Woods Bagot Global Studio Careers
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Shanghai

Associate Principal

About Woods Bagot – Architecture for Worlds Ahead

We design places that meet the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world. Our commitment to exploration, impact, and community creates enduring, forward-thinking outcomes, unlocking humanity’s highest potential. With a global design culture devoted to creativity, resilience, and purpose – we ensure every project contributes to our client’s vision, inspiring future generations.

Woods Bagot is part of the 7C Total Place Design Network: A wholly owned network of leading place brands including ERA-co, Impact Futures, Woods Bagot, and Customs Bureau.

About the Role

We are seeking a Associate Principal to help shape Woods Bagot’s growth across multiple sectors. Based in Shanghai, this position will focus on cultivating and strengthening client relationships, securing new opportunities, as well as designing and delivering major projects.

Reporting to the Regional Chair and Regional Design Leader for Asia and working in close collaboration with our regional and global teams, this role will champion Woods Bagot’s position as a trusted industry leader. This is both a strategic and hands-on role, requiring proven expertise in securing and leading the successful design and delivery of large-scale, complex projects.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Client Engagement and Business Development:

  • Partner with global, regional, and local leadership teams to identify, pursue, and secure new project opportunities.
  • Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships, ensuring engagement and trust are sustained throughout the entire project lifecycle and beyond.
  • Drive work-winning activities, including bids, proposals, and presentations, to position Woods Bagot competitively in the market.

Design and Delivery:

  • Manage the effective design and delivery of projects, ensuring they are on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
  • Work seamlessly across sectors and disciplines, bringing adaptability and breadth of expertise.
  • Oversee fee management, contract compliance, and commercial performance.
  • Provide foresight in risk management, advising leadership on potential issues or claims.

Leadership and Mentorship:

  • Provide hands-on leadership, fostering collaboration, innovation, and high standards of practice.
  • Mentor and support project and studio staff, promoting professional development and knowledge sharing.
  • Oversee team resourcing and performance, ensuring effective project delivery and a positive, supportive studio culture.

About You

We are seeking a highly-experienced Architect with a proven record of securing, designing, leading and delivering large-scale projects. You are a confident, hands-on leader with excellent mentoring skills, strong client-facing experience, and the ability to present effectively during interviews and bids. Your experience spans extensive client and stakeholder management, underpinned by a deep capability in both design and documentation. You thrive in a collaborative, creative environment and bring specialized expertise in the design and construction of complex, high-profile architectural projects.

You will be able to Demonstrate:

  • 15+ years’ multi-sector and multi-typology experience
  • Numerous completed projects across China
  • International experience
  • Master’s degree in architecture
  • PRC Class 1 Registration
  • Exceptional design skills from concept to completion
  • Excellent technology skills including Revit and Rhino.
  • Fluent in English and Chinese – Mandarin essential, Cantonese an advantage
  • Diverse project background
  • Ability to mentor project leaders
  • A collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset
  • Alignment with Woods Bagot’s culture and values

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a resume and portfolio link via the Associate Principal LinkedIn job advertisement. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or names from agencies. All personal data collected by the firm will be kept confidential and only used for recruitment purposes.

Mandatory requirement: It is an essential requirement that at the time of applying for this position applicants must have the legal right to work in China.

Inspiration. Innovation. Inclusiveness. We are Woods Bagot.

Woods Bagot is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

At Woods Bagot, we are committed to creating an environment where difference is celebrated, valued, and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong. We accept that none of us is smarter than all of us. We believe building a diverse workforce is the foundation of creativity and innovative design – it is only by working together that we can realize the potential of our people, clients, and communities around us. Through our inclusive leadership and our truly global studio network of strategists, experienced designers, and scientists, you will find your voice and have the support and flexibility required to bring your whole self to work and build an exceptional career.