Job Title: Senior Architect
Company: Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh
Department: School of Eco-Responsive Architecture
Location: HIAL Campus, Phyang, Leh-Ladakh
Position Type: Full-time, On-Campus
Experience Level: Senior (5+ years in relevant field)
About HIAL:
The Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), is an alternative university committed to experiential, hands-on, and context-based learning rooted in the high-altitude desert of Ladakh. Our School of Eco-Responsive Architecture pioneers sustainable building practices in the trans-Himalayan region and beyond.
Role Summary:
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Architect who is not only a practitioner of sustainable and context-responsive architecture but also an inspiring educator. The candidate will teach, mentor, and lead hands-on learning experiences that embody HIAL's philosophy of learning by doing. The role involves working closely with fellows, interns, and students to design and build passive solar-heated structures, lead community-based projects and organize flagship events such as the Sun and Earth Festival.
Key Responsibilities:
Academic & Teaching:
- Design and deliver academic courses on sustainable architecture, passive solar design, earth architecture and responsible construction practices.
- Facilitate experiential, hands-on and site-based learning that connect theory with real-world application.
- Guide students, fellows, and interns in their individual projects, research and thesis work.
- Evaluate learning outcomes and contribute to curriculum development.
Project Leadership & Mentorship:
- Lead the design and construction of buildings at HIAL using eco-responsive methods (e.g., mud, stone, rammed earth, straw clay, solar).
- Mentor architecture interns, fellows and visiting professionals on live projects.
- Supervise and guide interdisciplinary teams on construction, prototyping and innovation in high-altitude building.
Events & Outreach:
- Plan and lead events such as the Sun and Earth Festival, celebrating innovation in sustainable building and traditional knowledge.
- Facilitate workshops and hands-on training programs for local communities, visiting institutions, and professionals.
- Represent HIAL in national and international forums related to sustainable architecture and climate-responsive design.
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- Master's degree in Architecture, Sustainable Architecture or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience, preference will be given to applicants having experience in high-altitude or climate-responsive architecture.
- Proven track record in passive solar building design, use of local materials and responsible construction practices.
- Prior experience in teaching, training, or community-based capacity building is highly desirable.
- Strong design sensibility with the ability to translate concepts into actionable, buildable plans.
Key Skills & Attributes:
- Passionate about sustainability and grounded in hands-on, practical problem-solving.
- Comfortable working in remote, high-altitude environments and engaging with diverse stakeholders—from villagers to international students.
- Excellent communication, mentoring and facilitation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and lead interdisciplinary teams.
- Commitment to HIAL's values of innovation, inclusivity and ecological responsibility.
Preferred Qualities:
- Familiarity with vernacular Ladakhi architecture and indigenous construction techniques.
- Experience working with natural building materials such as adobe, cob, stone and wood.
- Inclination towards experiential education and design/build pedagogy.
To apply, please send your CV, portfolio (max 10 MB or link), and a statement of purpose (500–800 words) to
[email protected] with the subject line: Application – Senior Architect at HIAL.
