The Executive Architect works as part of a multi-disciplinary team within one of the Council’s Directorates to deliver key local authority services
The role can include responsibility for the management and successful delivery of a range of projects including the effective delivery of services. Executive Architects may have responsibility for the management and supervision of assigned staff. The person/s appointed will report to and work under the direction of the Senior Architect or Senior Executive Architect or other officer designated by the Director of Services or the Chief Executive.
Duties & Responsibilities:
The duties of the post include the following and are not limited to: :
Designing new social housing and mixed use schemes, design and adaptation of existing Council housing stock, including the regeneration of existing housing estates, design of works to community facilities and Council buildings and other built environment improvements works;
Project managing housing schemes and other built environment/capital works projects
Managing and maintaining Council property effectively
Providing urban design services;
Carry out inspections on existing building and potential development sites lands and preparing feasibility reports and recommendations
Working with and managing Design Teams and external consultants engaged by Council;
Managing and supervising staff as required and working as part of a multidisciplinary team;
Assist in leading, motivating, mentoring and developing staff and promoting high standards of performance;
Managing all stages of the construction process from procurement to Final Account;
Conducting feasibility studies to assess the suitability of sites for acquisition for development by the Council:
Performing the duties of Employers Representative and administering Public Works Contracts at construction stage including on-site inspection/monitoring/instructing/reporting;
Be proficient in Autocad, have a knowledge of Revit and a commitment to become proficient in Revit;
Have an understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM);
Dealing with variations, claims, disputes and performance bonds and insurances;
Assisting in identifying and agreeing work programmes, targets and deadlines and their subsequent implementation to a high standard of design and technical quality;
Reporting to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHLGH) in relation to the status of housing projects and the application of the DHLGH single stage and 4-stage processes;
Representing the Council at a variety of meetings;
Working effectively with the Elected Members and Council staff towards the successful and speedy implementation of designated projects;
Preparing reports and presentations for the Council, committees of the Council, Central Government and other stakeholders;
Communicating effectively with client Departments, public representatives and/or the public as may be required;
Assisting in the preparation and managing of budgets including conducting value for money exercises;
Assisting with any office management tasks which may be assigned;
Ensuring that all appropriate records are established and maintained consistent with office procedures and policies;
Attending training and continuing professional development as required and as necessary to maintain registration as an Architect;
When requested fulfill the duties of Design Certifier and or Assigned Certifier as required under the Building Control (amendment) Regulations 2014;
Have a detailed knowledge of Construction Health and Safety, Planning Legislation, Building Regulations and the Building Control process.
Acting in the role of Senior Executive Architect as required to cover for annual leave and other forms of leave;
Carry out any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.
Desirable Skills:
The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate a strong ability in the following areas: –
Possesses strong professional architectural knowledge and skills
Has a record of achievement in the design and management of construction projects of a scale relevant to Westmeath County Council including housing developments;
Has the skills and ability to establish working relationships with colleagues in the Council, public representatives and other agencies;
Has an excellent understanding of the requirements of the Planning and Part 8 processes;
Has an understanding of Part V of the Planning and Development Act (as amended);
Has an understanding of the design standards relating to social housing from site selection through to detailed design;
Has experience in project execution from project planning, feasibility, preliminary and detailed design, statutory consents, tender, contract administration, and site inspection through to project completion;
Have an ability to work independently and on his/her own initiative;
Has satisfactory experience supervising staff and be able to work within and lead multi-disciplined teams and have the ability to motivate and encourage staff to achieve maximum performance;
Has experience in managing design team consultants;
Has an excellent working knowledge of the Building Regulations
Can demonstrate proven abilities in quality architectural and urban design;
Is familiar with the use of the public works and works related services contracts, has a working knowledge of the Capital Works Management Framework and experience in the preparation of tender documentation using the various forms of public works contracts;
Has a working knowledge of public procurement and in particular procurement for public works and works related consultancy services; Is self-motivated, decisive, has excellent problem-solving skills, strong organisational skills, good judgement, excellent communication skills, and has skills;
Has a working knowledge of REVIT and the principles involved in Building Information Modelling;
Has a working knowledge of energy performance in buildings including nZEB
Has an excellent appreciation and understanding of quality urban design
Has a working knowledge of the Building Control Amendment Regulations 2014 and 2015 (BCAR process);
Has a knowledge of and understands the roles and responsibilities identified in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 including undertaking the role of Designer and of the Project Supervisor for the Design Process (PSDP);
Has a good working knowledge or demonstrates an ability to acquire a good working knowledge of the legal, regulatory and governance framework within which the County Council operates and adhere to corporate policies, protocols and procedures.
The successful candidate is expected to have a good knowledge of the Irish Building Control Regulations and Technical Guidance Documents and will be required as necessary to undertake the role of Design Certifier and Assigned Certifier as defined in the Building Control Amendment Regulations 2014 and 2015. The successful candidate may also be required to undergo such training/assessment or further education as may be deemed necessary by the Council in relation to the performance of his/her duties
Character
Each candidate must be of good character.
Health
Candidates must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Citizenship
Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:
A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or
A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or
A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa or
A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa
Education, Training, Experience, etc.:
Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: Candidates shall:
hold a professional qualification in Architecture that is prescribed under the Building Control Act 2007, or a qualification in Architecture that is equivalent to a qualification so prescribed;
be eligible for registration as an Architect under the Building Control Act 2007 without requiring further assessment. Any appointment will be subject to registration under the Act;
have at least four years' satisfactory experience of architectural work after registration including, for a period of not less than two years, satisfactory experience of architectural work in a responsible capacity including the supervision of building work;
have experience in the design of buildings, the preparation of sketch plans, working drawings, details and specification;
possess a high standard of technical training and administrative experience, including experience in the administration of contracts; and
have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation.