Senior Architectural Designer / First-Class Architect

About the Opportunity

A highly respected international architectural practice is seeking a Senior Architectural Designer / Licensed First-Class Architect to join its Tokyo office.

The firm specializes in luxury hospitality, premium residential, and large-scale development projects across Japan and overseas. Working closely with a globally recognized design leader, you will have the opportunity to contribute to architecturally significant projects that combine design excellence with international perspectives.

This position offers a rare balance of hands-on design involvement, project leadership responsibility, and exposure to world-class hospitality and residential developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design projects from concept through construction completion
• Develop schematic, detailed, and construction-stage design documentation
• Manage building permit and regulatory approval processes
• Coordinate interior design elements where required
• Oversee construction administration and design supervision
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams and external stakeholders
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring design quality and project delivery
• Support and mentor junior team members while remaining actively involved in design work

Project Portfolio

Examples of current and recent projects include:

• Luxury resort developments
• International hospitality projects
• High-end residential developments
• Mixed-use and urban development projects

Projects range from several months to multi-year developments and are delivered through close collaboration within a highly experienced design team.

Requirements

Mandatory

• Licensed First-Class Architect in Japan
• 10+ years of architectural design experience
• Experience covering the full project lifecycle from concept design to construction supervision
• Strong project management and coordination skills
• Ability to lead project teams while maintaining hands-on design involvement
• Business-level English communication skills

Preferred

• Japanese-English bilingual ability
• Experience with development projects and planning regulations
• Experience working with international clients or stakeholders
• Hospitality, resort, or luxury residential project experience

Why Join?

• Work on globally visible luxury hospitality and residential projects
• Collaborate directly with internationally experienced design leadership
• Enjoy meaningful design ownership rather than a narrowly specialized role
• Gain exposure to both domestic and international developments
• Join a boutique, design-focused team with a collaborative culture
• Stable work environment with weekends and public holidays off

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time permanent position
• Social insurance coverage
• Transportation allowance
• Professional development and qualification support
• Casual and creative office environment

Location

Tokyo

Ideal for architects who are passionate about design excellence, luxury hospitality, and international projects, and who are looking to take the next step in a leadership-oriented role within a highly regarded architectural practice.