Senior Design Architect

Senior Design Architect – Dubai

Location: Dubai, UAE
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Architecture & Engineering Consultancy

We are seeking a highly skilled and creative Senior Design Architect to join our growing consultancy team in Dubai.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in leading architectural Concept, Schematic, and detailed design stages, coordinating with authorities, and delivering high-quality design solutions across residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership

• Lead concept, preliminary, and detailed architectural design development.
• Produce high-quality presentations, visualizations, concepts, and schematic layouts for client reviews.
• Develop innovative, feasible, and cost-efficient design solutions aligned with Green Building codes and project objectives.

Project & Team Coordination

• Manage and mentor junior architects and draftspersons.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (Structural, MEP, Landscape, Interior Designer, Sustainability) to ensure fully integrated designs.
• Participate in client consultant and authority meetings to communicate design intent and resolve technical issues.

Authority Compliance & Approvals

• Ensure designs comply with UAE codes and Dubai authority regulations (DM, Trakhees, DDA, Civil Defense, DEWA, DU/Etisalat, etc.).
• Prepare submission packages and manage authority approvals from concept to building permit stage.

Technical Design & Documentation

• Oversee the preparation of architectural drawings, technical details, schedules, and specifications.
• Review and validate drawings and documentation for accuracy, coordination, and compliance.
• Perform design reviews, clash detection, and quality checks.
• Optimize construction costs through effective value engineering techniques.

Client & Tender Support

• Act as a primary interface with clients during design stages.
• Incorporate client feedback and ensure deliverables meet expectations.
• Provide technical support during tendering, respond to RFIs, and review contractor submissions.
• Support construction teams as needed with design clarifications and shop drawing reviews.

Innovation & Best Practices

• Stay updated on design trends, sustainable strategies, and innovative technologies.
• Promote design excellence and continuous improvement within the architectural team.

Qualifications & Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in architecture (master’s preferred).

· Certification from a recognized professional body (e.g., RIBA, AIA, or equivalent) is preferred.

· 10 years of architecture experience, with a minimum of 7 years in a Dubai-based consultancy.

· Proven experience in leading design packages for medium-to-large-scale projects in the UAE.

· Strong proficiency in Revit (mandatory), AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, and other design tools.

· Strong understanding of UAE building codes, Dubai Municipality regulations, and authority processes.

· In-depth knowledge of sustainability practices and green building certifications (e.g., LEED, Estidama).

· Ability to multitask and manage several projects simultaneously under tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.

· Excellent communication, presentation, and client-facing skills.

· Strong leadership, problem-solving, and team coordination abilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

• Dubai-based consultancy firms on architectural design : 7 years (Required)