Senior Architect

SENIOR ARCHITECT Location: Dubai, UAE POSITION SUMMARY We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Architect to lead, manage and oversee architectural design development for high-end residential, commercial, hospitality and mixed-use projects. The role involves leading architectural design from concept development through detailed design, construction and project handover, ensuring design excellence, technical accuracy and compliance with project requirements. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in architectural design management, design reviews, technical coordination and consultant management, with a good understanding of interior design integration. The candidate will be responsible for reviewing and evaluating design proposals, drawings, specifications and technical submissions to ensure alignment with the project brief, development standards, budget, timelines and overall design vision. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Architectural Design Leadership • Lead and oversee architectural design development from concept to completion for luxury residential, commercial, hospitality and mixed-use projects. • Review and evaluate architectural concepts, design proposals, layouts, elevations, sections and façade treatments. • Ensure architectural designs align with project briefs, development guidelines, client expectations and overall design vision. • Maintain design quality, functionality, aesthetics and technical accuracy throughout all project stages. 2. Design Review & Quality Control • Conduct comprehensive design reviews at concept, schematic, detailed design and construction documentation stages. • Review and assess architectural drawings, design presentations, technical documentation, specifications and construction details submitted by external consultants. • Identify design discrepancies, technical conflicts, coordination gaps and potential construction challenges, providing recommendations for corrective action. • Review design revisions and ensure all comments and recommendations are incorporated into subsequent submissions. • Evaluate design proposals against project requirements, development standards, budget and applicable regulations. • Prepare design review reports, technical assessments and recommendations for management approval. 3. Technical Coordination & Integration • Coordinate with structural engineers, MEP consultants, landscape architects, interior design consultants and other project stakeholders. • Ensure effective integration of architectural design with interior layouts, space planning, materials, finishes, lighting and FF&E requirements. • Review architectural detailing, material specifications, façade systems, joinery details and technical design solutions. • Ensure multidisciplinary design coordination and resolve technical issues before construction. 4. Consultant & Stakeholder Management • Manage and coordinate external architectural and design consultants, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with project requirements. • Conduct design coordination meetings and workshops with consultants, contractors and internal project teams. • Review consultant submissions and monitor design deliverables, quality, progress and contractual requirements. • Coordinate with development, project management, construction, leasing and marketing teams to ensure alignment with overall development objectives. 5. Construction & Site Design Review • Conduct regular site visits and design inspections to verify compliance with approved drawings, specifications and design intent. • Review and provide technical comments on shop drawings, material samples, mock-ups and contractor submissions. • Coordinate with contractors and site teams to resolve architectural and technical issues during construction and fit-out activities. • Monitor implementation of approved design changes and ensure construction quality meets project standards. 6. Budget, Value Engineering & Procurement Support • Participate in value engineering exercises to optimise design solutions and project costs without compromising functionality, aesthetics or quality. • Support procurement activities through technical evaluations, material specifications and review of alternative design proposals. • Assess proposed design changes and material substitutions for their impact on quality, cost, functionality and project timelines. 7. Regulatory Compliance & Design Standards • Ensure architectural designs comply with Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, accessibility requirements, UAE building codes and other applicable regulations. • Monitor compliance with sustainability standards, development guidelines and relevant approval requirements. • Ensure design documentation meets applicable technical and statutory requirements. 8. Project Management & Reporting • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, monitoring design deliverables, schedules, budgets and quality standards. • Monitor design development progress and ensure timely submission and review of project deliverables. • Prepare design progress reports, technical assessments, consultant performance reviews and recommendations for senior management. • Stay updated on architectural innovations, sustainable materials, construction technologies and industry best practices. REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or a related field. • Minimum 12–15 years of relevant experience in architectural design and design management, preferably within high-end residential, commercial, hospitality or mixed-use developments. • Proven experience in leading and reviewing architectural design projects from concept development through detailed design, construction and handover. • Strong experience in architectural design review, technical evaluation, design coordination and quality control. • Good understanding of interior design principles, space planning, materials, finishes, lighting, joinery, FF&E and interior fit-out coordination. • Demonstrated ability to review and coordinate architectural, structural, MEP and other multidisciplinary design requirements. • Experience working with luxury real estate developers, architectural consultancies or design-and-build organisations is preferred. • Strong knowledge of architectural detailing, construction methods, technical drawings, specifications and design documentation. • Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp and other relevant architectural or visualisation software; knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is an advantage. • Good understanding of UAE building regulations, Dubai Municipality requirements, Civil Defence standards and relevant approval processes. • Proven ability to manage external design consultants, multidisciplinary teams, contractors and project stakeholders. • Strong project management, design assessment, problem-solving and decision-making skills. • Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation and client management abilities. • Ability to manage project timelines, design budgets and multiple priorities effectively. • Strong attention to detail, design quality, functionality and technical accuracy. • Professional registration or relevant architectural certification is an advantage.