NEWR is an award-winning design and construction company specialising in high-quality residential renovations and extensions across Canberra. We operate a fully integrated design and construct model, delivering considered, buildable outcomes from concept through to completion.
As our portfolio continues to grow, design has become central to our service offering. We are now seeking a Head of Design to lead and evolve our design function, strengthen integration with construction, and formalise a commercially independent, high-performance design service within our business.
This is a leadership role with real influence. It has been created to elevate our capability and take the business to the next level.
The Opportunity
You will lead an established and capable interior design team, nurturing their growth while refining structure, documentation standards and commercial clarity.
Your mandate is to professionalise and scale our design service so it is:
* Structured and clearly defined
* Commercially sound and billable
* Highly integrated with construction
* Recognised for both design quality and buildability
You will work closely with the Managing Director and Construction Team Leader to ensure alignment across design intent, documentation and delivery.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and mentor the internal design team
* Allocate projects and manage workload capacity
* Elevate design quality, detailing and presentation standards
Technical & Documentation Oversight
* Oversee preparation of design documentation, including planning and construction drawings
* Ensure compliance with NCC, livable housing requirements and relevant building codes
* Maintain high documentation standards aligned with construction sequencing and buildability
Pre-Construction & Client Engagement
* Assist in qualifying design enquiries and participating in discovery consultations
* Define and refine design scopes and deliverables
* Contribute to structured, fee‐based pre‐construction pathways
* Support proposal preparation and design agreements
Service Development & Growth
* Formalise NEWR's design stages, deliverables and workflows
* Implement systems to track design progress and performance
* Coordinate supplier education sessions and ongoing product knowledge development
* Contribute to positioning NEWR as a leader in integrated residential design and construction
About You
You are an experienced interior designer or design professional who understands both creative execution and technical documentation.
You bring:
* 7 plus years' experience in residential design, architecture or design and construct
* Strong documentation capability and working knowledge of Australian building codes
* Experience leading or mentoring a team
* Commercial awareness and confidence discussing scopes and fees
* A detail‐focused mindset with the ability to see the broader strategic picture
* Drafting experience and proficiency in relevant documentation software will be highly regarded
Most importantly, you are motivated by the opportunity to build something. You want ownership, influence and the ability to shape a growing design function within an established construction business.
Your Application
Your application will include the following questions:
* Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
* How many years' experience do you have as a Head of Design?
* How many years of residential design experience do you have?
* Have you worked in a role where you were responsible for authoring and reviewing technical documentation?
* What's your expected annual base salary?
* How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
* Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?
#J-18808-Ljbffr