Jean Souris
Melbourne
Summary
Director and Registered Building Designer with extensive technical expertise in residential and medium-density developments, delivering end-to-end design services from site analysis and feasibility through to construction documentation and contract administration.
Highly proficient in preparing planning permit documentation, working drawings, and coordination packages in accordance with NCC 2022 (Volumes 1 & 2), Australian Standards, local planning schemes, Residential Codes (Clause 55), and council overlays. Strong capability in interpreting town planning controls, bushfire (BAL) requirements, flood overlays, and heritage constraints.
Experienced in consultant coordination including structural, civil, geotechnical, energy rating (NatHERS), bushfire, and arboricultural reports to ensure compliant and build-ready outcomes. Skilled in value engineering, material specification, and construction detailing to optimise durability, and cost efficiency.
Advanced knowledge of building regulations, contract documentation, and construction methodologies. Proven track record managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring compliance, risk mitigation, and high-quality design delivery. Recognised for technical precision, regulatory expertise, and strong stakeholder management.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director
J Richard Designs
11.2015 - Current
Key Responsibilities
- Established and led a boutique architectural practice specialising in high-quality, design-led projects
- Directed all phases of architectural delivery: feasibility studies, concept design, design development, planning approvals, documentation, and construction coordination
- Managed client relationships, contracts, fee proposals, and negotiations
- Led design vision and creative direction across projects, ensuring strong architectural identity and compliance with planning frameworks
- Oversaw consultant teams including engineers, planners, surveyors, and interior designers
- Prepared and coordinated planning submissions, council negotiations, and VCAT responses
- Developed sustainable and cost-effective design solutions aligned with client budgets
- Managed project timelines, resourcing, and financial performance
- Built brand presence through marketing, digital content, and professional networks
- Mentored junior designers and consultants
- Founded and successfully grew an independent architectural practice from inception
- Delivered 150+ projects from concept to construction across residential and mixed-use sectors
- Achieved high approval success rate with local councils through strong planning strategy
- Built a loyal client base through repeat business and referrals
- Recognised for distinctive design approach balancing aesthetics and compliance.
- Successfully managed multiple concurrent projects while maintaining quality standards
- Developed strong industry partnerships with builders, developers, and consultants
- Led complex site constraints projects including heritage, overlays, and tight urban lots
- Implemented efficient workflows and documentation standards improving delivery timelines
Design Manager
SGA Design Pty Ltd
12.2015 - 01.2024
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end design management from concept through documentation and construction phases
- Oversee multiple project teams to ensure consistency in quality, branding, and design standards
- Develop and review design briefs, feasibility studies, and concept proposals
- Manage consultant coordination (structural, civil, services, landscape, ESD)
- Ensure compliance with NCC, Australian Standards, and planning regulations
- Review drawings and documentation for accuracy and risk mitigation
- Facilitate design workshops and internal reviews
- Act as primary client liaison during design phases
- Mentor graduate architects and junior designers
- Monitor program delivery, resourcing, and budget alignment
- Drive value engineering without compromising design intent
- Lead design presentations to clients and stakeholders
- Led design delivery of 100+ mixed-use and residential developments from concept to construction
- Improved documentation accuracy, reducing RFIs by 30% across active projects
- Introduced internal design review process, improving approval turnaround times by 25%
- Successfully managed 10+ concurrent projects with zero missed deadlines
- Delivered multiple projects achieving DA/Planning approval on first submission
- Mentored junior staff.
- Strengthened client relationships, generating repeat business from 60% of clients
- Implemented BIM workflows improving coordination efficiency by 35%
- Recognised internally for design leadership and technical excellence
- Develop and deliver internal training sessions on NCC and Australian Standards updates to ensure team-wide compliance and best practice
Building Designer
Streaky Design
01.2015 - 11.2015
Job Description
Building Designer responsible for creating compliant, functional, and visually appealing residential and commercial designs. Skilled in concept development, documentation, planning approvals, and coordinating with engineers, councils, and consultants to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget.
- Designed and delivered multiple residential projects from concept to construction approval.
- Successfully gained council approvals by meeting NCC and local planning requirements.
- Reduced project revisions by producing accurate documentation and 3D visualisations.
- Collaborated with engineers and surveyors to resolve complex site constraints.
- Improved client satisfaction through clear communication and tailored design solutions.
Education
Bachelor of Design (Architecture) Distinction - Architecture
Deakin University
Geelong, VIC10-2015
Advanced Diploma of Building Design - Architecture
Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
Melbourne, Victoria, VIC06-2013
Skills
- Strategic Leadership – Setting vision, goals, and long-term direction for the practice
- Business Development – Winning new projects, client relationships, and networking
- Financial Management – Budgeting, forecasting, fee proposals, and profitability control
- Design Excellence – Strong architectural vision and creative direction
- Project Governance – Oversight of timelines, risk, and quality control
- Client & Stakeholder Management – High-level communication and negotiation
- Team Leadership & Mentoring – Building, guiding, and retaining talent
- Contract & Legal Awareness – Understanding contracts, compliance, and liabilities
- Marketing & Brand Strategy – Positioning the firm in the market
- Decision-Making Under Pressure – Confident, timely, and strategic choices
Accomplishments
- Founded and a design practice delivering residential and multi-dwelling projects from concept to approval
- Designed and managed planning permit and building permit submissions with high approval success rate
- Produced compliant documentation aligned with NCC, local planning schemes, and Australian Standards
- Delivered cost-efficient design solutions that maximised site potential and client return on investment
- Managed multidisciplinary consultants (engineers, planners, surveyors, energy assessors)
- Built strong client relationships with repeat referrals and long-term partnerships
- Led end-to-end project delivery from feasibility studies through to construction support
- Developed distinctive architectural branding and high-quality 3D visualisations for marketing
- Negotiated council feedback and objections to achieve favourable planning outcomes
- Maintained project timelines and budgets across multiple concurrent developments
Certification
Registered Building Practitioner with the Victorian Building Authority
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
Interests
Having been in the architectural and building industry for a while now, I am passionate about creating thoughtful, sustainable design solutions that balance innovation with practicality My interests include residential and mixed-use architecture, passive design strategies, contemporary materials, and delivering client-focused outcomes, alongside a love for music as a source of inspiration and creativity I am equally committed to practice leadership, mentoring emerging designers, and ensuring high-quality project delivery from concept through to construction
Timeline
Design Manager
SGA Design Pty Ltd
12.2015 - 01.2024
Director
J Richard Designs
11.2015 - Current
Building Designer
Streaky Design
01.2015 - 11.2015
Bachelor of Design (Architecture) Distinction - Architecture
Deakin University
Advanced Diploma of Building Design - Architecture
Holmesglen Institute of TAFE