designing and documenting buildings and projects, with basic understanding of architectural principles and practices.
Project planning and coordination: Basic understanding of project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
Construction knowledge: Basic understanding of construction principles.
Proposal Presentation: Understanding of preparing and presenting design proposals, reports, and visual materials.
Site analysis and research: Familiarity with conducting site analyses and researching local context.
Design thinking: Ability to demonstrate design thinking principles.
ESD (Environmentally Sustainable Design): Basic knowledge of sustainable design principles and practices.
BIM (Building Information Modelling): Familiarity with BIM software and protocols.
Quality management: Familiarity with quality standards and regulations.

Software Skills

Modelling & Documentation Software: Basic experience using Revit for architectural design and documentation tasks.
Graphic Design Software: Basic experience using Adobe Creative Cloud applications (e.g. InDesign, Photoshop & Illustrator) for creating and designing visual materials.
Common Data Environment: Basic understanding of using Autodesk Construction Cloud for sharing and managing 3D models with internal and external stakeholders.
Computational Design Software: Familiarity with computational design tools such as Rhinoceros is desirable, though not essential.
Microsoft 365 Products: Experience with Microsoft 365 applications (e.g. Word, Excel & Outlook) for document management, data analysis, and communication.

Soft Skills

Communication

Effectively convey design ideas and concepts to various audiences, including internal project teams and external stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding and collaboration.
Clearly articulate design rationale and thinking, both verbally and in writing, to facilitate feedback and discussion, and ensure that design intentions are well-understood.
Maintain clear and regular communication with the Project Lead and team to keep them informed of progress and confirm alignment with briefing.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Contribute to cohesive design outcomes in multidisciplinary teams, respective diverse perspectives and expertise, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, project leads, and external stakeholders, such as consultants and suppliers, to support project goals and outcomes.

Problem-Solving and Adaptability

Show adaptability and flexibility in response to changing project scopes, design approaches, and technologies, demonstrating a willingness to learn and adjust.
Apply analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle design challenge, considering multiple perspectives, and pivoting based on feedback and new information to refine design approaches.

Time Management and Organisation

Coordinate and deliver design components on time and to a high standard, ensuring that all aspects of the project are completed efficiently.
Assist on multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, prioritising design development task, and refining design documentation and models to meet project requirements.

Attention to Detail

Ensure attention to detail and precision, with a focus on quality and accuracy of outputs.
Ability to identify and correct errors in work and ensure high-quality deliverables.

Empathy and Inclusivity

Consider diverse perspective and user needs in design processes, applying empathy to create inclusive and accessible design that meet the needs of diverse users.
Identify and apply basic principles of inclusive design, considering impact of design decisions on diverse users, and seeking to create equitable and sustainable design outcomes.

Continuous Learning

Commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth, including staying informed on industry trends, design tools, and emerging practices.
Integrate new skills and knowledge into design processes, applying learning to improve quality, efficiency and innovation in design outcomes.

How to Apply:
If you are passionate about architecture and eager to make an impact on exciting projects, we want to hear from you. Please submit your cover letter, CV and copy of your portfolio to Sydney.HR@cox.com.au.