Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Reporting line: CEO
About the Company
Our client is an integrated real estate investment, development and operating platform with a growing portfolio in Ho Chi Minh City. The business participates across the asset lifecycle—from sourcing and acquisition through design, redevelopment, leasing and operations—and takes a disciplined owner’s approach to investment performance, product quality, delivery and long-term asset efficiency.
The Opportunity
The company is seeking a practical and commercially minded Senior Architect to lead architectural feasibility for potential acquisitions, refurbishment and repositioning opportunities, redevelopment projects and selected ground-up developments.
Key Responsibilities
Acquisition feasibility and development options
Inspect sites, existing buildings and their surrounding context.
Prepare architectural feasibility studies for acquisitions, refurbishments, conversions, redevelopment and new-build opportunities.
Personally develop test-fit plans, preliminary layouts, massing studies and alternative development scenarios.
Assess buildable area, building height, site coverage, plot ratio/FAR, GFA, setbacks, access, internal circulation, parking, unit count, unit mix and product configuration.
For existing assets, identify opportunities to improve layout efficiency, unit mix, usable/lettable area, operational flow and asset value.
For development sites, establish preliminary planning, building configuration and product direction to unlock the site's potential.
Due diligence, verification and risk
Review relevant planning controls, development parameters, building codes, fire-safety requirements and other legal or technical constraints.
Identify architectural, planning, infrastructure, structural, building-services and existing-condition risks early in the investment process.
Determine when further measurement, survey, technical investigation, specialist advice or authority clarification is required.
Check critical dimensions, existing conditions and assumptions when appropriate; do not rely solely on seller information, CAD files or consultant input.
Maintain a clear record of assumptions, open issues, uncertainties and verification actions before investment approval.
Commercial and cross-functional collaboration
Work closely with Investment to assess how alternative design and development scenarios affect underwriting and investment returns.
Partner with Cost & Commercial colleagues to test construction-cost implications and economic viability.
Coordinate with Interior Design and Operations to ensure unit sizes, layouts, amenities, common areas and back-of-house arrangements can become an attractive and efficient product.
Engage structural, MEP, infrastructure, traffic, fire-safety and other specialist consultants when required.
Balance design quality, development efficiency, cost, regulatory compliance, constructability, market appeal and operating performance.
Decision support and handover
Prepare clear drawings, area schedules, diagrams, analysis and presentation materials for senior management and Investment Committee review.
Respond promptly to questions, comments and requests for further analysis.
Manage feasibility and investment milestones, re-prioritising when deal timelines or business needs change and escalating delivery risks early.
After acquisition, hand over the approved feasibility concept, assumptions, open issues, identified risks and key design principles to the delivery team.
Candidate Requirements
Approximately 7+ years of architectural experience; exceptional candidates may be considered based on demonstrated capability.
Relevant experience in residential, serviced apartments, hotels, mixed-use or urban development.
Experience with both existing buildings and new-build development is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated capability in architectural feasibility, master/site planning, early concept design, developer-side design management or investment-related technical due diligence.
Strong test-fit planning, massing, space-planning and layout skills.
Sound knowledge of planning controls, site coverage, plot ratio/FAR, GFA, setbacks, parking, fire safety and development parameters in Vietnam.
Ability to assess a property quickly, identify constraints and value-creation opportunities, and produce several viable scenarios.
Commercial judgement and the ability to connect design choices with cost, investment performance, constructability and operations.
Proficiency in AutoCAD and strong working capability in SketchUp and/or Revit.
Clear communication and presentation skills for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Proactive, careful and accountable working style; able to defend professional recommendations while remaining open to challenge.
Good working English is preferred, particularly for technical documents, business communication and presentation materials.
Please send your updated CV to Ngoc Dang at ngoc.dang@cornerstoneglobalpartners.com, quoting the job title or click Apply Now.
Due to the anticipated high volume of applicants, we regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
