Architectural Graduate - Documentation & Delivery - Job Opportunity at DKO Architecture

Melbourne, Australia
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: August 4, 2025
On-site
AUD 55,000 - 65,000 per year based on Melbourne market rates for architectural graduates with 2+ years experience, positioning competitively within the mid-range for established practices

Benefits

Comprehensive parental leave policy providing extended time off for new parents, demonstrating commitment to work-life balance and family support beyond industry standards
Structured career advancement opportunities with clear progression pathways within a multi-disciplinary practice spanning six international studios
Employee assistance program offering professional mental health support and counseling services, reflecting modern workplace wellness priorities

Key Responsibilities

Lead collaborative project delivery from conceptual design through to completion, ensuring strategic alignment with client objectives and design excellence standards across diverse project portfolios
Execute technical planning submissions and regulatory compliance processes, directly impacting project approval timelines and commercial viability for multi-residential developments
Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies and site analysis to identify development opportunities and constraints, providing critical intelligence that shapes investment decisions and project direction
Represent the practice professionally in industry forums and client interactions, building market reputation and contributing to business development objectives
Drive quality assurance protocols and delivery systems that optimize project efficiency and maintain the firm's award-winning design standards across all project phases
Participate in high-level stakeholder meetings and provide technical expertise on complex design and delivery challenges, influencing project outcomes and client satisfaction

Requirements

Education

Degree in Architecture

Experience

2+ years' experience in an architectural studio environment

Required Skills

Solid drafting and graphic presentation skills Competent with CAD software (DKO uses ArchiCAD) Knowledge of relevant building codes and standards Effective communication, whether written, visual, or verbal Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively Solid organisation, time management and coordination
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The Australian architecture sector is experiencing strong demand for multi-residential projects driven by urban densification policies and housing supply shortages, particularly in major cities like Melbourne where population growth continues to outpace housing delivery. Digital transformation in architecture practices is accelerating the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and integrated design platforms like ArchiCAD, making technical proficiency in these tools essential for career advancement and project delivery efficiency. Sustainability and ESG requirements are becoming mandatory rather than optional in Australian construction, with new building codes and client expectations driving demand for architects with expertise in green building standards and energy-efficient design solutions.

Role Significance

Typically working within project teams of 4-8 professionals including senior architects, project managers, and consultants, with potential for leading smaller documentation workstreams
Junior professional role with significant responsibility for technical delivery and client interaction, representing a critical bridge between graduate training and senior architectural practice with direct impact on project outcomes

Key Projects

Multi-residential developments ranging from boutique apartment buildings to large-scale residential towers requiring complex documentation and regulatory approval processes Mixed-use developments combining residential, retail, and commercial components demanding integrated design solutions and stakeholder coordination Master planning projects requiring long-term strategic thinking and community engagement, particularly given DKO's expertise in large-scale urban design initiatives

Success Factors

Technical excellence in documentation and delivery processes, as this directly impacts project timelines, cost control, and regulatory approval success rates in the competitive Melbourne market Strong communication and stakeholder management skills to navigate complex approval processes and maintain client relationships throughout extended project lifecycles Adaptability to work across diverse project types and scales, leveraging DKO's multidisciplinary platform to develop comprehensive design and delivery expertise Commercial awareness and understanding of development feasibility factors that influence design decisions and project viability in the current market environment

Market Demand

High demand driven by robust construction pipeline in Victoria and shortage of qualified graduates with documentation experience

Important Skills

Critical Skills

ArchiCAD proficiency is essential as DKO's primary design platform, and expertise in this software system directly impacts productivity, collaboration efficiency, and career advancement opportunities within the practice and broader BIM-focused market Building codes and standards knowledge represents fundamental competency for documentation roles, as regulatory compliance failures can result in significant project delays, cost overruns, and professional liability issues Communication skills across written, visual, and verbal formats are critical for stakeholder management, regulatory approvals, and team coordination in complex multi-disciplinary project environments

Beneficial Skills

Multi-residential sector experience provides valuable specialization in a high-demand market segment, particularly relevant given Melbourne's ongoing apartment development boom and associated regulatory complexities Project management and coordination capabilities enhance career progression prospects and prepare graduates for senior roles requiring team leadership and client relationship management Sustainability and green building expertise represents growing market differentiator as ESG requirements become standard in commercial and residential development projects

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work within an established international practice while maintaining focus on local Melbourne market dynamics and regulatory environment, providing both global perspective and regional expertise
Exposure to DKO's multidisciplinary approach combining architecture, interior design, urban planning, and landscape architecture, offering broader skill development than traditional architectural practices
Focus on documentation and delivery provides specialized technical expertise that is highly valued in the current market where project complexity and regulatory requirements continue to increase
Access to diverse project portfolio including luxury hospitality and bespoke residential work that represents premium market segments with higher design standards and budgets

Career Growth

Progression to senior roles typically occurs within 2-3 years for high performers, with partnership track positions achievable within 7-10 years in established practices like DKO

Potential Next Roles

Senior Architectural Graduate or Project Architect within 2-3 years, taking on larger project responsibilities and team leadership functions Specialist roles in areas such as BIM coordination, sustainability consulting, or regulatory compliance, leveraging technical expertise developed in documentation and delivery Project Manager or Associate positions within 4-5 years, transitioning from technical delivery to business development and client relationship management

Company Overview

DKO Architecture

DKO Architecture operates as a major regional player in the Asia-Pacific architecture market with over 280 professionals across six studios, demonstrating substantial scale and market presence that provides graduates with exposure to diverse project types and international design standards.

Award-winning practice with established reputation in luxury residential, hospitality, and mixed-use developments, positioning employees to work on high-profile projects that enhance professional credentials and industry recognition
Melbourne studio serves as a key hub for DKO's Australian operations, providing access to the country's second-largest architecture market and opportunities for interstate project involvement across the practice's national portfolio
Emphasis on equity, inclusion, and professional development reflects modern workplace values and commitment to employee retention, supported by comprehensive benefits package and structured career progression pathways
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