Champion Design. Influence Change. Lead with Purpose.
* Executive leadership role with the Government Architect’s office
* Drive design quality and excellence, influence major projects, and help shape policy to transform NSW’s built environment.
* 2-year temporary, full-time role with the possibility to become permanent
* Parramatta location with hybrid working
* TRP from $231K to $256K including superannuation (commensurate with experience)
The role
As Director Design Quality, you’ll lead a team dedicated to championing great design across NSW. Reporting to the Government Architect, you will provide strategic advice, lead the State Design Review program, and partner with government and industry to raise design standards on major projects.
This is a leadership role at centre of NSW’s design agenda: guiding, critiquing, and improving outcomes through collaboration, research, and hands‑on direction. You’ll navigate complex, high‑profile projects, balance diverse stakeholder needs and responding to emerging challenges in design practice.
By fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, you’ll empower a skilled team and ensure robust processes are in place to deliver consistent, high‑quality advice and outcomes.
For more information read the full Role Description: RD - Director Design Quality
What you will bring
* Executive level experience in delivering high quality design services
* A strong track record of leadership and significant contribution to high quality and complex built environment projects
* Tertiary qualifications in Architecture
* Registration with the NSW Architects Registration Board (or eligibility to register)
This is a rare opportunity to influence design quality at scale and make a lasting impact on the places and communities of NSW.
About us
The Government Architect NSW (GANSW) provides strategic design leadership and expert advice to improve the quality of the built environment across New South Wales.
GANSW leads initiatives such as the State Design Review Panel, supports state significant developments and precincts, and collaborates with government, industry, and communities to champion design excellence. Through research, policy guidance, and hands‑on review, the Government Architect helps set benchmarks for good design, ensuring that projects deliver lasting public value and reflect best practice standards.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively; and deliver affordable and diverse housing.
We strive to be a high‑performing, world‑class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and building the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.
We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.
Join us
If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
Please click on the following link to apply:
https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/director-design-quality-government-architect-nsw-544822
Applications close
Applications close on Sunday 26 October 2025 at 11:55pm.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Matthew Dwyer, Talent Acquisition Partner via matthew.dwyer@dpie.nsw.gov.au.
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.
Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.
If we can make adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team on Diversity@DPIE.nsw.gov.au. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander check out our Aboriginal guide to applying for a role.
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