Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Join our Talent Pools for future Principal Design Advisor opportunities with GANSW
• Future planning for Permanent and Temporary opportunities
• Parramatta (flexible supported)
• Offering salary ranges from $146,822 - $170,981 + super

The Government Architect NSW (GANSW) works across government, the private sector and the community to improve social, environmental and economic outcomes for NSW and all of our communities. We support the NSW Government and help it deliver quality built-environment projects, manage risk and foster innovation to create people-centred places.

GANSW are expanding our current talent pools to support the Government’s focus on housing. We are looking for people who have experience in the design and delivery of high-quality housing projects across all scales. We are also seeking experienced urban designers to build the capacity of our urban design advisory team and architects with experience in transport, social infrastructure and sustainability.  

The role

The GANSW team has a high-level of experience in government and industry and draws on a range of disciplines, including urban design, architecture and landscape architecture.  Its focus is on the design quality of the built environment and the public domain.  GANSW plays a key strategic and advocacy role in providing independent advice that supports the success of NSW’s vision for its cities and communities.  

Principal Design Advisor team leader positions to help support the NSW Government’s renewed focus on housing design and sustainability will be sourced from this talent pool. 

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Design Advisor

About You

As a Principal Design Advisor, you will lead and manage GANSW teams and programs. You will provide high-level expert advice and analysis of architectural and design projects and issues to support high quality, sustainable design outcomes. You will raise awareness and understanding of best practice design processes to improve design quality across government agencies and the private sector. As a GANSW leader, you will promote design culture, build design capacity and work collaboratively within the Department and across government agencies.

 Key knowledge and experience

• Extensive experience leading the design and delivery of high-quality design projects at any scale, with a particular focus on housing, urban design and sustainability.
• Significant experience working collaboratively with and across a broad range of stakeholders.
• Ability to provide strategic leadership across a range of circumstances drawing upon innovative architectural, urban design and other design practices locally and nationally, as well as research, policy and practice.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.   
• A demonstrated commitment to design excellence.
• Experience working under pressure and meeting demanding deadlines

Essential requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in Architecture, Landscape architecture and / or Urban Design and significant professional experience 
• Be eligible to be registered in the peak body for specialist design qualification (where applicable)
• Experience managing teams to deliver complex projects

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities. 

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close Wednesday 2 April 2025 at 11.55pm.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Zoi Flannery via zoi.flannery@dpie.nsw.gov.au

A place on the recruitment pool means you may considered for ongoing or temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. 

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 3, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.