Senior Architect

Opportunity with a leading design consultancy for a Senior Architect based in Dubai with hands-on experience to work across the project life cycle from early concept through to technical development and site completion across residential, hospitality and mixed-use developments.

About the Role

Design Development Lead small to medium-scale projects or parts of larger projects, ensuring design decisions are technically sound and aligned with project goals and internal design ethos.

Responsibilities

• Support the Design Director on the establishment of the Concept Design, supporting design drawings, materials, 3D studies and visuals and presentations.
• Support the production of high-quality 3D models, conceptual visualizations/drawings and using Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite.
• Lead the preparation of Project materials and presentations, including renderings, sample boards and supporting materials for internal and external reviews.
• Lead Project design coordination and delivery from Concept Design to schematic detailed design / IFC packages to onsite monitoring and delivery.
• Collaborate with the design team to explore design ideas, ensure efficient and high-quality design coordination and integrate feedback from team leads and clients.
• Demonstrate innovation and attention to detail in the development of functional, experiential and aesthetically strong design solutions.

Technical Co-Ordination

• Lead the preparation of detailed construction documents, drawings and technical specifications under the direction/guidance of the senior design team.
• Ensure architectural detailing meets quality standards and complies with relevant codes, regulations and best practices.
• Coordinate with consultants across disciplines (MEP, structural, interior design, cost control) to integrate all project elements.
• Ensure high quality detailing, design documentation and project management across all project stages with oversight from a Lead or Associate.
• Lead material research and specifications, identifying systems and finishes aligned with project goals and sustainability targets.
• Support the Senior Architect or Associate in QA/QC processes, reviewing drawings for accuracy and completeness.

Site Involvement

• Attend site visits and inspections as required to monitor project progress, helping resolve design and technical issues in real time.
• Lead the documentation of site observations and ensuring alignment between construction execution and design intent.
• Liaise with contractors and consultants, participating in project meetings and coordinating responses to RFIs.
• Track project milestones and support project programming using studio tools (action lists, site reports, etc.).
• Ensure any design changes on-site are coordinated, approved and documented appropriately.
• Ensure built work reflects approved drawings, escalating issues when required.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Collaborate closely with Lead Project Architects and Associates, participating in regular design coordination with the Lead Project Architect or Associate.
• Ensure effective communication throughout the Project to successfully deliver all Project stages.
• Record time and work activities daily in accordance with studio procedures and timesheet policies.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful studio environment, supporting peers and encouraging open collaboration.
• Understand and implement internal processes for project stages and delivery.

Team Support, Learning & Development

• Support junior staff and delegate tasks on work streams as required.
• Share technical knowledge and participate in group reviews or training sessions.
• Stay informed on architectural trends, sustainability practices and hospitality/residential design standards.
• Embrace learning opportunities within the studio and through project exposure across disciplines.
• Contribute to a positive, empathetic and collaborative studio culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Leading multi-phase architectural projects working across all phases of projects from concept to construction.
• Strong portfolio in high-end residential, hospitality and retail architecture.
• Advanced Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Deep understanding of technical detailing and the ability to translate design intent into coordinated documentation and construction administration skills.
• Strong technical delivery capabilities, including detailing and documentation.
• Site experience and consultant coordination exposure essential.
• Proven excellence with BIM workflows, production, documentation and coordination tools.
• Ability to produce hand sketches and visualizations is an advantage.