JOBS // Yes, we are hiring. And not just one very specific unicorn role. We have a number of great roles, at all levels. Right now, we have live opportunities across → Engineering → Architecture → Interior Design If you are quietly curious, actively looking, or just want to know what is out there, now is a good time to have a chat. Full job descriptions are up on our website > 🔗 in bio. Interested? Get in touch with Nicholas Koop or Lee Stevens and let’s talk through what might actually suit you. 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0406 470 020 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0426 180 254 Your next role might already be sitting there waiting... #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #InteriorDesignJobs #EngineeringJobs #ClearAndSimple

VIVID // The family is growing!! And the mystery person is finally revealed Please welcome Panashe Makuni to the Vivid fam, joining us as our Candidate Manager across Architecture & Design. Panashe brings a Master of Architecture from Deakin University, experience working in architectural practice and a background in specialist recruitment. She knows the industry from both sides, which is a pretty handy combination when it comes to understanding what designers are looking for in their next move, and what studios need when growing their teams. A self-described bubbly character with a passion for people and architecture, Panashe is all about building genuine connections and helping good people find the right opportunities. We're pretty chuffed to have her on board, and we're looking forward to what she'll bring to the team. Welcome to Vivid, Panashe! 🥂 Good people. Good opportunities. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #ClearAndSimple #MeetTheTeam #WeAreGrowing

VIVID // Meet the team... If you're new to the Vivid family, here's who we are and what we do. Nicholas Koop > looks after Engineering and Planning, working with consultancies and engineering professionals across Australia. Lee Stevens > looks after Architecture and Interior Design, working with architecture studios and design professionals across the industry. Both bring plenty of industry knowledge to the table, with a straightforward approach to recruitment and a focus on getting the right people into the right roles. Annie Salter > looks after Marketing and Operations, covering everything from the Vivid brand, content and communications to the systems and processes that support the business. We're a small, established team working across some great industries, with one simple aim > putting good people into great opportunities. No bells and whistles. No fancy processes. No bulls**t. Just hard work and incredible relationships. And now the Vivid family is growing! 👀 Watch this space next week, but needless to say, we're super excited. #VividRecruitment #ClearAndSimple #MeetTheTeam #WeAreGrowing

TESTIMONIAL // We've received this absolute belter review for Nick... ...this time from a candidate who found the right opportunities through his network. Nick took the time to understand what they were looking for, put forward two genuinely well-suited roles and kept communication flowing from the first conversation through to interviews and beyond. That's what good recruitment looks like. It's not about throwing jobs at people and hoping something sticks. It's about knowing your market, understanding people and making the right connections. And when you've got a strong network behind you, those connections count. 👏 Great work, Nick! Looking for your next hire? Nicholas Koop knows his stuff and has the network to find the right people for the job. Get in touch with Nick or visit our website. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Good roles with good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #Testimonial #EngineeringRecruitment #ArchitectureRecruitment #ClearAndSimple

JOBS // Looking for your next move? Nick and Lee have current opportunities across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne. BRISBANE → Architect / Senior Architect | $120k–$150k+ → Experienced Grads / Architects / Project Architects – Olympics | $80k–$150k+ GOLD COAST → Project Architect / Senior Project Architect – Multi-Residential | $80k–$140k+ SYDNEY → Structural Engineer | $90k–$100k+ → Structural Revit Drafter | Tier 1 consultancy, iconic building projects MELBOURNE → Project Architect – Multi-Res | $110k–$125k+ → Electrical Project Lead | $130k–$180k Interested in a role? Get in touch with the team. Lee Stevens | 0406 470 020 | lee@vividrecruitment.com.au Nicholas Koop | 0426 180 254 | nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Not quite what you're looking for? Have a chat with us anyway. Good roles with good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #InteriorDesignJobs #AustralianJobs

JOBS // BRISBANE & GOLD COAST Lee's focus this week is Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with opportunities across architecture and landscape architecture. → Architects, Project Architects and Senior Architects across retail, commercial and multi-residential → Architecture opportunities connected to the Olympics → Landscape Architect / Senior Landscape Architect to join a brilliant Brisbane design studio There are more roles in the pipeline, too, so keep an eye out for those. Thinking about a move in January? Now's the time to start the conversation. It's a busy run to Christmas, and getting the process underway early gives you more time to find the right fit. And if you've been trying to get hold of Lee, don't give up! His phone doesn't stop, but he'll get back to you. A follow-up never hurts. 😉 For a confidential chat about the market or any of these opportunities, get in touch with Lee. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au Good roles with good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #BrisbaneJobs #GoldCoastJobs #LandscapeArchitecture

HIRING // Not every hiring plan needs to be complicated... you might just need one more person. Sometimes, you just need one more architect, one more engineer or one more planner to take the pressure off an existing team and keep projects moving. If you already know there's a gap heading into 2027, now's a good time to do something about it. Leave it until January, and you're starting the year trying to catch up. Need a hand finding the right person? Have a chat with Lee Stevens or Nicholas Koop. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Good roles with good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #Hiring #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #PlanningJobs

AVAILABLE ROLES // Lee's got plenty on the go at the moment. 👀 From Melbourne to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, there are opportunities across architecture and interior design, with more in the pipeline. MELBOURNE → Project Architects → More opportunities coming soon as a Brisbane studio prepares to open its Melbourne office BRISBANE & GOLD COAST → Project Leaders → Experienced Graduates → Architects → Project Architects, particularly in multi-residential → Interior Design & Innovation Manager with a residential builder Roles span retail, multi-residential and commercial projects, with Revit experience in demand for several opportunities. Thinking about a move before Christmas or lining something up for the new year? Get in touch with Lee for a confidential chat about what's available and what's coming. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au Good roles with good businesses. Clear and Simple. 🌐 vividrecruitment.com.au #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #ArchitectJobs #InteriorDesignJobs #BrisbaneJobs #MelbourneJobs

AVAILABLE CANDIDATE // Nick has been speaking with a digital engineering leader in Melbourne who brings 30+ years of industry experience across consulting, software, team building and project delivery. What makes him stand out? He can talk shop with engineers just as comfortably as he can sit in the boardroom with an executive team. And that combination is rare in the BIM space. ✔️ Hands-on technical and project delivery experience ✔️ Experience across disciplines, consulting and software ✔️ Built and led teams ✔️ Strategic thinking, business direction and executive-level communication With BIM teams under pressure to do more with less, this is someone who can help a business get the most out of its digital engineering capability, whether that's reviewing the current approach or taking it to the next level. Melbourne businesses, if you need someone who understands both the technical detail and the bigger picture, this bloke is worth a conversation. **Get in touch with Nick for a confidential chat and more details.** 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Good roles with good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #DigitalEngineering #BIM #Engineering

AVAILABLE CANDIDATES // Bris, Melbs + Sydney Looking for good people? We’ve got a few worth talking about. 👀 The lads have some already-screened candidates across Architecture, Interior Design and Engineering who are open to their next move. ✔️ Structural Engineer | Sydney | 4 years’ experience ✔️ Electrical Engineer | Brisbane | 5 years’ local experience ✔️ Senior Structural Engineer | Melbourne | 8 years’ experience, nearing Chartered status ✔️ Structural Drafter | Sydney | 5 years’ consulting experience ✔️ Senior Interior Designer | Brisbane | 19 years’ experience ✔️ Registered Project Architect | Brisbane | 8 years’ multi-residential experience All available on a four-week notice period, with more detail in the graphic. Got a role to fill, a project ramping up or a gap in the team you need to sort? It’s worth a conversation. Nick and Lee know these candidates, have already screened them and can give you the detail you need to work out if there’s a fit. Get in touch with the lads for more information or a confidential chat. 📞 Nicholas Koop: 0426 180 254 📞 Lee Stevens: 0406 470 020 Good people. Good opportunities. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #Architecture #Engineering #Planning #Recruitment #AvailableCandidates

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS // AI can screen a CV. But can it actually recruit someone? Did you catch the @60minutes9 report with Dimity Clancey on AI in recruitment on Sunday night? There's a real concern about candidates being rejected by AI screening systems before a real person has even looked at their CV. At Vivid, we don't use AI to vet or shortlist candidates. We read the CVs, pick up the phone and have proper conversations. Because a CV doesn't tell you everything. Understanding someone's experience, what they're looking for and whether they'll suit a particular team takes more than matching keywords. We're not against AI. It has its place. But we're real people, recruiting real people, and the relationships we build are what make the difference. We've shared more of our thoughts in our latest blog. 👉 Read more > https://www.vividrecruitment.com.au/ai-can-screen-a-cv-but-can-it-actually-recruit-someone Good roles with good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #RecruitmentProcess #AIinRecruitment #EngineeringJobs #ArchitectureJobs

NEWSLETTER // 2027 is closer than you think… ...And what’s 2027 looking like for your business? 👀 Now’s the time to start thinking about headcount, upcoming projects and whether you’ve got the right people in place to get you where you want to go. In this month’s newsletter, Nicholas and Lee cover: ✔️ Brisbane’s architecture and consultancy market. Who’s busy, who’s not, and why? ✔️ Our latest industry insights and what they mean for your team. ✔️ Available talent ready for their next opportunity. ✔️ New roles across Architecture, Design, and Engineering. ✔️ Upcoming industry events worth getting along to. Plus, a few things to think about as you start planning for the year ahead. 👉 Read the full newsletter > 🔗 in bio. Good people. Good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #DesignJobs #Recruitment #BuiltEnvironment #Hiring

HIRING // Can't find the right person locally? It might be time to widen the search... and look beyond your backyard. We're seeing businesses look interstate to access the talent they need. Whether that's bringing someone across for a specific project, offering relocation, hiring flexibly or opening a new office in another state. The right person isn't always in the right postcode. If you need help finding them, we're here. Get in touch with Nicholas Koop or Lee Stevens because 2027 is looming. We are ready when you are!! 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #VividRecruitment #Hiring #Recruitment #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #PlanningJobs

JOBS // October is well and truly underway, and we've got some good roles on the go across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney. BRISBANE → Interior Design & Innovation Manager | $140-$150k+ → Project Leader - Retail | $120-$135k+ → Architect / 2IC - Multi-res | $95-$110k+ → Senior Fire Protection Engineer | $120-$180k+ → Structural Engineer | 4-5 years' experience → Architect - Modular / ArchiCAD | $100-$145k+ → Experienced Graduate / Architect / Project Architect - Olympics | $80-$150k+ → Architect / Senior Architect | $120-$150k+ GOLD COAST → Project Leader - Multi Residential | $120-$135k+ MELBOURNE → Project Architect - Multi-res | $110-$125k+ → Experienced Graduate / Architect / Project Architect | $100-$140k SYDNEY → Senior Structural Engineer - Northern Beaches | $120-$170k+ → Senior Mechanical Engineer - Multi-discipline consultancy Looking for your next move? Or know someone who should be having a chat with us? Get in touch with Lee Stevens or Nick Koop, or check out the full details on our website > vividrecruitment.com.au/job-results 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au Good roles with good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #Hiring #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #BrisbaneJobs #MelbourneJobs #SydneyJobs #GoldCoastJobs

TESTIMONIAL // When deadlines are frantic and you need someone good in the team, you don't always have weeks to find them. Sometimes you need Lee. 😏 A recent Google review summed it up pretty nicely: “Lee was exceptionally proactive. Within 24 hours he had set up two interviews for me and helped me to negotiate the process by staying in touch and keeping me informed throughout.” The result? A great offer, secured quickly. That’s the value of a strong network. Lee knows the architecture and design market, knows the people in it, and when a good role needs filling quickly, he can get things moving. Need someone good in your team? Give Lee a call. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au Good roles with good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #DesignJobs #BrisbaneJobs #MelbourneJobs #SydneyJobs

HIRING // 2027 IS COMING... October is here. Which means it’s probably time to start thinking about what your team looks like in 2027. ✔️ Olympics work is still moving. ✔️ Infrastructure is busy across Queensland. ✔️ Defence is high on the agenda in SA. ✔️ Data centres aren't slowing down. And plenty of businesses are looking at expansion, new offices and bigger project pipelines. The work is coming. The question is whether your team is ready for it. If you know you’ll need people, October and November are the time to get moving. We’re here to help. Get in touch STAT... Nicholas Koop 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Lee Stevens 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au Good roles with good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #EngineeringJobs #EngineeringRecruitment #ClearandSimple #ArchitectureJobs #ArchitectureRecruitment

NEW ROLE // INTERIOR DESIGN & INNOVATION MANAGER!! We’ve got a senior Interior Design role in Brisbane that’s just landed on our desk. We’re looking for someone who can lead the team, keep the design work moving and bring a bit of fresh thinking to the table. ✔️ $150K + Super ✔️ Lead a team of 7 Interior Designers + Admin ✔️ Residential new home construction ✔️ Display homes, selections & design innovation ✔️ Customer experience + team management 5+ years’ experience at Design Studio Manager level within residential new home construction is required. Know someone who could be a good fit? Send them our way. Full job details are on the Vivid website, or contact Lee Stevens directly: 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au Good role. Good business. Clear and Simple. #interiordesign #designjobs #brisbanejobs #hiring #vividrecruitment

VIVID // Well, this is a nice little milestone... We’ve just wrapped up our best quarter since starting Vivid. 🎉 Like... our biggest quarter for placements. Ever. And it’s not just about filling jobs. We’re helping studios open in other states, getting involved in business strategy and growth, working hard on our own brand, and building stronger connections across the industries we work in. We’ve also managed to squeeze in a pretty bloody good graduate panel along the way. After 6+ years of slogging it out, it’s pretty satisfying to see the hard work starting to translate into some proper momentum. But ultimately, it’s about what that momentum means for the people we work with. More good people into great opportunities. More businesses getting the people they need to grow. That’s the bit we’re really proud of. Thanks to everyone who has backed us, worked with us and trusted us along the way. We genuinely couldn't do it without you. Now... back to work. There are placements to make. 😉 #VividRecruitment #ClearAndSimple #ThankYou

JOBS // A few engineering roles have landed on Nick’s desk, and there are some good ones in the mix. ✔️ Senior Fire Protection Engineer — Brisbane | $120–180k+ ✔️ Senior Structural Engineer — Sydney | $120–170k+ ✔️ Structural Engineer — Brisbane | 4–5 years’ experience ✔️ Senior Mechanical Engineer — Sydney | HVAC Design If you’re looking for your next move in engineering, have a scroll through the carousel and see if anything takes your fancy. Full job descriptions are on the Vivid website. Or, better still, contact Nicholas Koop. He knows the roles, knows the businesses and can give you the straight-up version. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Good roles with good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #EngineeringJobs #BuiltEnvironment #EngineeringCareers #EngineeringRecruitment #Hiring

INDUSTRY NEWS // There’s waterfront developments… and then there’s this. Whoa!! @aboutsjb Rhodes Bay Masterplan has advanced to public exhibition, with the $3.2 billion project set to transform a former industrial waterfront site on Sydney’s Parramatta River. The numbers are pretty big: ✔️ 8 residential towers ✔️ 1,720 dwellings ✔️ 16,000sqm of new public open space ✔️ 300m foreshore promenade ✔️ 4,000sqm+ of retail and commercial space ✔️ New sporting, recreation and community facilities The masterplan will be delivered across three stages, with the first stage including 800 apartments across three towers. And perhaps the most interesting part? A stretch of Parramatta River waterfront that has been inaccessible to the public for more than 100 years will be opened up with new parks, walkable streets, community spaces and a continuous foreshore connection. Love that!! Subject to approvals, works are expected to commence in late 2027. Big project. Big transformation. And plenty of waterfront views. Read more via Architecture & Design (Australia) > architectureanddesign.com.au/editorial/industry-news/rhodes-bay-development-public-exhibition #Architecture #UrbanDesign #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureNews #PropertyDevelopment #SJB 📸 from @architectureanddesignaustralia | Billbergia / Supplied

VIVID // Hey... Brissie Grads 👋 Would you like us to bring our Graduate Architecture Careers Panel to Brisbane? We’re currently in talks with a studio in the CBD and several phenomenal industry panellists about hosting an evening for Brisbane architecture grads. 📅 Thursday 5 November 📍 Brisbane CBD 🕕 Evening We had an amazing response to our Melbourne panel, which brought together 30 architecture graduates and 20 industry professionals for an evening of honest conversation, career advice, and networking. And we're pretty close to getting the Brisbane one locked in. But before we do, we want to hear from the Brisbane grads. Would you come along on 5 November? Drop a 👋 in the comments, tag a mate who should be there, or send us a DM. Brisbane… over to you. 👀 #ArchitectureGraduates #BrisbaneArchitecture #ArchitectureCareers #GraduateArchitect #ArchitectureRecruitment #VividRecruitment

VIVID // It’s that one day in September again… the AFL Grand Final. And this year, it’s the Brisbane Lions 🦁 vs Fremantle Dockers 🟣⚓️. Two interstate teams. At the ‘G. In front of a very Melbourne crowd. And somewhere in the middle of it all, Up There Cazaly will be ringing out around the MCG. You bewdy. For the Victorian crew, it’s a long weekend, a day at the footy and a very good excuse to put recruitment on the back burner for a few hours. For our Brisbane mates… we suspect there’ll be a few Lions supporters feeling pretty confident. And our WA mates… well, good luck getting any work done on Friday. 😂 We’ll be back to talking Architecture, Engineering and Planning next week. Until then, enjoy the footy, enjoy the long weekend and may the best team win. Go Lions. Go Dockers. And Up There Cazaly. 🍻🏉 #VividRecruitment #Recruitment #ClearAndSimple #AFLGrandFinal #BrisbaneLions #FremantleDockers #GrandFinalEve

AVAILABLE CANDIDATES // We’ve got some seriously good people available across Melbourne and Sydney. A few of the candidates currently open to the right opportunity: Graduate Structural Engineer | Melbourne → 3 years’ experience across defence, commercial, education and residential. Associate Civil Engineer | Melbourne → Chartered Civil Engineer with 13+ years’ experience across civil design, project leadership and major sectors. Senior Structural Engineer | Sydney → Around 9 years’ experience across concrete, steel, timber and masonry, with strong project and mentoring experience. Mechanical Engineer | Sydney → 4+ years’ experience with a strong specialisation in mission-critical and data centre projects. Marketing & Submissions Coordinator | Melbourne → Architectural Studies background with hands-on experience across marketing, submissions and design-led businesses. If you’re looking to add someone to your team, it’s worth having a chat. Nicholas Koop or Lee Stevens have the full details and can talk you through who might be a good fit for your business. 📞 Nick 0426 180 254 📞 Lee 0406 470 020 Good people. Good opportunities. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #Architecture #Engineering #Planning #Recruitment #AvailableCandidates

VIVID // What does good Graduate support look like? Starting your first job in architecture can be a pretty daunting experience. So it was great to hear Thihoa (Tewah) Gill from Grimshaw talk about the care they put into supporting new graduates from day one. It’s not just about an onboarding process or getting someone set up at their desk. At Grimshaw, grads have someone to guide them through those first weeks and months, a project buddy outside their immediate team, introductions to the wider practice and support as they find their feet. And importantly, the focus is on making people feel comfortable, connected and valued from day one. There’s also the reality that projects and resourcing can change, so the project you think you're starting on might not be the one you end up on. That flexibility is part of working in a busy practice. For graduates, those first few months matter. Having people around you who are willing to answer questions, make introductions and help you understand how a practice works can make a huge difference. This is just one of the conversations from our Graduate Architecture Careers Panel at MODE Melbourne. 🎥 The full panel discussion is now on YouTube > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxGIsV1iJlk&t=49s #ArchitectureGraduates #GraduateArchitect #ArchitectureCareers #ArchitectureRecruitment #Grimshaw #VividRecruitment

JOBS // It’s a short week, the AFL Grand Final is nearly here, and plenty is happening across the market. So, before everyone disappears for the footy, here are the current roles Vivid is recruiting for across Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney: BRISBANE → Senior Fire Protection Engineer | $120–180k+ → Structural Engineer | Expanding office → Architect (Modular) / Archicad | $100–145k+ → Experienced Graduates / Architects / Project Architects – Olympics | $80–150k+ → Architect / Senior Architect | $120–150k+ MELBOURNE → Experienced Graduate / Architect / Project Architect | $100–140k SYDNEY → Senior Structural Engineer | $120–170k+ → Senior Mechanical Engineer | Multi-discipline consultancy → Structural Engineer | 2–5 years’ experience Thinking about a move? Or know someone who should be? Hit up Nicholas Koop or Lee Stevens. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au Good roles with good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #Jobs #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #BrisbaneJobs #MelbourneJobs #SydneyJobs

VIVID // It’s Friday, so Nick’s back on the broken record. 😂 There’s a lot happening in Brisbane at the moment, and he’s looking for: • Fire Protection Engineer ready to step into a leadership role
• Senior Mechanical Engineer
• Senior Electrical BIM Modeller
• Electrical Engineers
• Junior Electrical BIM Modeller
• Structural Engineers
• And a few other engineering roles across major projects, hospitals and Olympics-related work. There’s plenty of demand in Brisbane, but Nick isn’t interested in shoehorning people into jobs just to fill a vacancy. It’s about finding the right fit and making sure the move actually takes your career forward. And on the other side of the market, Nick is also representing a Chartered Senior Fire Safety Engineer in Melbourne, with around nine years’ experience at the same firm, who’s now ready for a change. Thinking about a move? Give Nick a call. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #VividRecruitment #EngineeringJobs #EngineeringRecruitment #clearandsimple #Hiring 

VIVID // A QUICK UPDATE FROM LEE A quick one from Lee following last week’s Graduate Architecture Careers Panel. Thanks to everyone who has been in touch and sending through CVs, portfolios and photos since the event. Lee is working his way through them all, but it takes a bit of time. He’s currently around 40% through, so if you’ve sent something in, bear with him. He will get back to you. In the meantime, there are jobs across Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, and our latest newsletter, The Market’s on Fire, is now out. Keep an eye on what we’re doing, follow along and get in touch if you need a hand. Good roles. Good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #GraduateArchitect #ArchitectureCareers #ArchitectureRecruitment

VIVID // There was so much goodness to come out of our Graduate Architecture Panel Discussion last week... and this is one of those moments. Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there. Kenneth Jimbo shared the story of how he first met Dion Gosling back in 2021. He’d seen a job advertised, but instead of simply sending through another CV and folio, Kenneth jumped on his bike, rode to the practice and walked through the door. “Here I am. Have you got 10 minutes?” That conversation turned into an opportunity. And the rest, as they say, is history. Fast forward a few years and Kenneth is now a Senior Architect at @modedesign_corp working alongside Dion again. For grads, it’s a good reminder that your CV and folio are only part of the story. How you present yourself, start a conversation and make a genuine connection can matter too. Thanks to Dion and Kenneth for sharing this one. We reckon it’s a story worth hearing. [Snippet > 3min listen/watch] #Architecture #ArchitectureGraduates #ArchitectureCareers #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs

NEWSLETTER // It's been another busy month at Vivid. Our September newsletter is out, and there’s plenty packed in. → We reflect on our Graduate Architecture Careers Panel → We look at what’s happening across the Brisbane market → Available talent currently looking for their next opportunity. → Our latest roles across Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. → Industry events worth getting along to and adding to the calendar. And, of course, a few thoughts from Lee & Nick on what businesses should be thinking about as we head towards the end of the year. Read the full September newsletter > 🔗 in bio. Good roles with good businesses. Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #DesignJobs #Recruitment #BuiltEnvironment #Hiring

VIVID // Starting out in architecture and design isn't easy... Graduates have invested years in their education; they're competing for limited opportunities, and they're often willing to do almost anything to get that first foot in the door. That can make them vulnerable. And that's where the rest of us in the industry have a responsibility. Don't take advantage of someone's desperation to get started. Give graduates a genuine opportunity to learn. Give them guidance and feedback. Value their contribution. And treat them with respect. Yes, graduates have plenty to learn. That's the point. Every experienced architect, designer, engineer or planner was once the person trying to get their first opportunity. We need to help the next generation get started, not make the road harder than it already is. Grads, we see you. We're listening. And we're in your corner. Because looking after the next generation is good for all of us. #VividRecruitment #Graduates #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #PlanningJobs #ClearAndSimple

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS // Build-to-rent continues to grow... WeAreLiving Queens has officially opened in Melbourne, delivering 433 new build-to-rent homes alongside Albert Park. The $405m development is the flagship project for the growing WeAreLiving platform, following WeAreLiving Preston in Melbourne and WeAreLiving Brunswick in Brisbane. And the depth of industry expertise behind these projects is insane! Across the three developments, teams include Bates Smart, Rothelowman, Cox Architecture, ADP Consulting, Rincovitch Consultants, Arcadia, Oska Engineering, RPS Landscape and Acoustic Logic, among others. With WeAreLiving planning more than 2,000 build-to-rent homes across Australia, BTR is becoming an increasingly important part of the housing and built environment conversation. For architects, engineers and planners, it’s certainly a sector worth watching. Read the full story from Architecture & Design (Australia) > https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/editorial/industry-news/major-build-to-rent-development-opens-in-melbourne 📸 via Architecture & Design. #VividRecruitment #IndustryInsights #BuildToRent #BTR #Architecture #Engineering #Planning #LandscapeArchitecture

VIVID // GRADUATE PANEL FOLLOW-UP A quick one from Lee following Wednesday night’s Graduate Architecture Careers Panel. If you came along and haven’t yet been in touch, today’s the day. Lee is working through the graduates who have reached out and is taking some time to help with CVs, photos and getting those first career steps on the right track. And one more thing worth mentioning… The money raised through the event is being donated to Parkinson’s Australia for research. It’s a cause that’s particularly close to Lee’s heart, so we’re really pleased we could turn a great night for the industry into something that also gives back. Thanks again to everyone who came along. Keep connecting, keep asking questions and keep getting yourself out there. Good people. Good conversations. Good opportunities. Clear and Simple. #GradEvent #Parkinsons #VividRecrutiment

VIVID // GRADUATE ARCHITECTURE CAREERS PANEL - What a night!! 🙌 Last night, we brought together 30 architecture graduates and 20 architecture and design professionals at MODE Melbourne for our Graduate Architecture Careers Panel. And honestly, it was bloody brilliant. There was plenty of advice shared from the panel, but just as importantly, a lot was coming back the other way. The graduates in the room gave us plenty to think about too, and we’ll be sharing more on that next week. A huge shoutout to our panel for giving up their time and openly sharing their experiences, advice and insights: → Dion Gosling OLY | MODE → Kenneth Jimbo | MODE → Thihoa (Tewah) Gill | Grimshaw → Kavan Applegate | Guymer Bailey Architects → Elizabeth Stonehouse | Cox Architecture And Lee Stevens did a damn good job keeping the conversation moving! We also owe a lot to the MODE Melbourne team for hosting us and making themselves available throughout the evening to chat with graduates, along with Isabella Rudge from Grimshaw’s HR team in Sydney and mel malik from GB-A, who joined us on the night. This was exactly what we hoped it would be: honest conversations, useful advice and people from the industry actually talking to each other. We’re already looking forward to doing it again. More to come. Good people. Good conversations. Clear and Simple. #GraduateArchitect #ArchitectureCareers #ArchitectureJobs #MelbourneArchitecture #VividRecruitment

JOBS // Looking for your dream job? A fresh crop of opportunities across Architecture, Design & Engineering. MELBOURNE → Experienced Graduate / Architect / Projects Architect | $100–140k BRISBANE → Architect / Modular / Archicad | $100–145k → Experienced Graduates / Architects / Project Architects | $80–150k → Architect / Senior Architect | $120–150k → Senior Civil Engineer | Competitive salary + flexibility → Structural Engineer | 4–5 years’ experience → Senior Fire Protection Engineer | National consultancy SYDNEY → Structural Engineer | 2–5 years’ experience → Senior Mechanical Engineer | Multi-discipline consultancy Whether you’re actively looking, quietly curious or just keeping an eye on what’s happening in the market, we’re always happy to have a conversation. Architecture, Design & Planning? Speak to Lee Stevens. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au Engineering? Speak to Nicholas Koop. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Or apply via our website > vividrecruitment.com.au/job-results And if none of these are quite right, still get in touch. The right opportunity isn’t always the one advertised. #VividRecruitment #Jobs #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #MelbourneJobs #BrisbaneJobs #SydneyJobs

BLOG // Brisbane's architecture market is busy... Projects are moving, confidence is high, and Brisbane 2032 is getting closer. But there's a problem. The talent pool isn't growing at the same pace. We're seeing practices compete for the same experienced people, look interstate for talent and, in some cases, establish a presence in Melbourne to access the depth of talent here. So what does that mean for architecture practices trying to grow in Brisbane? We've unpacked what we're seeing on the ground, what it means for employers and candidates, and why simply recruiting from the practice next door won't solve the bigger talent challenge. 👉 Read the full article > vividrecruitment.com.au/brisbane-s-architecture-boom-can-the-talent-pool-keep-pace 🔗 in bio. And if you're looking at how to source the talent you need to support your Brisbane growth, Lee Stevens would be happy to have a conversation. Sometimes the answer isn't just finding the next candidate. It's looking at where the talent is and how your business can access it. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au #VividRecruitment #Architecture #ArchitectureRecruitment #BrisbaneArchitecture #BuiltEnvironment

CANDIDATE TIP // Your LinkedIn profile is your professional front cover. We see A LOT of LinkedIn profiles. And honestly, some of them make us want to gently slam our heads against a wall. 😂 Half a face. Blurry holiday photo. Sunglasses. A photo from 2014. Or no photo at all. Your LinkedIn profile is often the first place recruiters and employers go when they're looking for talent. It doesn't need to be corporate or overly polished, but it should look like **you take your professional presence seriously.** A clear, current, professional-looking photo is a very easy win. Is a dodgy profile photo going to cost you a job? Probably not. But when you're competing in a busy market, why wouldn't you strengthen your professional street cred wherever you can? Think of your LinkedIn profile as your professional front cover. Make it a good one. #LinkedIn #CareerAdvice #Recruitment #JobSearch #ProfessionalBrand #VividRecruitment

VIVID // MONDAY UPDATE Brisbane is busy. 👀 We’ve got a stack of opportunities coming through across architecture, urban design and everything in between, including: → Olympic Village opportunities → Commercial, residential + multi-res → Graduate, Project + Senior Architect roles → Senior Urban Design opportunities coming soon And then there’s this Wednesday… Our Graduate Architect Panel is officially SOLD OUT, with a 12-person waitlist. 🔥 We’re looking forward to welcoming 30 graduates to MODE Melbourne for an afternoon of honest conversation, good people and plenty of networking. It’s going to be a good one. If you’re looking for your next opportunity, get in touch with Lee. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #ArchitectureCareers #BrisbaneJobs #ArchitectJobs #UrbanDesign #GraduateArchitect

INDUSTRY INSIGHT // Architects and designers have been moving to Brisbane. We know, we've been placing them. But what happens when the talent you need isn't there? We're now seeing Brisbane businesses open Melbourne offices to access the talent pool here, while continuing to deliver their Brisbane projects. Brisbane has plenty of work. The challenge is finding enough people to deliver it. Melbourne has the talent, so some businesses are choosing to establish a presence here rather than keep competing for the same people in Brisbane. Lee Stevens has helped a couple of firms through this process, establishing their Melbourne presence and building teams around their Brisbane projects. That's recruitment beyond simply filling a vacancy. Understanding where the talent is and how to access it can form part of a much bigger business strategy. If you're considering expanding into Melbourne or struggling to access the talent you need, speak to Lee. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au Sometimes, businesses don't follow the talent. They follow the talent back to Melbourne. #VividRecruitment #Architecture #ArchitectureRecruitment #BrisbaneArchitecture #MelbourneArchitecture #BuiltEnvironment

🎓 VIVID // ONE WEEK TO GO! 🙌🏻 One week from today, we'll be welcoming 30 Graduate Architects to MODE Melbourne for our sold-out Graduate Architecture Careers Panel. We honestly can't wait. What started as a simple question to our graduate community about whether they'd be interested in an event like this has turned into a full room, a growing waitlist and a fantastic group of industry leaders coming together to support the next generation of architects. A huge thank you in advance to our panellists, Dion Gosling OLY, Kenneth Jimbo, Thihoa Gill, Kavan Applegate, and Elizabeth Stonehouse, for giving up their time and sharing their experiences with our graduates. And of course, a very big thank you to @modedesign_corp for generously hosting us in their Melbourne studio. 👉 One important reminder for our registered grads: if you can no longer make it, please let us know ASAP. We have a growing waitlist of graduates waiting in the wings who would love the opportunity to take your place. It also helps us make sure we get our catering numbers right. We're looking forward to an afternoon of honest conversations, questions, advice and plenty of opportunities to make some genuine industry connections. One week. 30 grads. Five brilliant panellists. Let's do this. 👏 #GraduateArchitect #ArchitectureCareers #ArchitectureJobs #MelbourneArchitecture #BuiltEnvironment #VividRecruitment

CLIENT INSIGHTS // You're not struggling to recruit. You're struggling to attract. There is a difference. You can advertise a role. Get applications. Interview candidates. And still not find the person you actually want. Because the best candidate for your role probably isn't looking at your job ad. They're already working. So what would make them move? More money? Better projects? Flexibility? Career progression? A stronger team? Better leadership? That's the conversation. Recruitment isn't just about finding people who are looking for a job. It's about understanding what makes good people move!! And if you're struggling to fill a role, it might be time to look at the opportunity you're offering, not just where you're advertising it. Need help to find your next superstar employee? Get in touch with Lee Stevens or Nick Koop... > 📞 0406 470 020 | 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au > 📞 0426 180 254 | 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #ArchitectureRecruitment #EngineeringRecruitment

VIVID // We’re on YouTube!! We’ve added another place for you to keep up with Vivid Recruitment. Our YouTube channel is now home to quick Shorts covering current job opportunities, along with recruitment tips and insights from the Vivid team. If you’re looking for your next opportunity, it’s an easy way to see what we’re recruiting for without having to scroll through your feed. And, of course, there’s your regular dose of Nick and Lee. What more could you want? We’ll be adding more as we go, so subscribe to the channel and keep an eye out for the next one. You can find us on @youtube here > youtube.com/@VividRecruitment #VividRecruitment #YouTubeShorts #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #PlanningJobs #InteriorDesignJobs

HIRING // Sydney Structural Engineers, do you want the best of both worlds? Vivid is working with a global engineering business with strong brand recognition, major project capability and the backing and resources of a large organisation. At the same time, their Sydney team is on a strong growth trajectory, with new leadership and plenty of opportunity to make your mark. It’s the flexibility, autonomy and responsibility that comes with being part of a growing team, combined with access to major projects across high-rise, data centres, education and more. Nick is currently looking to speak with Structural Engineers across a range of levels: → Intermediate Engineers with 2–5 years’ experience → Senior Engineers → Associates and above If you’re a Structural Engineer in Sydney and ready for a role where you can have real influence while working on major projects, get in touch with Nick. Know someone who could be a good fit? Send this their way. Nick Koop 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #VividRecruitment #EngineeringJobs #EngineeringRecruitment #SydneyJobs #Hiring #ClearAndSimple

HIRING // Looking for a new opportunity? We’ve got jobs across Brissie, Melbs and Sydney... BRISBANE → Senior Civil Engineer | Competitive salary → Structural Engineer | Expanding office → Senior Fire Protection Engineer | National consultancy → Registered Architects | $100k-$160k → Quality Assurance (Documentation) Architect | $130k-$140k → Associate Health Architect | $170k-$180k+ → Project Architect / Senior Architect | $100k-$130k MELBOURNE → Associate Architect / Studio Lead | $140k-$150k SYDNEY → Senior Mechanical Engineer | Multi-discipline consultancy → Structural Engineer | Strong pipeline of work If you’re thinking about a move, or simply want to know what’s happening in the market, get in contact with Nick Koop or Lee Stevens. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au Or apply via our website > vividrecruitment.com.au/job-results #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #ArchitectureRecruitment #EngineeringRecruitment

VIVID // HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY 🐾 We work in a hybrid environment, which means our four-legged colleagues spend a fair amount of time by our sides while we work. Meet the Vivid support team: 🐾 Paso – Lee’s loyal sidekick 🐾 Gus – Nick’s ever-present colleague 🐾 Lola – Annie’s work-from-home companion They don’t attend meetings, answer emails or contribute much to the day-to-day workload, but they’re always there for a bit of company, a lunchtime walk or a well-timed distraction. So, this International Dog Day, we’re giving some recognition to the Vivid team members who quietly keep us company while we get on with the work. Happy International Dog Day to all the fur children out there. 🐶 Who’s keeping you company while you work? #InternationalDogDay #VividRecruitment #OfficeDogs #WorkFromHome #DogsofInstagram

BLOG // What are Australian architecture firms actually looking for as we head towards 2027? It is becoming less about the impressive portfolio and more about what someone can actually deliver. Strong documentation skills. BIM capability. Genuine project experience. The ability to communicate with clients and consultants. And, importantly, someone who can take a project through to delivery rather than talk a good game in an interview. We're also seeing firms take a more considered approach to hiring. Project pipelines, regional differences and flexibility are all playing a bigger role in recruitment decisions. And this is where having a specialist recruiter matters. Clients need more than a stack of CVs. They need someone who understands the market, knows where the talent is, can benchmark salaries and will be honest about what is realistic. Lee has shared his thoughts on what architecture firms should be thinking about as we head towards 2027, including why delivery is starting to matter more than dazzle. Read the full article > https://www.vividrecruitment.com.au/architecture-recruitment-in-2027-what-are-australian-firms-really-looking-for #Architecture #ArchitectureRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #Recruitment #BuiltEnvironment #VividRecruitment #Architects

AVAILABLE CANDIDATES // We’re speaking with some excellent Architecture, Design and Engineering professionals who are actively considering their next opportunity. A snapshot of who’s currently available: 📍MELBOURNE 🔍 Associate Hydraulic Engineer | 8 years’ experience | RPEV | Tier 1 practice | $155k + super → Looking to step further into multidisciplinary project leadership and collaboration. 🔍 Senior Documenter | Education, seniors living, multi-residential + commercial | BIM management | Lighting design | $100k + super → Currently leading design and documentation across new builds and refurbishments. 📍BRISBANE 🔍 Senior Mechanical Engineer | 5 years’ experience | Commercial, healthcare + education | $120k + super → Looking for a four-day working arrangement. 🔍 Graduate of Architecture | 6 years’ post-graduate experience | Luxury residential | Contract Administration | $95–98k + super → Currently leading a 15-apartment development through construction, with registration underway. 🔍 Experienced Graduate / Project Leader | 10 years across Australia + NZ | Residential + multi-residential | ArchiCAD | $105–110k + super → Currently managing 30+ storey high-rise projects while mentoring junior staff. 📍SYDNEY 🔍 Senior Structural Engineer | 5 years industry + 5 years academic teaching | PhD | Tier 1 practice | $130k + super → A strong technical and design background with the ability to bring academic and industry expertise together on complex projects. If you’re hiring and one of these profiles sounds like the missing piece in your team, get in touch with Lee Stevens or Nicholas Koop for more information. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au And if you’re not hiring right now, there’s a good chance someone in your network is. #VividRecruitment #AvailableCandidates #Recruitment #Architecture #Engineering #Design #Brisbane #Melbourne #Sydney

CANDIDATE TIP // Communication Is Key!! Communication. Communication. Communication. It sounds simple, but communicating clearly and efficiently can make a huge difference to your job search and ultimately lead to much better results. Be clear, be responsive and keep people informed. If your circumstances change, your availability changes or you’re no longer interested in a role, just say so. It sounds simple, but good communication is still something candidates need to work on. And trust us, recruiters notice it. #CandidateTips #CareerAdvice #JobSearchTips #Recruitment #CommunicationSkills #VividRecruitment

TESTIMONIAL // We’re always pretty quick to talk about the great people we work with, but every now and then, it’s nice to turn the spotlight back on the team. This one is for Lee. AK was looking for their next opportunity and worked with Lee throughout the process. Their feedback says a lot about the way Lee approaches recruitment: “Helpful and meticulous with his action and advice.” And ultimately, that help and guidance secured AK’s next role. For us, recruitment is not about firing a CV off to the first available job. It’s about understanding what someone is looking for, knowing the market, giving honest advice and being there throughout the process. It’s great to know that approach makes a difference. Thanks for the kind words, AK. And well done, Lee. 👏 Looking for your next move in Architecture, Interior Design or Planning? Give Lee a shout. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureRecruitment #DesignRecruitment #PlanningRecruitment #Recruitment #BuiltEnvironment

EMPLOYERS // What are your existing people worth? We talk to candidates every day, so we get a pretty good insight into why people decide it’s time to move on. Feeling undervalued consistently sits in the top 5 reasons we hear. And sometimes it’s not because they hate their job. They like the company, the team and the projects. They just don’t feel valued anymore. Salary is often a big part of that. If someone’s experience, responsibilities and contribution have grown, but their salary hasn’t kept pace with the market, eventually they start looking around. And that’s when replacing them can cost a whole lot more than giving them a well-deserved salary review. 👉 We’re not really sure why we’re telling you this. 😂 If you retain your good people, it actually makes our job harder. But we’d rather see great people stay rather than lose them because nobody stopped to ask whether their salary was still competitive. You don’t have to pay the most. You just need to know where you stand. Need help with salary benchmarking? Get in touch... 📞 Lee Stevens – 0406 470 020 📞 Nicholas Koop – 0426 180 254 #VividRecruitment #BuiltEnvironment #Recruitment #Retention #Salary #Talent

JOBS // A few good ones on the books at Vivid right now. Whether you’re looking for your next move, we’ve got opportunities across Brissie, Melbs and Sydney. BRISBANE → Senior Civil Engineer | Competitive salary → Structural Engineer | Expanding office → Senior Fire Protection Engineer | National consultancy → Registered Architects | $100k-$160k → Quality Assurance (Documentation) Architect | $130k-$140k → Associate Health Architect | $170k-$180k+ → Project Architect / Senior Architect | $100k-$130k MELBOURNE → Associate Architect / Studio Lead | $140k-$150k SYDNEY → Senior Mechanical Engineer | Multi-discipline consultancy If you’re thinking about a move, or simply want to know what’s happening in the market, give Nicholas Koop or Lee Stevens a call. 👉 Engineering 0426 180 254 | nick@vividrecruitment.com.au 👉 Architecture & Design 0406 470 020 | lee@vividrecruitment.com.au And if none of these are quite right, that’s okay too. We’ve always got conversations happening behind the scenes. #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #ArchitectureRecruitment #EngineeringRecruitment

VIVID // BRISBANE HERE WE COME... the lads are heading to the sunshine state! 😎 Nick and Lee will both be on the ground this week, catching up with clients, candidates and plenty of people across the Architecture, Engineering and Design community. It’s been a big year for Vivid in Brisbane, with some great placements made across both disciplines and plenty more conversations happening behind the scenes. So if you’re a client with a role you need help filling, a candidate thinking about your next move, or you’re simply overdue for a coffee and a catch-up, get in touch. 📍 Brisbane 📅 Monday 17 – Wednesday 19 August Nicholas Koop > 0426 180 254 Lee Stevens > 0406 470 020 Annie will be holding down the fort at HQ... because apparently someone has to stay behind and deal with the Melbourne winter. 🥶 #VividRecruitment #Brisbane #BrisbaneJobs #EngineeringRecruitment #ArchitectureRecruitment #Recruitment #ClearAndSimple

🎓 VIVID // We're officially SOLD OUT for our Graduate Architecture Careers Panel on 9 September, and we're genuinely so excited about the response. 30 Graduate Architects. One room. A whole lot of industry experience. We're thrilled to have Dion Gosling OLY & Kenneth Jimbo @modedesign_corp ), Thihoa Gill (Grimshaw Architects ), Kavan Applegate (Guymer Bailey Architects) and Elizabeth Stonehouse (@coxarchitecture ) joining Lee on the panel. One little favour... If you've registered but can no longer make it, please, please, please let us know. There are grads who would love your spot, and it also helps us get the catering numbers right. Just send us a message, and we'll sort it out. We're so super excited to bring this group together and create something genuinely useful for the next generation of architects and designers. And Melb Grad Engineers... we haven't forgotten about you. 👀 We're looking at a night for you in October. And to our Brissie Graduate Architecture & Design community... we're hoping to see you in November. Stay tuned. There might be a few more of these coming your way. 😉 #GraduateArchitect #ArchitectureCareers #ArchitectureJobs #MelbourneArchitecture #BuiltEnvironment

NEWSLETTER // Rightio, lots happening at Vivid... It’s been a busy few weeks, and our latest newsletter is packed. Inside this edition: → Industry insights and what we're seeing across the market → Current job opportunities across Architecture, Design, Engineering → Experienced talent actively looking for their next opportunity → Upcoming industry events worth knowing about and great opportunities to network → Our latest blog and a few other bits and bobs from Vivid Brisbane continues to be a hotbed of activity, we're officially recruiting in New Zealand, and we're seeing some interesting movement between Brisbane and Melbourne. So, whether you're hiring, considering your next career move, or simply want to keep up with what's happening across the industry, have a read. The latest Vivid newsletter is out now. 🔗 in bio. #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #DesignJobs #Recruitment #BuiltEnvironment #Hiring

CLIENTS // What does $10k actually cost you? A small @mcdonaldsau cheeseburger meal deal now costs $9.20. A Saturday night out in Melbourne can start with a $40 entry fee before you’ve even bought a drink. (Revs, we're looking at you!) When did that happen? It’s a pretty simple reminder of how quickly the cost of everyday life adds up. So when a candidate is asking for another $5k or $10k on their salary, it’s worth remembering that the number can mean something very different to them than it does to the business. We’ve had candidates get very close to accepting a role, only for the offer to fall short of their expectations by that amount. → The client says no. → The candidate walks. → Now you’re back to market. Another month passes. The project still needs someone. The team is stretched. More time goes into interviews and recruitment. And suddenly that $10k doesn’t look quite so expensive. We’re not saying employers should always pay what a candidate asks for. But in a competitive market, you need to understand what your salary is saying. Because $5k–$10k might feel relatively small to an employer. To a junior or intermediate architect, designer or engineer, it can be a very different story. **Salary isn’t always the biggest cost. Getting it wrong can be.** We’ve written more about this, including the cost of losing good people and why salary reviews matter for retention > vividrecruitment.com.au/the-true-cost-of-getting-salary-wrong #VividRecruitment #BuiltEnvironment #Recruitment #Salary #Talent #Architecture #Engineering

VIVID // Here's something you might not know... Vivid Recruitment doesn't just recruit across Australia. We've also helped Architecture and Design practices across New Zealand find great people. 🇳🇿 From Auckland to Christchurch, we've been connecting talented professionals with studios across the Tasman. If you're looking to grow your team in New Zealand, Lee Stevens is always up for a confidential chat. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au (Just don't ask us to settle the Pavlova debate... 😉) #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #DesignJobs #NewZealand #Recruitment

VIVID // A busy week ahead. Lee’s already on the move this morning, with plenty happening across Architecture & Design. We’ve got new opportunities coming through, clients to catch up with and candidates making their next move. Plus, there are still a few spots available for our Graduate Panel Discussion in Melbourne this September, bringing together industry leaders and emerging architects for an evening of honest conversation and networking. If you’re looking for your next move, hiring, or just want to know what’s happening in the market, give Lee a call. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au Clear and Simple. #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #Architecture #Architects #GraduateArchitect #MelbourneArchitecture #ClearAndSimple

BLOG // When the right candidate costs more than expected... Sometimes, the best hiring decisions aren't about finding the cheapest person for the role. They're about recognising the value the right person can bring to your business. From recent conversations with clients and candidates, Nick has noticed a common theme. Businesses that are prepared to look beyond the initial salary budget for critical roles are often the ones securing the strongest talent. In today's market, exceptional candidates don't stay available for long. The businesses that move with intent and understand the long-term value of the right hire consistently put themselves in the best position. In his latest blog, Nicholas explores: → Why the cost of a critical hire should be measured by value, not salary alone. → Why timing and decisive hiring go hand in hand. → How understanding the market can help businesses secure the people who make a genuine difference. If you're hiring, or simply interested in where the market is heading, it's well worth a read. Read more > https://www.vividrecruitment.com.au/when-the-right-candidate-costs-more-than-expected-why-the-best-hire-is-rarely-the-cheapest-one 🔗 in bio. Or get in touch with the bloke himself: 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #HiringStrategy #TalentAcquisition #Architecture #Engineering #VividRecruitment

JOBS // Brisbane & Melbourne If you're an Architect, Interior Designer or Revit professional thinking about your next move, there are some genuinely exciting opportunities on our desk right now. From Associate-level leadership roles and luxury residential projects to major healthcare work and Brisbane's Olympic precinct, we're recruiting across both Brisbane and Melbourne. Current opportunities include: → Associate / Studio Lead (Melbourne) | $140-160k + Super + potential ownership → Associate Health Architect (Brisbane) | $180k+ Super → Project Architect - Luxury Multi Residential | $100-140k + Super → Quality Assurance Architect | 4-day week considered → Revit Architects & Graduates | Olympic Village projects → Interior Designer | $90-110k + Super → Experienced Graduates (Melbourne) | $75-95k + Super If one of these sounds like the right fit, or you're simply curious about what's happening in the market, let's have a confidential chat. 📞 Lee Stevens | 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au #ArchitectureJobs #InteriorDesignJobs #RevitJobs #ArchitectureCareers #InteriorDesign #BuiltEnvironment #VividRecruitment

ENGINEERING // Sydney Sydney Mechanical Engineers, this one's for you. We're working with a consultancy that's looking to grow its Mechanical Building Services team, with opportunities for engineers across a range of experience levels. If you've got 5+ years' experience and want to work on major healthcare, high-rise and defence projects, we'd love to hear from you. Got 15+ years? Even better. They're equally keen to speak with experienced engineers ready to make an impact. 📍 Sydney 📞 Nick Koop | 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Or send us a message and we'll arrange a confidential chat. #MechanicalEngineering #BuildingServices #EngineeringJobs #SydneyJobs #EngineeringCareers #VividRecruitment

JOBS // Looking for your next move? Whether you're an Architect, Engineer, Landscape Architect, BIM specialist or somewhere in between, we've got some seriously good opportunities on our desks right now, including: Brisbane → Associate Health Architect | $170-180k+ → Architect (High-End Modular) | $110-150k+ → Grad, Architect, Revit Documentation & Associate opportunities | $80-190k+ → Landscape Architect | $100-120k → Project BIM Manager (Health) | $120-140k+ → Structural Engineer (Temporary Works) | Competitive package → Structural Revit Drafter | Competitive package Sydney → Senior Telecommunications Engineer | Competitive package → Senior Associate | $170-190k+ New Zealand → Senior Associate / Principal (Health) | NZ$220k+ These aren't just jobs we've pulled off Seek. They're opportunities we've been trusted to recruit because our clients want the right people, not just the next available CV. If you're in Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture or Urban Design, have a chat with Lee Stevens. If you're in Building Services, Structural, Civil or Engineering, Nicholas Koop is your guy. Even if you don't see the perfect role listed, reach out anyway. We work on plenty of opportunities that never make it to social media, and a confidential conversation today could put you in the right place tomorrow. 📞 Lee Stevens – 0406 470 020 📞 Nick Koop – 0426 180 254 Clear and simple recruitment. That's what we do. #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #Recruitment #BuiltEnvironment #VividRecruitment

Melbourne Architecture Jobs // New Studio Opportunity An established Brisbane architecture studio is opening a brand new Melbourne studio to deliver multi-residential projects across Melbourne and Brisbane. We're recruiting exclusively for several key positions, including: → Associate / Studio Lead ($135k-$145k + Super) → Experienced Graduate Architects → Revit Technicians If you're looking for a genuine opportunity to help build something from the ground up, we'd love to have a confidential chat. 📞 Lee Stevens 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au Vivid Recruitment specialises in Architecture, Interior Design, Town Planning and Engineering recruitment across Australia and New Zealand. #ArchitectureJobs #MelbourneJobs #GraduateArchitect #Revit #MultiResidential #VividRecruitment

🎓 EVENT // Breaking Into Architecture | Graduate Careers Panel -- You asked. We listened. After the incredible response to our recent post, we're excited to officially launch our Graduate Architecture Careers Panel. If you're a Graduate Architect, final-year architectural / design master's student, or looking to land your first role, this evening is for you. Hosted by our Director, Lee Stevens... our confirmed panellists are: ✔️ Dion Gosling OLY – Director & Melbourne Studio Lead, @modedesign_corp ✔️ Kenneth Jimbo – Senior Architect, MODE ✔️ Thihoa (Tewah) Gill – Associate & Studio Manager, @grimshawarch ✔️ Kavan Applegate – Director, Guymer Bailey Architects ✔️ Elizabeth Stonehouse – Head of Quality, Associate & People & Culture Manager, @coxarchitecture Together, we'll be discussing: → Landing your first role → Standing out in a competitive market → Career progression and registration → The mistakes they wish they'd avoided → Plus, answering your questions. 📅 Wednesday 9 September 🕓 4:00pm – 5:00pm -- Panel Discussion 🤝 5:00pm – 6:00pm -- Networking A huge thank you to MODE for partnering with us and generously hosting the event in their Melbourne studio. Tickets are $10 + booking fee, with 100% of proceeds donated to Parkinson's Australia. Drinks and nibbles are included, thanks to us!! ⚠️ There are only 30 places available, so registrations are strictly first in, best dressed. 🎟️ Register via the link > https://www.trybooking.com/DOKDX #GraduateArchitect #ArchitectureCareers #ArchitectureJobs #MelbourneArchitecture #BuiltEnvironment

VIVID // Some recognition for Nicholas Koop... 👏 If you've been following Vivid for a while, you'll know Nick isn't one to shout about his wins. He'd much rather be on the phone helping another engineer than talking about himself. But the Google reviews have been stacking up lately, and we thought they deserved a bit of recognition. The past 12 months haven't exactly been an easy market. Projects have been delayed, hiring has been inconsistent, and plenty of candidates have found themselves navigating a lot of uncertainty. Through it all, Nick has just kept doing what he always does. Giving honest advice, keeping people informed, and working hard to find the right fit for both candidates and clients. Reading through these reviews, it's pretty clear that's what people remember. To everyone who's taken the time to leave a review, thank you. It genuinely means a lot to a small business like ours. And Nick... don't let it go to your head. There's still plenty of work to do on this Monday. 😉 If you're an engineer considering your next move, or you'd simply like an honest conversation about what's happening in the market, give Nick a call. He's always happy to help. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #EngineeringJobs #EngineeringCareers #Recruitment #BuildingServices #VividRecruitment

🎓 GRADS // Would You Come to This? If you're a Graduate Architect (or about to become one), we'd love your thoughts. We're looking at hosting an in-person Graduate Architecture Careers Panel in Melbourne this September, bringing together a handful of respected leaders from across the architecture industry. No presentations. No sales pitches. Just an honest conversation about: → Landing your first role → Standing out in a competitive market → Career progression → Registration → Specialising vs staying broad → The mistakes they wish they'd avoided → Whatever you want to ask Before we lock it in, we want to know... Would you come? If this is something you'd be interested in, drop a 🙋 in the comments or send us a DM. And if there's a question you've always wanted to ask experienced architects, let us know below. We'll make sure it's on the agenda. If there's enough interest, we'll make it happen. #Graduates #ArchitectureCareers #ArchitectureRecruitment #VividRecruitment #DesignJobs

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NICK!! Today we're celebrating our Director, Nicholas, as he turns 35. Dad to two little legends. Engineering recruiter. The first to back his candidates, the first to pick up the phone, and someone who genuinely cares about the people he works with. Nick wears his heart on his sleeve, tells it how it is, and puts everything into helping great engineers find great opportunities and helping our clients build exceptional teams. Happy 35th, mate. We hope today is filled with family, laughs and maybe a cold beer or two. Have a great one! 🎂🍻 #BirthdayShoutout #VividRecruitment #LegendaryRecruiter #WorkFam #RecruiterWithAHeart

EOFY // Ahhh... what a great way to wrap up the financial year. We took a few hours out to enjoy lunch together and reflect on what has been a really positive year for Vivid. A huge thank you goes to our team. Georgia keeps the dollars and cents in order, Annie somehow keeps all of us organised, and while she couldn't join us in person, Lovelie, our amazing VA, is a massive part of what we do every single day. And to Nick and Lee, thanks for backing each other, trusting the process and continuing to build a business that genuinely puts people first. The past 12 months have brought plenty of challenges, but they've also brought growth, new partnerships, fantastic clients and the opportunity to help more people find great careers across ANZ. We're especially grateful for the strength of the Brisbane market, which helped us finish 25/26 strongly and has given us a fantastic start to 26/27. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who trusted us with their careers, their hiring, or simply picked up the phone for a chat this year. We genuinely appreciate every conversation. Now... it's back to filling jobs, which is what we do best. (And grads... we haven't forgotten about you. Keep an eye out for Thursday's post 👀) #VividRecruitment #Careers #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #BuiltEnvironment #EOFY

GRADS // We've been chatting with a lot of Graduate Architects lately, replying to their emails, and one thing keeps coming up... It's tough. Finding that first role isn't easy, and knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. So we're thinking about putting together an in-person Graduate Architecture Careers Panel in Melbourne on Wednesday 9 September. The idea is simple. Bring together a few experienced architects for an open, honest conversation about getting started in the profession, building your career and answering the questions you really want to ask. Before we lock anything in, we're trying to gauge interest. 🎓 If you're a Graduate Architect, is this something you'd come along to? 👇 Keen? Drop a comment or 🙌🏻 below. And if there's a question you'd love answered, let us know. We'll build the session around what graduates actually want to hear. More info > check out Lee's video. #VividRecruitment #ArchitecturalGraduates #PanelDiscussion #NetworkingEvent

REMINDER // Nationwide AusAlert Test - TODAY, Monday 27 July! At the times below, every compatible mobile phone in Australia will receive a test alert as part of the new AusAlert emergency warning system. ⏰ Test times → ACT, NSW, QLD, VIC & TAS - 2.00pm AEST → SA & NT - 1.30pm ACST → WA - 12.00pm AWST For most of us, it will simply be a loud reminder that Australia's new emergency warning system is on the way. But for others, particularly people experiencing domestic or family violence, an unexpected alert on a hidden or secondary device could create additional risk. If that applies to you or someone you know, it's worth planning ahead before the test. The Australian Government has published dedicated safety information and resources that may help. More information is available here > https://www.ausalert.gov.au/community-resources/staying-safe-ausalert Sometimes sharing information is just as important as sharing opportunities. #VividRecruitment #Reminder #ClearAndSimple #AusAlert

HIRING // Looking for your next leadership opportunity in building services engineering? In this Short, Nick Koop from Vivid Recruitment shares a rare opportunity with a global engineering consultancy that's building something special in Melbourne. ✔ Lead and grow a high-performing team ✔ Major hospital projects already secured ✔ Backed by a global business with the freedom of a local office ✔ A genuine "no dickhead policy" where culture matters as much as technical ability If you're a Senior Mechanical, Electrical, Fire Protection or Hydraulic Engineer ready to step into a leadership role, we'd love to have a confidential conversation. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au For more engineering opportunities, visit www.vividrecruitment.com.au. #MechanicalEngineering #ElectricalEngineering #HydraulicEngineering #FireProtection #EngineeringCareers #VividRecruitment

FEEDBACK // We want your honest thoughts. We're always looking for ways to improve. The best way to do that? Ask the people who know us best. Whether you've worked with us as a client or candidate, downloaded our Salary Guide, read one of our blogs or simply follow along, we'd love to hear your thoughts. ✔️ Are we adding value? ✔️ Is our content useful? ✔️ What do we do well? ✔️ And, most importantly... what could we do better? The good. The bad. The brutally constructive. We can take it. 😉 Our anonymous survey takes less than two minutes to complete, and every response helps us improve how we support the Architecture, Design, Planning and Engineering community. 👉 Send us a DM, and we'll send you the survey to complete. Thanks in advance for taking the time. We genuinely appreciate your feedback. #Architecture #InteriorDesign #Engineering #UrbanPlanning #Recruitment #BuiltEnvironment #VividRecruitment

JOBS // Brisbane, you've been busy!! If you've been wondering what's happening in the Architecture and Engineering market, here's a little snapshot of what's hot on our desk right now... 🔍 Project Architects → Registered Architect → 5+ years' experience → Multi-residential → Revit 🔍 Senior Structural Revit Modeller → 7+ years' experience → Major building projects → High-rise, hospitals, Olympics and complex developments 🔍 Quality Assurance Lead (Documentation) → A seasoned professional with a keen eye for detail → Reviewing documentation before it reaches the client → Ideally registered → Multi-res projects → Salary circa $120k + super 🔍 Associate Architect | Health → Health sector experience → $160k-$180k + super Brisbane continues to be one of Australia's busiest markets, and these are just a few of the opportunities we're working on. If one of these sounds like you, or you're simply curious about what's happening in the market, we'd love to have a confidential chat. 📩 Reach out to Lee Stevens and Nicholas Koop today. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #BrisbaneJobs #Recruitment #VividRecruitment

PSA // We've said it before, and we'll say it again... Not all roles are advertised. We've recently recruited for an outstanding Health Architecture opportunity in New Zealand without ever advertising it. Why? Because sometimes the right person is already in our network. It's a good reminder that if you're waiting for the "perfect job" to appear on SEEK or LinkedIn, you could be missing opportunities that never make it that far. So, if you're an Architect or Designer thinking about your next move, even if it's just a conversation, get in touch with Lee Stevens. You never know what's around the corner. And for our clients... This is exactly why relationships matter. When you've spent years building genuine connections across the industry, you don't always need to rely on a job ad. Sometimes the right candidate is already one phone call away. That's the power of a specialist network. 📞 0406 470 020 | 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au #VividRecruitment #PSA #ClearAndSimple #ArchitectureJobs #DesignCareers #ArchitectureRecruitment

JOBS // Brisbane Architecture Opportunities 👀 Brisbane's architecture market is moving, and we've got four standout opportunities ready to go. → Project Architect | Multi-Residential → Project Architect/Lead | Gold Coast → Documentation & QA Architect → Associate Architect | Health Whether you're looking for your next project, a leadership opportunity or a move into the health sector, there's something here worth exploring. 🎥 Watch the reel for the full rundown from Lee. Interested? Get in touch for a confidential chat. 📞 0406 470 020 ✉️ lee@vividrecruitment.com.au #VividRecruitment #BrisbaneArchitecture #ArchitectureJobs #Revit #ArchitectureCareers

JOBS // Six exceptional opportunities. Two cities. One conversation could change your career... We're working with some of the best consultancies in the country, and they're looking for great people. Brisbane → Senior Associate / Principal - Health | $200-$240k+ → Structural Engineer - Temporary Works | Tier 1 Projects → Structural Revit Drafter | Tier 1 Consultancy → Interior Designer - Residential Builder | $75-$85k+ Sydney → Senior Telecommunications Engineer | Global Tier 1 → Health Planners & Health Architects | $80-$250k+ Whether you're actively looking or simply curious about what's out there, now is a great time to explore the market. Some of these employers rarely recruit, making these opportunities even harder to come by. Interested? Get in touch for a confidential conversation with Nicholas Koop or Lee Stevens... 📩 Lee specialises in Architecture & Interior Design 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au 📩 Nick specialises in Engineering. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #InteriorDesignJobs #BrisbaneJobs #SydneyJobs #VividRecruitment

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS // Building the workforce of tomorrow!! This is the kind of project we love to see. Architectus has unveiled designs for Kangan Institute's proposed $55 million Melton campus, creating a purpose-built learning environment for the next generation of trades and technology professionals. It's also the second significant education project delivered for @kanganinstitute by Architectus, following the completion of the Health and Community Centre of Excellence in Broadmeadows in 2025. As recruiters in the built environment, we see first-hand the demand for skilled people across architecture, engineering, construction and the trades. Investing in facilities like this doesn't just create great spaces; it helps build the workforce our industry will rely on for decades to come. It's also encouraging to see more students choosing vocational pathways through the VCE Vocational Major, creating stronger links between education and industry. Congratulations to Architectus, Kangan Institute and the wider project team. We can't wait to see this one take shape. 📸 > From both projects by @architectusau #IndustryInsights #EducationArchitecture #ArchitectureJobs #ArchitectureRecruitment #VividRecruitment

REVIEWS // One thing we've learnt about recruiting engineers... They're not exactly known for writing novels. When an engineer takes the time to leave a review, chances are it'll be something like: "Good." "Understanding and proactive." "Very professional approach." Short. Simple. Genuine. But behind those few words are five-star experiences from candidates who felt supported throughout their job search. Nicholas Koop takes pride in giving honest advice, understanding what engineers actually want from their next role, and never pushing someone into a move that isn't right for them. That approach doesn't always generate long testimonials, but it does build trust. If you're looking to make your next engineering hire, get in touch with Nick. He's built one of the strongest engineering networks in the industry and knows where to find the talent that isn't actively applying for jobs. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to leave a review. We genuinely appreciate it. #EngineeringRecruitment #EngineeringJobs #CandidateExperience #Recruitment #BuiltEnvironment #VividRecruitment

NEWSLETTER // July 2026 is here! The new financial year has hit the ground running, and so has the built environment. In this month's newsletter, we're covering: → The latest market insights across Architecture, Engineering & Planning → Why Data Centres continue to dominate the conversation → Our new blog (and first YouTube video!) tackling the question: Should you accept a counteroffer? → Our new recruitment partnership with New Chapter Talent for Marketing recruitment → The latest opportunities we're recruiting for across Australia → Upcoming industry events to add to your calendar Whether you're hiring, considering your next move, or simply want to stay on top of what's happening in the market, there's plenty to explore. 📩 Read the full newsletter here > 🔗 in bio. "The best opportunities often start with a simple conversation." #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #DesignJobs #Recruitment #BuiltEnvironment #Hiring

JOBS // Vivid Recruitment has partnered with one of Queensland's leading structural engineering consultancies and is currently recruiting for two fantastic opportunities. If you're looking to work on major projects including Olympic venues, hospitals, correctional facilities, commercial developments and other landmark buildings, these roles are well worth a look. Current opportunities: → Temporary Works Engineer (2-5 years' experience) → Structural Revit Modeller (2-8 years' experience) This is a consultancy with exceptionally low staff turnover, a strong project pipeline and the luxury of being selective about the work they take on. That means you'll be involved in high-quality, technically interesting projects from day one. Whether you're already based in Brisbane or considering a move to the Sunshine State, we'd love to have a confidential chat. 📞 Nick Koop: 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #StructuralEngineering #EngineeringJobs #BrisbaneJobs #CivilEngineering #EngineeringCareers #VividRecruitment

JOBS // Looking for your next move in ICT engineering? Nicholas Koop is partnering with one of the world's leading engineering consultancies to recruit a Senior ICT & Telecommunications Engineer. This is an opportunity to join a genuine Tier 1 business delivering some of Australia's most technically complex projects across commercial property, transport infrastructure and data centres. If you're an experienced ICT or Telecommunications Engineer from the property and buildings sector, this role offers the chance to take ownership of projects, work alongside an exceptional technical team, and build your career within a business that operates on a truly global scale. ✔ Flexible location anywhere in Australia ✔ Diverse, high-profile projects ✔ Strong career progression ✔ Flexible working arrangements If you're ready for your next challenge, apply via our website or get in touch with Nick for a confidential chat. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au 🔗 in bio Know someone who'd be a great fit? Feel free to share this with them. #EngineeringJobs #EngineeringRecruitment #ICTEngineer #VividRecruitment #Hiring

BLOG // Should you accept a counter offer? You've accepted a new role. You've handed in your resignation. Then your current employer offers you more money to stay. It's a conversation we have with candidates all the time. A bigger salary can be tempting, but before you make a decision, ask yourself this: → If the money wasn't on the table, would you still want to leave? Often, people start looking for a new role because of career progression, leadership, flexibility or culture. A pay rise doesn't always change those things. We've put together a new blog, along with a short video from Lee, sharing a few practical tips on how to approach a counter offer and avoid some of the common mistakes we see. Have you ever accepted a counter offer? Looking back, was it the right decision? Read more > 🔗 in bio. #VividRecruitment #CareerAdvice #CounterOffer #JobSearch #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs

ALARY GUIDE // After thousands of conversations with employers and candidates across Australia over the past 12 months, our new 2026/27 Salary & Market Report has arrived. Inside you'll find: ✔️ State-by-state salary benchmarks ✔️ Market insights and hiring trends ✔️ Candidate sentiment and what's influencing career decisions ✔️ The sectors driving demand in 2026 and beyond ✔️ Updated Architect Award rates effective 1 July 2026, where applicable Whether you're reviewing salaries, planning your next hire or considering a career move, we hope this report provides valuable insight into the current market. 📥 Download your free copy via our website, or get in touch with Lee Stevens or Nicholas Koop and we'll happily send one through. 👨‍💻 vividrecruitment.com.au/blogs#Download20262027SalaryGuide As always, if you'd like to chat about what the numbers mean for your business or career, we're only a phone call away. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #SalaryGuide #Architecture #Engineering #InteriorDesign #UrbanPlanning #LandscapeArchitecture #VividRecruitment

VIVID // Introducing a New Recruitment Partnership!! At Vivid Recruitment, we know that finding the right people often means knowing the right specialists. That's why we're excited to announce our preferred referral partnership with @newchaptertalent led by Founder & Director Lucy Bolan. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing recruitment, Lucy helps businesses find exceptional professionals across: → Marketing → Communications → Bids & Submissions → Brand → Digital Marketing It's a partnership built on shared values. Both Vivid Recruitment and New Chapter Talent are independent businesses that believe great recruitment starts with genuine relationships, honest advice and personal service. By working together, we're able to offer our Architecture and Interior Design clients access to specialist marketing recruitment expertise, while continuing to focus on what we do best across Architecture, Interior Design, Planning and Engineering recruitment. If you're looking to grow your marketing or submissions team, get in touch with Lee Stevens, and we'll happily make an introduction. 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0406 470 020 Here's to helping our clients build even stronger teams. #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureRecruitment #InteriorDesignRecruitment #MarketingRecruitment #NewChapterTalent

CLIENT TIP // Did you see Nick's post this week? 👇 One story. One candidate. One lesson. The client found exactly who they were looking for. Then they waited three weeks to organise the next interview. THREE! Another company made an offer first. The candidate accepted. It's a reminder that the biggest hiring mistake isn't always choosing the wrong person. Sometimes it's taking too long to choose the right one. If you're finding it harder to secure good Engineers, it might not be the talent pool. It might be the hiring process. Reach out to Nicholas for a chat... 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #EngineeringJobs #EngineerRecruitment #ClientAdvice #VividRecruitment #ClearAndSimple

INSIGHTS // The results are in... Last other week, we asked our @linkedin community what matters most when considering a new role. The results were surprisingly close. 📊 Flexibility: 31% 📊 Salary: 27% 📊 Career progression: 27% 📊 Project quality: 13% With only 29 votes, it's far from a scientific study. But it's an interesting snapshot and lines up with many of the conversations we're having across Architecture, Engineering and Design. For years, we've heard employers say, "We've got great projects; candidates will love the opportunity." And while interesting projects are important, they weren't the deciding factor for most people who voted. The bigger takeaway is that there isn't a single silver bullet anymore. Some people are chasing a higher salary. Others want more flexibility. Career progression remains just as important. It's a reminder that attracting great people is rarely about getting one thing right. As we put the finishing touches on our 2026/27 Salary & Market Report, it'll be interesting to see how these results compare with what we're hearing across the wider market. Did these results surprise you? Would love your thoughts... #PollResults #VividRecruitment #Flexibility #Salary #ArchitectureCareers #EngineeringJobs

JOBS // Looking for your next move? 👀 We've got opportunities across Architecture, Interior Design and Engineering in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Here's a snapshot of some of the roles we're currently recruiting for: BRISBANE → Interior Designer (Residential Builder) | $75k-$85k → Junior Interior Designer | $65k-$85k → Landscape Architect | $100k-$120k → Architect / Senior Architect | $90k-$130k → Registered Architects | $100k-$160k → Project BIM Manager (Health) → Principal Engineer → Structural Engineers → Intermediate / Senior Electrical Engineer MELBOURNE → Registered Architect | $100k-$150k SYDNEY → Health Planners / Health Architects | $90k-$250k → Principal Mechanical Engineer See something that catches your eye? Head to our website to read the full job descriptions and apply, or get in touch with Lee Stevens or Nicholas Koop for a confidential chat. 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #InteriorDesignJobs #LandscapeArchitecture #Recruitment #VividRecruitment

JOBS // New Job Alert: Interior Designer | Residential Vivid Recruitment is partnering with a respected residential builder in Brissie who is delivering quality homes and a strong client experience. They’re looking for an Interior Designer to join their Selections Team in a client-facing studio role, guiding homeowners through key design decisions from initial appointment through to final documentation. You’ll be hands-on with selections appointments, documentation, colour schemes, variations, and supporting the smooth running of a busy design studio. This role suits someone who enjoys working directly with clients and wants to see their design work come to life in finished homes. The good stuff! → Salary: $75,000 to $85,000 + Super → Supportive studio environment → Career growth in residential design → Builder with a strong reputation For full details, head to our website or contact Lee Stevens: 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0406 470 020 👨‍💻 vividrecruitment.com.au/job-details/interior-designer-resi-builder-in-architecture-interior-design-jobs-1612902 #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #DesignCareers #InteriorDesigner #ClearAndSimple #Hiring

AVAILABLE TALENT // The best engineers are rarely available for long. Nick Koop has recently met with several high-quality engineering professionals who are actively exploring new opportunities: ✔️ Electrical Engineer | Melbourne | 5 years' consulting experience ✔️ Electrical Engineer | Melbourne | Tier 1 consultancy background | Open to Brisbane or Perth ✔️ Senior Structural Engineer | Melbourne | 8 years' consulting experience | High-rise project experience ✔️ Structural Engineer | Brisbane | 3 years' experience | Available in 1 week ✔️ Mechanical Engineer | Associate Director Level | Sydney | 17 years' experience | Team leadership experience ✔️ Graduate Civil Engineer | Darwin | 2 years' consultancy experience | Open to relocate Australia-wide | Sponsorship required If your team is hiring now, planning ahead, or simply wants to understand what's available in the market, these candidates are well worth a conversation. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #AVAILABLETALENT #ENGINEERING #HIRING #EngineeringRecruitment #EngineeringJobs #VividRecruitment

VIVID // Anyone else finding this EOFY unusually busy? The final week of the financial year has arrived, and our phones haven't stopped. We've had clients across Architecture and Engineering reaching out with urgent hiring requirements as they look to get things sorted before 30 June. It's a big week at Vivid HQ. And we're not just talking about the Socceroos' World Cup clash on Friday. ⚽ Although, full disclosure, there may be a certain game streaming on the big screen in the office to help us power through the recruitment madness. If you're looking to secure talent before EOFY, you're not the only one. Good luck to the Socceroos on Friday. We'll be cheering them on between interviews, meetings and coffee runs. 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au | 📞 0406 470 020 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au | 📞 0426 180 254 #ArchitectureJobs #DesignRecruitment #EngineeringRecruitment #Hiring #VividRecruitment #ClearAndSimple

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN ENGINEERING DAY! Today, we celebrate the incredible women helping shape the future of engineering across Australia and around the world. This year's theme, Engineering Intelligence, recognises the creativity, insight and leadership women bring to solving complex challenges in an era of rapid technological change. 👏 Here's to the women leading projects, mentoring future engineers, challenging the status quo and helping create a stronger, more inclusive profession. @engaustralia is hosting events across the country to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day and inspire the next generation of engineers. Find an event near you >engineersaustralia.org.au/inwed #INWED2026 #InternationalWomenInEngineeringDay #WomenInEngineering #EngineeringCareers #VividRecruitment

AVAILABLE TALENT // Good people are hard to find. Fortunately, we've already done the hard part. Lee Stevens has recently met with three standout architecture professionals who are actively exploring their next opportunity in Brisbane: Senior Architect ✔️ 25+ years' experience across residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare and education projects. Registered Architect with strong Archicad capability and proven experience leading teams from concept through to construction. Senior Architectural Technician / BIM Coordinator ✔️ 10+ years' experience delivering high-quality documentation and BIM coordination across education, healthcare, commercial, retail and multi-residential projects. Strong Revit user with extensive BIM management and clash detection experience. Architectural & Interior Designer ✔️ A dual-qualified designer relocating to Brisbane from Melbourne. Brings a rare combination of strong design thinking, interior architecture expertise and technical Revit delivery across residential, commercial, heritage and adaptive reuse projects. All three candidates are available within the next four weeks (or sooner!) and would be valuable additions to the right team. If you've got a hiring need now, or even something on the horizon, feel free to reach out to Lee for a confidential chat. 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0406 470 020 The best hires don't always come from a job ad. Sometimes they're already sitting on your recruiter's desk. #ArchitectureJobs #ArchitectureRecruitment #BrisbaneArchitecture #InteriorDesign #VividRecruitment

VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE AWARDS 2026 // Tonight is one of the biggest nights on the Victorian architecture calendar. The Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Architecture Awards returns this evening, celebrating the very best projects, studios, and design talent from across the state. With so many of Vivid's clients shortlisted across categories, including Commercial, Public, Education, Heritage, Interior Architecture, Residential and Sustainable Architecture, the team is looking forward to seeing who takes home the honours. From major city-shaping projects and community infrastructure through to incredible homes, adaptive re-use projects and public spaces, the shortlist showcases the depth of talent within Victoria's architecture industry. A huge congratulations to all shortlisted practices. Making the shortlist is an achievement in itself and a reflection of the hard work, creativity and collaboration behind every project. Good luck to everyone attending tonight's gala event at 1 Hotel Melbourne. We can't wait to see the winners announced and celebrate another fantastic year of Victorian architecture. Who do you think will take home the Victorian Architecture Medal? 🏆 #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureAwards #DesignCareers #AIA #GoodLuck

If you could only choose one, what matters most in your next role?

NEWSLETTER // Salary expectations are shifting. More companies are interviewing candidates interstate and overseas. FY26/27 planning is well underway. And despite a mixed market, good people are still proving difficult to secure when businesses need them most. In this month's Vivid newsletter, Lee Stevens and Nicholas Koop share some of the key trends they're seeing, along with: ✔️ Current job opportunities across Australia ✔️ Nick's latest industry blog ✔️ Upcoming events worth adding to your calendar ✔️ Market insights and hiring trends ✔️ A look at the Recruitment United Soccer World Cup Melbourne and the fantastic work being done by Eat Up Australia Grab a coffee and have a read > 🔗 in bio. #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #DesignJobs #Recruitment #BuiltEnvironment #Hiring

HIRING // Ready to kick-start your Interior Design career with a studio that will actually invest in your development? A growing Brisbane CBD design practice is on the lookout for a Junior Interior Designer to join its team. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone early in their career who is keen to learn from experienced designers, build their technical skills, and gain exposure across a variety of projects. ✔️ Minimum 6 months' experience (12+ months preferred) ✔️ Revit experience required ✔️ Open to candidates from any project sector ✔️ Strong desire to learn, develop and grow You'll be joining a collaborative team in a recently completed office space, with genuine opportunities for mentoring, career progression, and hands-on project experience. If you're looking for a role where you can learn, contribute, and build a long-term career in design, this could be the perfect fit. 👉 Apply now via the careers page on the Vivid Recruitment website > 🔗 in bio. Or if you'd like a confidential chat, contact Lee Stevens... 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0406 470 020 Who do you know that's ready to take the next step in their Interior Design career? Tag them below. 👇 #ArchitectureJobs #DesignRecruitment #InteriorDesign #Hiring #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureRecruitment #ClearAndSimple

JOBS // Thinking about your next move? We've got a cracking mix of Architecture, Interior Design and Engineering roles live right now across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. BRISBANE → Junior Interior Designer → Architect (High-End Modular) → Experienced Graduates / Architects / Revit Documentation Specialists → Landscape Architect → Project BIM Manager (Health) → Registered Architects → Senior Mechanical Engineer SYDNEY → Principal Mechanical Engineer → Health Lead MELBOURNE → Registered Architect Whether you're looking for your first step, your next promotion, or a leadership opportunity, there are some brilliant studios and consultancies hiring right now. Don't spend your lunch break scrolling through job boards. Head to our website and see what's available. 👉 Visit Vivid Recruitment to view all current opportunities > https://www.vividrecruitment.com.au/job-results# Or a confidential chat, get in touch with Lee Stevens or Nicholas Koop: 📞 0406 470 020 📧 lee@vividrecruitment.com.au 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au #VividRecruitment #ArchitectureJobs #EngineeringJobs #InteriorDesignJobs #SydneyJobs #MelbourneJobs #BrisbaneJobs

VIVID // Last Friday, Vivid’s very own Lee Stevens pulled on the boots for Recruitment United at the Recruitment Soccer World Cup Melbourne. After surviving a scorching opening match against Morgan Consulting, the team battled their way through a day of fierce competition, plenty of goals, a few questionable touches, and enough running to make everyone’s legs regret their life choices by Saturday morning. Team RU made it all the way to the quarter finals!! Well done to Sharp & Carter for taking out the overall win. The biggest win, though, wasn’t the football. Lee came away with new BFFs, including fellow SME owners and Eat Up Founder, Lyndon Galea. The event, coordinated by Pete Watson, raised an incredible $77,000 for Eat Up Australia and the amazing work they do supporting Australian school kids. Now that the bruises are fading and everyone can walk normally again, Lee has moved on to his next challenge... Convincing his new RU teammates to enter ArchiSoccer. Who’s in? ⚽🍻 #RecruitmentCup #RecruitmentUnited #EatUpAustralia #ArchiSoccer #VividRecruitment TeamVivid @eatupaustralia @petewatsonmint @morganaustralia @sharpandcarter @archisoccer

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS // Our Marketing Manager took a trip to Bali recently... Knowing that DKO Architecture had designed the restaurant at @kudetabali she made a point of visiting @saltlickbali ... and she hasn't stopped talking about it!! KU DE TA has been one of Bali's most iconic beach clubs for nearly two decades. The upstairs restaurant underwent a full redesign by DKO, and the result is something worth paying attention to. SaltLick seats 100 guests across three zones, all oriented to capture the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The open kitchen puts the culinary process on full display. Meat cabinets, wine fridges, wood fire. It's intentional transparency, and it works. DKO described their brief as engaging all the senses. Walking through the space, that's exactly what it does. It's a good reminder that great hospitality design isn't decoration. It shapes how people feel, how long they stay, and whether they come back. Full project details via @dko_architecture > dko.com.au/projects/saltlick-restaurant-kudeta-bali/ #Architecture #InteriorDesign #HospitalityDesign #DKO #Bali #VividRecruitment

NEW ROLE ALERT // Principal Mechanical Engineer / Team Lead... AI might be changing how engineers work, but it still can't replace a great mentor. Nicholas Koop is currently recruiting for a Principal Mechanical Engineer / Team Lead, based in Sydney, with a well-established Australian-owned consultancy delivering projects across healthcare, defence, commercial, industrial and education sectors. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys more than just project delivery. ✔️ Leading and mentoring engineers ✔️ Growing a high-performing team ✔️ Shaping the future of a national mechanical division ✔️ Working on a diverse portfolio of major projects If developing people is just as rewarding as delivering great engineering outcomes, this could be worth a conversation. 📞 0426 180 254 📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au All conversations are handled confidentially. Full JD is on our website > 🔗 in bio. #MechanicalEngineering #EngineeringJobs #PrincipalEngineer #TeamLeader #VividRecruitment

FAIR WORK UPDATE // 4.75% PAY RISE FROM 1 JULY The Fair Work Commission has announced a 4.75% increase to modern award wages, effective from 1 July 2026. The decision will impact almost 3 million Australian workers, making it one of the most significant wage increases in recent years. A few key points: ✅ Around 2.7 - 2.8 million award-reliant workers will receive a 4.75% increase. ✅ The National Minimum Wage will increase from $24.95 to $26.44 per hour. ✅ Full-time minimum wage workers will see weekly pay rise from $948 to approximately $1,005 per week. ✅ Around 100,000 of Australia’s lowest-paid workers will receive an even larger increase of around 6%. For employers, now is the time to review: • Award classifications • Employment contracts • Payroll systems • Salary packages sitting close to award minimums For employees, it’s worth checking whether your pay is linked to an award and understanding how these changes may affect your take-home pay from July. With cost of living continuing to be a major challenge across Australia, this decision is likely to be welcomed by many workers, while businesses will be weighing up the impact on operating costs and future hiring plans. What impact do you think this will have on hiring and salary reviews across your industry? 👇 #VividRecruitment #ClearAndSimple #FairWork #Australia #Recruitment

RECRUITMENT CUP 2026 // This Friday, recruitment puts the laptops away and laces the boots up. It will be on like Donkey Kong! ⚽ 8 hours of football 👥 100 recruiters 🏆 1 winner And yes, our very own Lee Stevens will be pulling on the shirt for Recruitment United and taking to the futsal court. A huge shout-out to everyone who has contributed to Eat Up Australia, helping raise an incredible $77,000 to support Australian school children. This year's teams include: → Sharp & Carter → Bluefin Resources → Blackbook Recruitment → Method Recruitment Group → JV Recruitment → Blake Oliver Consulting → Recruitment United → Morgan Consulting → Atlas Partners → FourQuarters Recruitment Now for the important question... Can Lee perform on a futsal court, or will he be asking for an ice bath by lunchtime? 👀 #RecruitmentCup #RecruitmentUnited #Futsal #MelbourneRecruitment #EatUpAustralia #VividRecruitment #TeamVivid