Director, Transport Architecture

About the role

SAA Architects is looking for a Director, Transport to lead its transport team in Singapore. The Director drives new business, pursues major rail and transport infrastructure projects and provides strategic leadership across client engagement, design direction, technical delivery, financial performance and team development. The role focuses on MRT stations, rail infrastructure, depots, transport interchanges and transit-oriented developments.

Key responsibilities

• Set the vision and business strategy for the transport practice, covering growth, profitability, design quality and market positioning.
• Identify and secure major projects, lead strategic bids, tenders, client presentations and design proposals, and build client relationships.
• Engage senior clients, government agencies, transport authorities, consultants and contractors, and act as a trusted advisor on rail and transport architecture.
• Lead delivery of complex projects from feasibility and concept design through to construction administration and close-out.
• Provide senior guidance on station planning, passenger flow, accessibility, fire and life safety, authority requirements and constructability.
• Coordinate across architecture, engineering, MEP, structural, landscape, ID, planning and specialist consultants.
• Oversee fee proposals, contracts, budgets, resource plans and payment management, and monitor projects against budget and schedule.
• Manage project finances, contractual obligations, variations and risks.
• Build and mentor a team of architects and project leaders, support succession planning and foster a collaborative culture.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, regulatory developments and procurement trends, and champion BIM, digital coordination and design automation.

Required profile

• At least 20 years of relevant architectural experience, preferably in rail, MRT, transit, depot or major infrastructure projects.
• Registered Architect or equivalent professional qualification preferred; Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture.
• Extensive experience leading complex projects from concept design through to construction and TOP/CSC, and in complex rail and transport infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of Singapore authority requirements, building codes, accessibility standards, fire and life safety, and rail design standards.
• Full design-to-construction documentation, tender documentation, construction administration and contract administration.
• Experience with transport, rail or infrastructure clients and stakeholders, and proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong commercial awareness and established client-facing capability.

Required skills

• Working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD and BIM-based software, including AutoCAD and Revit.
• BIM, digital coordination and design automation.