AI & Digital Innovation Lead

Summary

• Award-winning architectural studio
• Global design practice
• Full-time, Permanent

About DKO

We are a celebrated, multidisciplinary design practice with a team of 280 professionals across six studios in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. Our portfolio includes diverse projects such as bespoke residences, luxury hotels, innovative hospitality and workplace interiors, urban design, large-scale master planning, and landscape architecture. At DKO, our workplace culture is shaped by our core values, fostering a safe, inclusive, and diverse environment where our people can excel.

The Role

DKO is seeking a forward-thinking, strategically-minded leader to join our team as Head of AI & Digital Innovation. This is a new and transformative role designed to lead the implementation of AI technologies across the practice, enhancing both creative and operational workflows. The role is internal-facing, aimed at positioning DKO at the forefront of AI integration in architecture and business systems.

Key Objectives:

• Implement AI tools to streamline design, documentation and creative workflows.
• Build and deploy intelligent internal bots and automations for administration, fee proposals, financial analysis, and reporting.
• Leverage DKO’s internal data to generate actionable insights and enhance operational efficiency.
• Influence business units across design, documentation, administration, and finance.
• Potential to build and lead and implementation team over time.
• Collaborate with IT, CGI and BIM only where overlap in technological value or efficiency arises.
• Lead with a research-first, strategic mindset.
• Oversee implementation of Generative AI for design ideation and visualisation; Internal data analytics tools; Workflow automation platforms.

Skills & Experience

• Experience in digital transformation, innovation consultancy, or technology leadership.
• Design sector exposure is helpful but not required.
• Must have a demonstrated ability to build systems and implement tools in a creative or complex business environment.
• Must align with DKO’s people-first, non-corporate culture.
• Comfortable in relaxed, design-led environments where hierarchy is flat and collaboration is key.
• Passion for the future of design and technology is essential.
• Inclusive, adaptive leadership style that supports experimentation and co-creation.

Remuneration and Benefits

In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a creative environment, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits including:

• Work in an award-winning studio with a focus on equity and inclusion
• Work in a friendly, supportive, fun and creative team environment
• Opportunities for career progression
• Exposure to projects across Australia
• Employee Assistance Program to support mental health
• Wellness initiatives and social events
• Generous parental leave policy
• Cultural leave
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and ability

How to apply

Please send through a letter of application and a current resume/portfolio [email protected] Please include AI and Digital Innovation Lead in the subject line.

We will ensure all applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Candidates must be currently eligible to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis.