Chief Architect – UG

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As part of AECOM’s Transit & Rail business, the Chief Architect – Underground (UG) provides strategic leadership across the full design lifecycle for below-ground metro stations, ancillary structures, and passenger environments. The role combines architecture, urban design, and multi-disciplinary coordination to ensure our underground assets are safe, resilient, accessible, and user-centred. Based in-house with periodic site visits, you will collaborate daily with structural, MEP, systems, construction, and programme leadership teams to translate visionary design intent into buildable, high-performance solutions.

Job Duties:
• Define and champion the design vision for underground stations, concourses, cross-passages, shafts, and ancillary spaces, ensuring alignment with client objectives, safety standards, and passenger-centric principles.
• Oversee the development of architectural concepts, layouts, sections, and advanced construction details, guiding teams through Concept, Schematic, Detailed Design, IFC/GFC, and As-Built stages.
• Integrate structural, geotechnical, E&M, and rail systems inputs into coherent BIM models; ensure robust coordination and clash-free deliverables via BIM 360 and ISO 19650 workflows.
• Lead and facilitate Inter-Disciplinary Coordination (IDC) meetings, clash-resolution sessions, and formal design reviews, safeguarding architectural integrity while accommodating engineering constraints.
• Interpret, apply, and advise on national/international codes and guidelines (NBC, NFPA 130, NFPA 101, CMRS/MoHUA, IS codes) as well as sustainability frameworks (IGBC/LEED) for underground applications.
• Develop and sign-off life-safety, fire-life-safety (FLS), and egress strategies; ensure universal design, accessibility (UNCRPD/NBC), and passenger-flow optimisation.
• Produce and validate high-quality drawings, BIM/Revit models, technical specifications, and material schedules; maintain issue registers, revision logs, and design calculation files for audits.
• Provide authoritative input during procurement, tender evaluation, constructability reviews, and value engineering to secure optimal solutions for cost, programme, and quality.
• Support site teams during construction—responding to RFIs, reviewing shop drawings, assessing field modifications, and driving resolution of design-related issues.
• Champion AECOM’s Quality Management System (QMS), fostering continuous improvement, lessons-learned sharing, and adoption of digital delivery best practices.
• Mentor, coach, and upskill a diverse team of architects, urban designers, and BIM technologists; cultivate a culture of design excellence, collaboration, and innovation across regional hubs.
• Represent AECOM in client workshops, authority presentations, and industry forums, articulating design strategies, securing approvals, and enhancing our market profile.
• Advise leadership on emerging underground transit trends, materials, digital design tools, and sustainability advances to maintain AECOM’s competitive edge.

• Master’s degree in Architecture (M.Arch. or equivalent postgraduate qualification
• Professional licence/registration with a recognised architectural body (e.g., COA, RIBA, AIA, or equivalent).

• 25+ years of total architectural experience, with a robust portfolio of large, complex infrastructure or transportation projects.
• 7+ years dedicated to metro rail or major underground/transport developments (stations, tunnels, TODs, or similar).

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.