Architectural Design Manager

Architectural Design Manager - Data Centres

Location - United Kingdom

Role Summary

STACK Infrastructure is looking for an experienced Architectural Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide client-side architectural expertise across the development, design and delivery of hyperscale Data Centre projects throughout Europe.

This is an opportunity to play an influential role across the full project lifecycle - from site due diligence and early concept development through detailed design, construction and handover.

You’ll act as a trusted architectural authority within STACK, representing our interests and working closely with external architects, consultants, contractors and specialist designers. Rather than being a production design role, your focus will be on reviewing, challenging and assuring designs to ensure they meet our technical standards, customer requirements, regulatory obligations and operational needs.

Working across multiple European projects and jurisdictions, you’ll combine strong architectural expertise with a practical understanding of how architecture integrates with the engineering, operational and commercial requirements of large-scale Data Centres.

Key Responsibilities

· Act as STACK’s Architectural Subject Matter Expert across Data Centre development and construction projects.

· Review and challenge architectural designs, drawings, specifications and technical submissions produced by consultants, contractors and specialist designers.

· Provide architectural input throughout the project lifecycle, from site selection and technical due diligence through design, construction and handover.

· Identify architectural, buildability, coordination and regulatory risks early and help project teams develop practical solutions.

· Review site layouts, building configuration, massing, circulation, access, logistics and operational functionality.

· Ensure architectural designs integrate effectively with structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, security and fire/life-safety requirements.

· Review detailed design packages, including building envelope, materials, internal layouts, fire compartmentation and interfaces with critical engineering systems.

· Support design reviews and stage-gate approvals, including the review of deviations from STACK standards and project requirements.

· Provide architectural support during construction, including technical queries, design changes, substitutions, site inspections and resolution of coordination issues.

· Support project completion, snagging, handover and review of as-built information.

· Work with local architects and specialist advisers to navigate planning, permitting, building regulations and statutory requirements across different European jurisdictions.

· Engage confidently with internal stakeholders, customers, consultants and contractors to resolve technical issues and support effective decision-making.

· Contribute to the development of STACK architectural standards, specifications, Employer’s Requirements, standard details and reference designs.

· Capture lessons learned from live projects and help apply them across our wider European portfolio.

What You'll Bring

· A degree or equivalent professional qualification in Architecture or a closely related discipline.

· At least 5 years’ experience specifically within Data Centre design, development and/or construction.

· Experience working on hyperscale or large-scale mission-critical Data Centre projects.

· Strong experience reviewing and challenging designs produced by third-party architects, engineering consultants and contractors.

· Good understanding of the complete design and construction lifecycle, from early feasibility through detailed design, construction and handover.

· Experience working across RIBA stages or equivalent international design frameworks.

· Good knowledge of European building regulations, codes, standards, planning and permitting processes.

· Experience working across multiple European jurisdictions.

· Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination and the interfaces between architecture and critical engineering systems.

· The ability to critically review architectural drawings, specifications, reports and technical submissions and identify potential risks or inconsistencies.

· Strong communication skills and the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders, customers, consultants and contractors.

· A pragmatic and commercially aware approach, understanding how design decisions can affect cost, programme, buildability and operational performance.

· The ability to work independently, prioritise effectively and make well-reasoned technical recommendations.

· Fluent professional English and willingness to travel across Europe as required.

What Will Make You Stand Out

· Registered or Chartered Architect status, or equivalent professional accreditation.

· Experience working directly for a Data Centre developer, operator or hyperscale customer.

· Experience with different hyperscale customer technical standards.

· Experience developing client-side design standards, Employer’s Requirements or reference designs.

· Data Centre technical due diligence and site selection experience.

· Knowledge of BIM, common data environments and federated design models.

· Experience with modular, standardised or repeatable Data Centre design.

· Understanding of sustainability requirements relevant to European Data Centre developments.

· Experience engaging with planning authorities, building control, fire authorities and other Authorities Having Jurisdiction.

What We Offer

· Work on critical digital infrastructure, supporting the development and operation of some of the world's most advanced data centre environments.

· Build your future with STACK, gaining exposure to large-scale projects and clear opportunities for professional growth across a fast-growing European platform.

· Competitive compensation and benefits designed to support you both professionally and personally.

About STACK Infrastructure

STACK is a proven, trusted partner for the world's most innovative companies, designing, developing and operating sustainable global digital infrastructure. Backed by an unmatched record of reliable delivery and development expertise, STACK brings speed, scale, certainty and responsibility to the demands of a rapidly evolving digital infrastructure landscape.