Senior Architect

Role: Lead Architect – Luxury Residential / Hospitality Location: Gurugram, India (with periodic travel to project sites) - Position Type: Full-time About the Role We are looking for a Lead Architect who thrives on sophistication, detail, and experiential design — particularly within luxury residential and hospitality-led environments. This is a role for someone who is not just a designer, but a design custodian: someone who can take a bold concept, develop it with rigor, and protect its integrity through to execution. You will be closely involved in the design and delivery of a flagship luxury residential development with a strong focus on modern living, wellness, and hospitality-grade experiences. You will work from our Gurugram studio with a highly collaborative team, while engaging regularly with consultants, clients, and site teams. Responsibilities 1. Lead Design Direction on high-impact, design-led projects from concept through to execution, ensuring every stage meets the highest creative and technical benchmarks. 2. Develop and refine architectural layouts, facades, and spatial experiences for luxury residences and associated amenities, with a clear focus on livability, comfort, and modern lifestyle needs. 3. Drive integration between concept, design development, and GFC documentation, ensuring that the design intent is translated faithfully into buildable solutions. 4. Coordinate with structural, MEP, interior, landscape, and specialist consultants to deliver well-resolved, coordinated drawings and details. 5. Review shop drawings, material submittals, and mock-ups, ensuring high-grade detailing, materiality, and finishes. 6. Incorporate contemporary luxury-living elements such as indoor–outdoor connections, wellness zones, automation readiness, curated storage/display, and hospitality-inspired planning. 7. Participate in site reviews and design audits, providing clear guidance to ensure construction quality aligns with StudioKIA’s standards. 8. Engage with clients and stakeholders, presenting design options, resolving queries, and supporting decision-making with clarity and confidence. 9. Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a culture of design excellence, accountability, and continuous learning. 10. Champion originality and contextual relevance, pushing boundaries while remaining grounded in function, comfort, and long-term usability. Company Description StudioKIA is not your conventional design practice. With a four-decade legacy and three generations of design leadership driving innovation at the helm, we combine deep-rooted experience with a relentless pursuit of the new. Our Indian entity is headquartered in Gurugram, while our global entity operates from Abu Dhabi — enabling us to deliver landmark developments across continents. Our portfolio spans Master Planning, Townships & Urban Design, Iconic Institutional & IT Campuses, High-Density Residential Communities, Transformative Retail Destinations, Amusement Attractions, Immersive Entertainment Environments, and Ultra-Luxury Resorts & Hospitality Projects. We work with visionaries — from real estate funds and global hospitality brands to leading developers, housing authorities, and governments. Our mission is to redefine how large-scale, integrated real estate is imagined and executed, setting new benchmarks in design intelligence, technical excellence, and strategic project delivery. Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (B.Arch) required; Master’s degree is an added advantage. - 5–8 years of proven experience in architecture, with strong exposure to luxury residential and/or hospitality projects. - Demonstrated experience taking projects from concept through design development and into execution/coordination phases. - A strong portfolio showcasing refined detailing, high-end finishes, and contextually responsive design. - Proficiency in core architectural design and documentation software; familiarity with BIM-based workflows is an added benefit. - Strong leadership capability with experience coordinating with consultants, contractors, and internal teams. - Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills. Desirable Attributes - Experience working on premium residential, branded residences, boutique hospitality, or mixed-use lifestyle developments. - Proven ability to balance design creativity with technical and on-site practicality. - Comfort operating in multi-stakeholder environments with demanding timelines and high expectations. - Familiarity with global standards, best practices, and contemporary construction methodologies. - A future-focused mindset — staying aware of evolving design and technology trends while championing timeless quality and craft. Our Design DNA - Intelligent Innovation – Leveraging technology as a creative partner, not a crutch. - Confident Simplicity – Achieving elegance through restraint. - Crafted Designs – Detailing that honours materiality and craft. - Soulful Humanity – Spaces that connect people, culture, and place. Why Join Us? At StudioKIA, you won’t just design buildings — you’ll create environments that shape how people live, retreat, and experience everyday luxury. You will have : - The autonomy to influence design direction on flagship projects. - The support of an experienced, multi-generational design leadership. - The platform to work on high-visibility, benchmark developments that define new standards in luxury living. Terms & Conditions Remuneration will be competitive and aligned with your experience, skillset, and portfolio strength. StudioKIA is committed to diversity, meritocracy, and creating an inclusive workplace where talent is recognized and potential is unleashed. Application Process If your portfolio speaks of refinement, innovation, and executional finesse, we’d love to see it. Please send your CV, portfolio, and key project highlights to hiring@studiokia.com, with your name and the role in the subject line: Subject: YourName – Lead Architect (Luxury Residential)