Senior Architect / Design Manager

Company Description

1.    Position Overview

Senior Architect / Design Manager

A.   Design Management & Technical Leadership

• Lead and manage architectural teams through Design Development (DD), Detailed Design, Tender Documentation, and IFC stages.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and coordination of architectural drawings, specifications, schedules, and technical reports.
• Ensure all design deliverables comply with project briefs, client requirements, international standards, and local authority regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to architects, BIM modelers, and technical staff.
• Establish and maintain company-wide architectural standards and quality procedures.

B.   Detailed Design & Documentation

• Lead the production and review of comprehensive detailed design packages.
• Develop architectural details, material specifications, construction assemblies, and technical solutions.
• Review shop drawings, material submissions, mock-ups, and technical proposals during construction stages.
• Ensure constructability, coordination, and compliance throughout the design process.
• Manage preparation of tender and IFC documentation to the highest quality standards.

C.   Project Coordination

• Coordinate with structural, MEP, interior design, landscape, façade, lighting, and specialist consultants.
• Conduct interdisciplinary design reviews and clash detection workshops.
• Monitor design progress against project schedules and resource plans.
• Identify technical risks and propose effective mitigation measures.
• Participate in design coordination meetings with clients, contractors, and stakeholders.

D.   BIM & Digital Delivery (preferred)

• Ensure effective implementation of BIM processes and project delivery standards.
• Review BIM models for quality, coordination, and compliance with project requirements.
• Support BIM execution planning and model coordination across disciplines.

E.   Client & Authority Liaison

• Act as the primary architectural point of contact for clients during design delivery.
• Present technical design solutions and project progress to clients and stakeholders.
• Coordinate submissions and approvals with relevant authorities including Dubai Municipality, DDA, Trakhees, DEWA, Civil Defence, RTA, and other regulatory bodies as required.
• Address client comments and authority review feedback efficiently.

F.   Quality Assurance

• Implement and maintain QA/QC procedures for all architectural deliverables.
• Conduct detailed design reviews and technical audits.
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and completeness of project documentation.
• Monitor compliance with company standards, project specifications, and contractual obligations.

G.  Team Management

• Manage and supervise architects, BIM coordinators, and technical staff.
• Allocate resources effectively across multiple projects.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support staff development.
• H.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (Master's Degree preferred).
• Registered Architect or equivalent professional accreditation preferred.
• Minimum
• 12 years of experience
• in architectural consultancy, with at least
• 5 years in a senior leadership role
• .
• Proven experience delivering residential, commercial, hospitality, mixed-use, healthcare, or institutional projects.
• Strong UAE/GCC project experience and knowledge of local regulations.
• Extensive experience in Detailed Design, Tender Documentation, and IFC package preparation.

I.      Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and other design tools.
• Strong understanding of construction systems, building materials, and detailing.
• Knowledge of UAE building codes, Dubai Municipality regulations, Civil Defence requirements, and international standards.
• Familiarity with LEED, Estidama, Al Sa'fat, or other sustainability frameworks is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.

J.    Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Good communication and presentation abilities.
• Exceptional technical detailing and problem-solving capability.
• Commercial awareness and client management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.

K.   Preferred Experience

• UAE consultancy experience with leading architectural or multidisciplinary firms.
• Experience managing projects from Design Development through Construction Documentation and Site Supervision support.
• Proven track record of delivering complex projects within Dubai and the wider GCC region.