Principal Architect - Data Centres

Company Overview

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm committed to creating a better world through projects that improve communities and environments worldwide. Our team of over 50,000 professionals embraces bold ideas to address complex challenges, delivering lasting impacts across areas including transportation, buildings, water, and energy.

Role Overview

We seek a Principal Architect with extensive expertise in large-scale multidisciplinary design projects, preferably focused on data centres. This position involves collaborating with architectural and engineering teams across Europe, with leadership from our UK specialist data centre team and support from local and global design groups. The candidate will oversee design quality throughout RIBA stages, ensuring compliance with technical and regulatory standards within demanding timelines.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead design efforts within multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Coordinate architectural and engineering design integration across disciplines and locations.
• Manage internal governance processes throughout bid and delivery phases.
• Engage with clients to present proposals and maintain relationships.
• Support design development for new constructions, refurbishments, compliance upgrades, and expansions.
• Review and approve drawings and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with design and drafting teams across various disciplines.
• Produce design packages of moderate to high complexity.
• Prepare reports and supporting technical documentation.
• Evaluate vendor, subcontractor, and third-party design submissions.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, permits, and standards.
• Utilize Common Data Environment (CDE) platforms for document control and coordination.
• Employ tools such as Adobe PDF for markups and Microsoft Office applications confidently.
• Provide mentorship and line management support to junior staff.
• Assume lead verification responsibilities upon gaining sector and company experience.
• Fulfill Building Regulations Principal Designer duties using AECOM-standard procedures.
• Contribute to fee proposals, bids, and monitor project hours.

Management Responsibilities

• Organize workload for self and others to meet project deadlines.
• Ensure project completion aligns with design briefs and client requirements.
• Maintain accuracy, quality, and multidisciplinary coordination of design outputs.
• Uphold AECOM’s technical excellence standards across the team.
• Apply professional experience to manage daily team activities.
• Interact persuasively with clients, contractors, and regulatory authorities to resolve issues.
• Provide design leadership from project inception through delivery phases.
• Foster teamwork, positive morale, and a creative culture within practice teams.
• Make informed decisions to maintain design integrity and project objectives.
• For onsite projects, coordinate design support with site teams efficiently.
• Assist senior management in implementing technical excellence initiatives and resource management.
• Engage in resource forecasting, business reporting, and support staff training and development.
• Promote adoption of latest software and digital methods to enhance productivity.

Commercial Responsibilities

• Apply project management principles to operate within budgets and fees.
• Support assessment of new project opportunities and competition entries.
• Assist leadership in bid preparation and client relationship building.
• Contribute to marketing and business development activities.

Qualifications

• Fully Qualified Architect registered with ARB, with a proven track record in large multi-disciplinary design projects, preferably within infrastructure sectors.
• Willingness to work across various infrastructure domains including surface transport, rail, aviation, education, healthcare, science, and logistics.
• Degree qualification in architecture, preferably supplemented by a Diploma or Master’s degree.
• Familiarity with different building contracts is advantageous.
• Knowledge of UK building systems, standards, regulations, and typical construction methods.
• Proficient with CAD software and Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Teams, etc.).
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.
• Demonstrated professional development with a clear career trajectory.

Preferred Qualifications

• ARB registration or equivalent European/International qualification.
• RIBA Part 3 or Part 2 certification or equivalent.

Additional Information

The position is ideally based in Belfast, with other suitable locations including Dublin, Manchester, and London. The role requires travel across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. AECOM commits to a secure and transparent hiring process and mandates Day 1 in-person onboarding at an AECOM office. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourage applicants to bring their unique backgrounds. We support applicants with disabilities and ensure confidentiality according to EEO standards.

About AECOM

AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm specialized in delivering professional services across the project lifecycle. Our comprehensive offerings include advisory, planning, delivery, and construction management for both public and private sector clients globally. Our culture promotes integrity, innovation, and sustainable legacies for future generations.

Work Environment and Benefits

We offer flexible hybrid work opportunities allowing staff to balance office, remote, and client site work. Employees benefit from access to industry-leading technologies, continuous learning, competitive compensation packages, and various wellbeing programs supporting their growth and success.