Senior Design Architect

Overview

Design Leadership & Concept Development

• Lead the development of architectural concepts and design strategies across a range of developments and asset classes.
• Translate project objectives and development strategies into innovative and commercially viable design solutions.
• Develop and communicate strong design narratives, vision statements, and placemaking strategies.
• Produce and oversee concept studies, massing exercises, test fits, design diagrams, and presentation materials.
• Ensure consistency of design intent across all project stages.

Consultant Management & Design Oversight

• Manage and guide external architects, master planners, and specialist consultants throughout the design process.
• Critically review design proposals and provide clear direction to enhance quality and project outcomes.
• Ensure consultant deliverables align with approved briefs, development objectives, and design standards.
• Review concept, schematic, and detailed design submissions and provide recommendations to senior management.

Design Coordination

• Collaborate with development, project management, infrastructure, and commercial teams to ensure integrated project solutions.
• Ensure architectural concepts respond effectively to planning, technical, operational, and commercial requirements.
• Support the development of design briefs, RFPs, and consultant scopes of work.
• Participate in design workshops, review meetings, and stakeholder presentations.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Present design concepts, strategies, and recommendations to senior leadership and project stakeholders.
• Clearly communicate design intent to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, consultants, and external stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes.

Design Excellence & Innovation

• Champion design quality, innovation, and best practice across the project portfolio.
• Maintain awareness of international design trends, emerging technologies, and benchmark projects.
• Promote sustainable design principles and high-quality user experiences.
• Support continuous improvement of design processes, standards, and methodologies.

Team Development

• Mentor junior architects and designers within the team.
• Share knowledge, design expertise, and industry best practices.
• Contribute to the growth of design capability across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture.
• Professional registration with a recognised architectural body is advantageous.

Experience

• 12-15 years of professional experience in architecture and design.
• Proven experience delivering high-quality residential, hospitality, mixed-use, or destination developments.
• Strong background in concept design, visioning, and early-stage project development.
• Experience working within a developer, master developer, leading architectural practice, or design consultancy environment.
• GCC experience is preferred, with UAE experience highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong design authorship and concept development capabilities.
• Excellent architectural design, spatial planning, and placemaking skills.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into compelling architectural solutions.
• Strong visual communication skills including sketching, diagrams, and design storytelling.
• Experience managing consultants and reviewing complex design submissions.
• Excellent presentation and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong understanding of development-driven design and commercial considerations.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, SketchUp, Revit, and other relevant design tools.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills; Arabic would be advantageous.
• Why Join?
• This is an opportunity to join one of Abu Dhabi's leading real estate developers and contribute to the creation of landmark residential, hospitality, and mixed-use destinations.
• The role offers significant exposure to major developments, senior decision-makers, and the chance to influence the architectural identity of projects from inception.