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

• A senior design leadership role that shapes the quality of major government projects by providing expert design advice, driving collaborative co‑design processes, and building a strong design culture across agencies—lifting design capability, informing strategic decision‑making, and championing best‑practice outcomes for NSW.
• This Talent Pool is being created for future Ongoing or Temporary roles that may arise over the next 18 months.
• Office location based in Parramatta with flexible working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $151,227 to $176,110 + super

What’s in it for me?

You’ll be part of a highly collaborative, design-driven team that values ideas, rigour and impact. We support flexible ways of working, meaningful and varied projects, and a sustainable approach to work and wellbeing—including flex leave and access to support programs. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to do their best work.

The Role

The role focusses on lifting the quality, ambition and consistency of design outcomes across NSW by offering clear, expert advice on projects and policies and helping shape guidance that strengthen design outcomes.  It involves working closely with teams across the Department and other agencies to embed strong design thinking, support co‑design processes, and develop practical guidance and tools that help improve decision‑making. A big part of the work is building partnerships, fostering research, and raising awareness of best‑practice design so design-led, evidence-based thinking informs decision-making at every scale and becomes a consistent expectation across government.   

The role operates within an environment of ongoing cultural change. It requires the ability to guide and influence others, support design stewards, and navigate established governance and project controls with confidence and judgement. Balancing design quality with time and cost pressures is central to the role, as is working constructively within complex organisational structures. Success in this position calls for strategic thinking, credibility in design, and the ability to shape a more contemporary, design-focused approach to government project lifecycles.

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

What you will bring to the role 

• Deep expertise in architectural and urban design, with the ability to provide high‑level strategic advice on complex, high‑impact government projects.
• Strong capability in embedding design thinking and co‑design processes, including working collaboratively across agencies and within established project governance structures.
• Proven experience developing policy, guidance material and practical design tools that lift design quality and support informed decision‑making.
• Well‑developed stakeholder and partnership‑building skills, with the ability to influence, guide design stewards and navigate cultural change across diverse government and industry groups.
• Ability to balance design quality with time and cost pressures, supported by strong research capability and a contemporary understanding of best‑practice design approaches.

What is an essential requirement:

•  Degree in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and/or other relevant discipline and significant relevant experience
• Be eligible to be registered in the peak body for specialist design qualification (where applicable)

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 Thursday 26 February 2026 (11:55PM)

Should you require further information about the role please contact Paulo Macchia, Director Design Governance on Paulo.Macchia@planning.nsw.gov.au

To enhance your account security, PageUp is introducing two-factor authentication (2FA). You can follow the step by step guide here. If you experience any issues please reach out on (02) 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1.

A talent pool will be created for ongoing and 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 2, 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.