Role Overview

The Senior Architect – School Projects will be responsible for the architectural planning and design of new and existing school campuses across India.

The role will involve evaluating takeover properties, identifying necessary upgrades, preparing efficient school layouts, developing building elevation concepts and working closely with project, procurement and execution teams to ensure timely completion.

The ideal candidate should combine strong design capability with practical knowledge of construction, interiors, costs and site execution.

Key Responsibilities

Takeover School Assessment and Redesign

• Visit and evaluate existing schools or properties being considered for takeover.
• Assess the suitability of the building for school operations, including classrooms, laboratories, activity areas, administration spaces, washrooms, circulation areas and outdoor facilities.
• Identify design, safety, operational and infrastructure gaps.
• Prepare rapid redesign and upgrade proposals that allow the school to become operational within defined timelines and budgets.
• Recommend reuse, modification or replacement of existing infrastructure based on cost and functionality.

New School Planning and Design

• Develop architectural concepts, layouts and space plans for new school projects.
• Prepare efficient designs for classrooms, laboratories, libraries, staff rooms, reception areas, cafeterias, multipurpose halls, sports areas and other school facilities.
• Ensure optimum utilisation of available built-up area while maintaining a comfortable and student-friendly environment.
• Develop attractive and cost-effective building elevation and façade concepts suitable for the company’s brand identity.
• Adapt standard school design principles to different plot sizes, building structures and local requirements.

Design Standardisation

• Develop standard design guidelines for different categories and sizes of schools.
• Create repeatable design modules for classrooms, washrooms, corridors, reception areas, pre-primary sections, laboratories and activity spaces.
• Standardise materials, finishes, colours, furniture layouts, signage and other design elements.
• Continuously improve design standards based on feedback from completed and operational schools.

Drawings and Documentation

• Prepare or review concept drawings, working drawings, layouts, elevations, sections and detailed design documents.
• Coordinate the preparation of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire safety, networking and other service drawings.
• Prepare material specifications, schedules and design-related inputs for Bills of Quantities.
• Ensure drawings are accurate, coordinated and issued to execution teams on time.

Project Coordination and Site Execution

• Coordinate with project managers, civil contractors, interior contractors, MEP consultants, vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct periodic site visits to review execution quality and adherence to approved designs.
• Resolve design-related issues and site constraints quickly to avoid project delays.
• Review samples, mock-ups, materials and finishes before final approval.
• Support the project team during testing, handover and campus readiness.

Cost and Value Engineering

• Design projects with a strong focus on cost, durability, maintenance and speed of execution.
• Work with procurement and project teams to identify cost-effective material and design alternatives.
• Undertake value engineering without compromising student safety, functionality or brand experience.
• Compare design options based on lifecycle cost and operational practicality.

Regulatory and Safety Compliance

• Ensure designs comply with applicable building regulations, fire safety requirements, accessibility norms and school-related guidelines.
• Coordinate with local architects, consultants and authorities wherever required.
• Incorporate child safety, emergency evacuation and accessibility considerations into every design.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from a recognised institution.
• Valid registration with the Council of Architecture is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant architectural experience.
• Experience in schools, institutional buildings, commercial interiors, retail rollouts, hospitals or other multi-location projects will be an advantage.
• Experience in fast-paced expansion or standardised rollout projects is highly desirable.

Key Skills

• Strong space-planning and architectural design capability.
• Ability to assess existing buildings and quickly develop practical upgrade plans.
• Good understanding of construction methods, interior materials, finishes and costs.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and relevant architectural design and visualisation software.
• Ability to prepare and interpret working drawings and Bills of Quantities.
• Strong project coordination and site problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously across different cities.
• Commercial mindset with an understanding of design-to-cost principles.
• Willingness to travel frequently across India.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is not only a strong designer but also a practical problem-solver who understands that school expansion projects require speed, standardisation and cost discipline. The person should be comfortable working with imperfect existing buildings, tight timelines and multiple stakeholders while still delivering attractive, safe and functional school environments.