Architect - Exhibition and Public Realm

JOB DESCRIPTION Architect – Exhibitions and public realm About Alserkal Alserkal is a socially responsible and forward-thinking cultural enterprise dedicated to developing sustainable models for homegrown initiatives with a commitment to nurturing alternative ideas and impactful research with regional relevance. Founded in 2007 by Emirati businessman and patron Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, Alserkal is renowned for its groundbreaking artistic productions, experimental approach and for the creation of culturally meaningful spaces that inspire and shape communities. Alserkal has three primary areas of activity: cultivating a creative economy in Dubai and building a collaborative network of civiccultural institutions through its renowned cultural district, Alserkal Avenue; providing advisory services to public and private sector entities; and, supporting public artist commissions, residencies, research grants and educational programmes through its non-profit, Alserkal Arts Foundation. Alserkal has transformed the cultural landscape of Dubai and the UAE through the creation of a thriving, region-specific community of over 70 contemporary art galleries, visual and performing arts organisations, designers and entrepreneur-led businesses at Alserkal Avenue, providing an essential platform for the development of creative industries in the region. Alserkal utilises its collective expertise in arts initiatives and cultural production, heritage creation, community building and engagement, as well as urbanism and planning for creative industries, to guide public and private sector entities in developing sustainable and responsive business models. About the Role As an Architect – Exhibitions and public realm, you will be responsible for developing and coordinating architectural, creative and enhancements projects across Alserkal Avenue. You will play a key role in translating creative concepts into practical and visually engaging designs, contributing to public art commissions, exhibitions, festivals, installations and spatial activations. This role involves working closely with artists, designers, consultants, contractors and internal teams to develop design proposals, coordinate technical requirements, oversee material selection and manage projects through installation and final delivery. The position requires a strong architectural foundation, excellent design sensibility, an appreciation for art and culture, and a good understanding of materials, finishes, construction methods and technical detailing. Key Responsibilities Public Art & Creative Collaborations • Identify and engage with local, regional and international artists for public art • commissions and creative collaborations. • Coordinate artist proposals, portfolios, shortlisting and commission briefs. • Work with artists to translate creative concepts into architectural and technical designs. • Coordinate fabrication, material selection, installation and completion of commissioned artworks. • Liaise with artists and creative professionals throughout the design and implementation process. Architectural Design & Enhancement Projects • Develop architectural concepts and design proposals for improvements and enhancements across Alserkal Avenue. • Design and coordinate shading structures, seating, signage, wayfinding, washrooms, temporary structures and other architectural interventions. • Prepare layouts, concept designs, technical drawings and design presentations. • Ensure appropriate selection of materials, finishes and construction details while maintaining design quality, functionality and aesthetic standards. • Translate creative ideas into practical and technically sound architectural solutions. Exhibitions & Creative Activations • Develop design concepts and layouts for exhibitions, festivals and seasonal activations. • Coordinate the design of temporary structures, furniture, activation spaces and shading solutions. • Work with artists, designers and production teams to create functional and visually engaging environments. • Support the development and execution of creative installations and spatial experiences. Project Management & Delivery • Manage assigned projects from initial concept development through design,coordination, installation and final delivery. • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including consultants, contractors, fabricators and suppliers. • Review technical drawings, shop drawings, material samples and specifications. • Conduct site visits and monitor project progress to ensure approved designs are implemented as intended. • Manage project budgets and monitor costs to ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets. • Ensure timely coordination and delivery of assigned projects. Skills Required • Bachelor's degree in Architecture or an equivalent recognised qualification in a relevant design discipline. • 4–5 years' relevant professional experience in architecture, exhibition design, creative design or a similar field. • Strong portfolio demonstrating creativity, design quality, material selection, detailing, and ongoing and completed projects. • Excellent design sensibility, creative thinking and a strong visual understanding of space, form, proportion, materials and aesthetics. • Strong knowledge of materials, finishes, construction methods, fabrication techniques and architectural detailing. • Ability to translate creative concepts into practical, technically sound and visually compelling designs. • Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite and current 3D modelling, rendering and visualisation tools. • Familiarity with contemporary design technologies and AI-assisted design and visualisation tools would be an advantage. • Ability to prepare high-quality design presentations, concept boards, layouts, technical drawings and visualisations. • Good communication and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively with artists, consultants, contractors and creative professionals. • Enthusiastic, proactive and willing to learn, take ownership and grow with the organisation. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple projects and priorities. • Position Type and Expected Hours of Work This job description summarizes the main key responsibilities of your role but there may be other reasonable requests made and other responsibilities included from time to time. This is a full-time role. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, from 10am to 6pm. Saturdays, Sundays and overtime might be required during intense periods and/or while preparing to deliver special projects and events.

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or an equivalent recognised qualification in a relevant design discipline. 4–5 years' relevant professional experience in architecture, exhibition design, creative design or a similar field.

Public Art & Creative Collaborations: Identify and engage with local, regional and international artists for public art commissions and creative collaborations. Coordinate artist proposals, portfolios, shortlisting and commission briefs. Work with artists to translate creative concepts into architectural and technical designs. Coordinate fabrication, material selection, installation and completion of commissioned artworks. Liaise with artists and creative professionals throughout the design and implementation process. Architectural Design & Enhancement Projects: Develop architectural concepts and design proposals for improvements and enhancements across Alserkal Avenue. Design and coordinate shading structures, seating, signage, wayfinding, washrooms, temporary structures and other architectural interventions. Prepare layouts, concept designs, technical drawings and design presentations. Ensure appropriate selection of materials, finishes and construction details while maintaining design quality, functionality and aesthetic standards. Translate creative ideas into practical and technically sound architectural solutions. Exhibitions & Creative Activations: Develop design concepts and layouts for exhibitions, festivals and seasonal activations. Coordinate the design of temporary structures, furniture, activation spaces and shading solutions. Work with artists, designers and production teams to create functional and visually engaging environments. Support the development and execution of creative installations and spatial experiences. Project Management & Delivery: Manage assigned projects from initial concept development through design, coordination, installation and final delivery. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including consultants, contractors, fabricators and suppliers. Review technical drawings, shop drawings, material samples and specifications. Conduct site visits and monitor project progress to ensure approved designs are implemented as intended. Manage project budgets and monitor costs to ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets. Ensure timely coordination and delivery of assigned projects.