Senior Architect

About This Role

Project London is looking for a Senior Architect to join our Dubai studio as we continue to grow our presence in the UAE.

You must be based in Dubai

We are a London founded architecture, interiors and project management studio, now bringing the same level of process, detail, commercial rigour and client care to Dubai. Our work is primarily high end private residential, including villas, apartments, bespoke new builds, refurbishments and full interior led transformations.

This is a senior role for someone who can combine strong design judgement with technical competence, site confidence and the ability to manage projects properly from concept through to completion. We are looking for someone who understands that good architecture is not just about beautiful images. It is about clear thinking, proper coordination, robust detailing, buildability, budget awareness and protecting the client’s interests throughout.

The Role

The Senior Architect will take responsibility for leading architectural design and technical delivery across a range of private residential projects in Dubai. You will work closely with the Director in Dubai, as well as our interiors, project management and procurement teams, external consultants, contractors, suppliers and client teams.

You will be expected to manage projects with confidence, communicate clearly and bring order to complex design and construction processes. The right person will be comfortable working both in the studio and on site, and will have the experience to spot issues before they become problems.

As Project London UAE grows, this role will offer genuine involvement in shaping how the studio operates, how projects are delivered and how we set standards in the Dubai market.

Key Responsibilities

Lead architectural design packages from early concept through to detailed design and construction information.

Prepare and oversee drawings, specifications, schedules and technical documentation.

Develop layouts, spatial planning, elevations, sections, details and coordinated design packages.

Coordinate with interior designers, MEP consultants, structural engineers, landscape designers, contractors and suppliers.

Review consultant and contractor information to ensure quality, accuracy and alignment with the design intent.

Support authority and developer approval processes, including Emaar, Dubai Municipality, Trakhees and relevant community or master developer requirements.

Attend site meetings and carry out site inspections to review workmanship, progress and compliance with the drawings.

Identify design, technical and coordination risks early and propose practical solutions.

Assist with tender documentation, contractor queries and technical clarifications.

Support project managers with programme, sequencing, cost control and client reporting.

Maintain high standards of drawing presentation, technical accuracy and file organisation.

Represent Project London professionally with clients, consultants and contractors.

Requirements

Degree in Architecture or equivalent professional qualification.

Minimum 8 to 10 years’ professional experience, ideally with at least some UAE or GCC project experience.

Strong experience in high end residential architecture.

Excellent technical detailing and construction knowledge.

Confident working across concept design, technical design, tender and construction stages.

Good understanding of Dubai authority, developer and community approval processes.

Strong AutoCAD skills are essential.

Confident on site and comfortable challenging contractors when required.

Strong coordination skills across architecture, interiors, MEP, structure and specialist suppliers.

Excellent written and spoken English.

Highly organised, proactive and commercially aware.

Able to manage multiple workstreams without losing sight of detail.

A calm, professional manner with clients and project teams.

The Person

We are looking for someone who takes pride in doing things properly. Someone who can bring design sensitivity, technical rigour and a steady hand to fast moving projects.

You should be comfortable working in a growing studio environment, where everyone contributes and where standards matter. This is not a role for someone who wants to hide behind drawings. We need someone who can think, communicate, coordinate and take responsibility.

You will suit the role if you are:

Practical as well as creative.

Detail focused without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Comfortable with clients, consultants and contractors.

Able to bring calm and clarity to complex situations.

Interested in raising standards in the Dubai residential market.

Why Join Project London

This is an exciting opportunity to join Project London UAE at an early stage of its growth, while being backed by an established London studio with a strong reputation in high end residential architecture, interiors and project delivery.

You will work closely with the Director in Dubai and have real involvement in the development of the studio, the way projects are delivered, and the standards we set as we grow. This is not a role where you will disappear into a large corporate structure. You will be close to the decision making, close to the clients and close to the work itself.

We are building something carefully in Dubai, not chasing volume for the sake of it. The aim is to deliver exceptional private residential projects with the same rigour, attention to detail and client care our London clients expect.

For the right person, this is a chance to help shape a growing studio, contribute meaningfully from day one and be part of a business with genuine ambition in the UAE market.

Package

Competitive salary, dependent on experience.

Full time role based in Dubai.

Immediate or early start preferred.

How to Apply

Please send your CV, portfolio and answers to the questions below to:

sm@projectlondon.co.uk

Subject line

Senior Architect Application, Dubai

We would particularly like to see examples of residential projects where you have been involved in technical design, coordination and site delivery, not just concept imagery.

Application Questions

Please answer the following four questions when applying.  Anyone who does not answer all four questions will not be considered.

1. Please summarise your relevant experience and explain why you believe you would be a strong fit for this Senior Architect role at Project London UAE. Please include the types of projects you have worked on, your level of responsibility and what you would bring to the team.
2. Please describe one completed residential project where you were responsible for taking the design from concept through to technical detailing, tender or site delivery. What was your role, what were the main challenges and what did you personally resolve?
3. In Dubai, residential projects often involve tight coordination between architecture, interiors, MEP, structure, authority approvals, contractors and suppliers. Please give an example of where you identified a coordination issue before it became a site problem. How did you handle it?
4. Please attach or link to one drawing package, detail sheet or technical example that best represents your own work. Briefly explain what you personally produced and why it demonstrates your suitability for this role.