Senior Architect

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Architect to lead high-end competitive projects. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in delivering innovative, luxury architectural designs from concept to handover, with a strong emphasis on compliance with local regulations, sustainability, and advanced digital tools. This role requires leadership in technical and project management aspects, ensuring projects meet high standards of quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction.

Required Skills

• Expertise in all design phases: Concept Design, Schematic Design, Detailed Design, and Construction Documents.
• Lead technical matters and project management, providing innovative design solutions and guiding projects from inception through to handover.
• Specification writing with up-to-date knowledge of materials, their applications, and sustainable options.
• Active participation in the production of drawings at all stages, including leading and supervising team members during design presentations.
• Proficiency in core architectural software: Revit (advanced level), AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, and BIM tools (including BIM360 and Navisworks for coordination).
• Knowledge of rendering and visualization tools such as Lumion, Enscape, or Twinmotion for high-quality presentations.
• Familiarity with parametric design tools like Grasshopper for complex, high-end projects.
• Understanding of emerging technologies, including VR/AR for client presentations and AI-assisted design tools (e.g., Midjourney for conceptual ideation).

General Expectations

• In-depth knowledge of updated Dubai Authority regulations (e.g., Dubai Municipality, Dubai Civil Defense, DEWA, Trakhees), relevant international standards (e.g., IBC, NFPA), and local codes, including Dubai Green Building Regulations and sustainability certifications like LEED or Estidama.
• Evaluation of project scope of works and assistance in preparing proposals, including fee structures and resource planning.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to determine design needs and requirements, ensuring integrated solutions.
• Preparing and presenting design proposals to clients, incorporating feedback and iterations.
• Supervision of the design team, including reviews, corrections, and providing guidelines for best practices.
• Allocation, distribution, and follow-up of tasks within the team, with quality checks on produced works.
• Ensuring deliverables are produced within scope, budget, and time constraints committed to the project.
• Contribution to the company's Lessons Learnt Database to foster continuous improvement.
• Preparation and maintenance of project documents, such as correspondence, minutes of meetings, and notes.
• Liaison with local authorities, attending technical meetings, and securing necessary approvals.
• Coordination with other disciplines (e.g., MEP, structural) and external stakeholders (suppliers, sub-consultants).
• Close collaboration with clients and external parties to ensure timely delivery according to plan.
• Support BIM activities by contributing to the development and implementation of the digital roadmap.
• Develop and enforce BIM documentation, workflow process standards, and automate routines to enhance quality and productivity.
• Travel to sites for physical inspections, surveys, and oversight during construction phases.

Skills Expected

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in architectural design of high-end buildings, towers, and luxury developments (residential, commercial, hospitality).
• Proficient in ETABS, SAFE, PROKON, STAAD PRO, BIM360, and REVIT software.
• Profound expertise in architectural design principles, with a strong portfolio showcasing innovative, sustainable projects in competitive markets.
• Registered Architect with Dubai Municipality or equivalent professional body; preferably eligible for or holding approval for unlimited height projects.
• Strong understanding of Dubai building codes, construction processes, and luxury material specifications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with diverse project teams, clients, and stakeholders.
• Experience in UAE-based projects, with at least 5 years in Dubai or similar high-end markets.
• Commitment to sustainability, including integration of green technologies and energy-efficient designs.

Performance Monitoring

Your performance will be evaluated primarily based on the following criteria:

• Quality of leadership and team motivation.
• Quality of design output and innovation.
• Competence in performing professional duties, including technical accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to deliver and close out projects effectively within deadlines.
• Proactive approach in identifying potential issues and providing solutions.
• Interface quality with technical, technology, and external teams.

Interview Questionnaire

Technical Expertise

1. Describe your experience with all design phases (Concept Design, Schematic Design, Detailed Design, and Construction Documents). Provide a specific example of a high-end project you led through these phases.

1. Which core architectural software are you proficient in? (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, BIM360, Navisworks) Rate your proficiency in Revit (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced).
2. Have you used parametric design tools like Grasshopper for complex projects? If yes, provide an example of a project where you applied it.
3. What rendering and visualization tools (e.g., Lumion, Enscape, Twinmotion) have you used for client presentations? Share an example of a high-quality presentation you created.
4. Are you familiar with emerging technologies like VR/AR or AI-assisted design tools (e.g., Midjourney)? If so, describe how youve incorporated them into your workflow.
5. List the structural analysis software you are proficient in (e.g., ETABS, SAFE, PROKON, STAAD PRO). Provide an example of a project where you used one of these tools.

Project Management and Leadership

1. Describe your experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating with external stakeholders (e.g., MEP, structural teams, suppliers, sub-consultants). Provide an example of a challenging coordination issue and how you resolved it.

1. How do you ensure deliverables are produced within scope, budget, and time constraints? Share a specific example of a project where you successfully managed these constraints.
2. Provide an example of a time when you supervised a design team, including task allocation, quality checks, and addressing team feedback.
3. How do you approach preparing and presenting design proposals to clients? Describe a situation where you incorporated client feedback into iterations.

Regulatory and Sustainability Knowledge

1. What is your experience with Dubai Authority regulations (e.g., Dubai Municipality, Dubai Civil Defense, DEWA, Trakhees) and international standards (e.g., IBC, NFPA, LEED, Estidama)? Provide an example of a project where you ensured compliance.

1. How do you integrate sustainability and green technologies into your designs? Share an example of a sustainable project you worked on.
2. Describe your experience liaising with local authorities and securing approvals. Provide an example of a technical meeting you attended and its outcome.

UAE and High-End Project Experience

1. How many years have you worked on UAE-based projects, specifically in Dubai or similar high-end markets? List key projects and their scope (e.g., residential, commercial, hospitality).

1. Showcase a project from your portfolio that demonstrates innovative and sustainable design in a competitive market. What made it stand out?

Additional Contributions

1. Have you contributed to a Lessons Learnt Database or similar initiative for continuous improvement? If yes, describe your contribution.
2. How have you supported BIM activities or developed digital workflows to enhance productivity? Provide an example of a BIM-related improvement you implemented.

Scenario-Based Question

1. You are leading a luxury high-rise project in Dubai, and the client requests a last-minute design change that impacts the project timeline and budget. How would you handle this situation while ensuring compliance with Dubai Green Building Regulations and maintaining team morale?