Lead Architect

Imperium Group is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Lead Architect to lead the architectural design and delivery of high-quality projects across the UAE. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on architectural expertise, proven experience working on projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and a comprehensive understanding of UAE authority requirements, regulations, and design standards. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving architectural design development, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring technical quality, and maintaining design intent throughout the project lifecycle. This role requires a strong combination of design capability, technical knowledge, project coordination, and client-facing skills. Key Responsibilities: • Lead the architectural design and development of projects from concept through detailed design and construction documentation. • Develop and review architectural concepts, design proposals, layouts, and technical documentation in line with project requirements. • Ensure architectural designs are practical, technically coordinated, and aligned with project budgets, timelines, and client expectations. • Coordinate closely with structural, MEP, interior design, landscape, and other consultants to ensure seamless multidisciplinary integration. • Review architectural drawings, details, specifications, and technical submissions to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance. • Ensure compliance with UAE building regulations, authority requirements, and applicable international standards. • Manage and coordinate authority submission requirements and support the approval process with relevant UAE authorities. • Provide architectural guidance and technical solutions throughout the design and project delivery stages. • Review and resolve design and technical issues, RFIs, and coordination challenges in collaboration with project teams and consultants. • Participate in client meetings, design presentations, coordination meetings, and technical discussions as required. • Monitor project progress and ensure architectural deliverables are completed according to agreed timelines and quality standards. • Support the implementation of design intent during construction and provide clarification on architectural and technical matters. • Provide guidance and technical support to architects and junior team members, promoting high-quality design and documentation standards. • Coordinate with project management and other stakeholders to identify and resolve potential design risks and technical challenges. • Contribute to design development, project proposals, tenders, and business development activities when required. • Maintain and improve architectural standards, workflows, documentation quality, and best practices within the design team. Qualifications: • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture. • 13+ years of professional architectural experience, preferably with experience in senior or lead architectural roles. • Strong and proven experience working on projects in the UAE, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. • Solid understanding of UAE authority requirements, building regulations, codes, and approval procedures. • Proven experience delivering projects from concept and design development through detailed design and construction documentation. • Experience across high-end residential, commercial, hospitality, mixed-use, or similar large-scale projects is highly preferred. • Strong technical knowledge with the ability to review and develop detailed architectural drawings and documentation. • Strong multidisciplinary coordination experience with structural, MEP, interior, landscape, and external consultants. • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit is required. Knowledge of SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite is an advantage. • Experience with visualization tools such as 3ds Max, Lumion, Enscape, or similar software is an advantage. • Strong understanding of architectural detailing, construction methods, materials, and technical documentation. • Excellent communication, presentation, coordination, and stakeholder management skills. • Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced consultancy environment. • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with a practical and detail-oriented approach. • A strong portfolio demonstrating architectural design, technical expertise, project delivery, and UAE project experience. Show more Show less