Job Summary

A Senior Architect is responsible for leading architectural design review, technical coordination, and construction support throughout the entire project lifecycle, from tender and estimation through project completion and handover.

The role serves as the primary architectural authority, ensuring that design intent is maintained, construction activities comply with approved drawings and specifications, and projects meet client expectations, UAE authority requirements, and commercial objectives.

Typically reports to the Technical Manager, Design Manager, or Project Director.

Job Description

The Senior Architect manages architectural coordination during tendering, design development, authority approvals, construction execution, and project close-out. The role works closely with estimation teams, consultants, site engineers, subcontractors, and clients to ensure technical excellence and project success.

This role requires extensive experience in architectural design, UAE construction practices, authority regulations, multidisciplinary coordination, and value engineering.

Core Responsibilities

1. Tendering & Estimation Support

• Review client briefs, RFPs, ITTs, and tender documents.
• Prepare and review architectural drawings and design deliverables.
• Coordinate with estimation teams for BOQ preparation and cost planning.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, assumptions, and project risks.
• Develop value engineering proposals to improve project competitiveness.

2. Architectural Design Coordination

• Review and coordinate architectural designs throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure design compliance with project specifications and employer requirements.
• Coordinate with structural and MEP disciplines.
• Resolve design conflicts and technical issues.
• Support development of practical construction solutions.

3. Shop Drawing & Material Submittal Review

• Review and approve architectural shop drawings.
• Review material submittals and sample boards.
• Ensure compliance with approved specifications and design intent.
• Review Requests for Information (RFIs) and provide technical responses.
• Coordinate with consultants for approvals.

4. Site Supervision & Construction Support

• Conduct regular site inspections.
• Verify that works comply with approved drawings and specifications.
• Monitor architectural workmanship and finishing quality.
• Coordinate with site teams to resolve construction issues.
• Support project teams during inspections and handover activities.

5. Authority Approvals & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage authority approvals and permit submissions.
• Coordinate with ADM, DM, and other regulatory authorities.
• Ensure designs comply with UAE building codes and municipality regulations.
• Obtain required NOCs and statutory approvals.
• Monitor changes in local regulations affecting project execution.

6. Quality Control & Technical Compliance

• Ensure architectural works comply with quality standards.
• Support QA/QC activities related to architectural finishes.
• Review mock-ups and sample installations.
• Monitor defect rectification and snagging activities.
• Ensure successful project handover with minimum defects.

7. Coordination & Communication

• Act as the primary architectural point of contact.
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Attend technical and progress meetings.
• Support commercial and project management teams.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior architects.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of architectural design principles
• Extensive understanding of UAE building regulations and authority procedures
• Ability to interpret and review architectural drawings and specifications
• Strong multidisciplinary coordination skills
• Experience in value engineering and cost-conscious design
• Familiarity with construction methods and site practices
• Strong problem-solving and technical decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Leadership and team coordination capabilities
• High attention to detail and quality standards

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture.
• Master's Degree is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of architectural experience.
• Minimum 3 years in a UAE contracting environment.
• Experience in buildings, industrial, or government projects.

Technical Skills

• AutoCAD
• Revit
• MS Office
• BIM experience is an advantage

Professional Knowledge

• UAE Municipality Regulations
• ADM / DM approval processes
• Building codes and authority requirements
• Construction documentation and shop drawing review

Preferred Certifications

• Society of Engineers (UAE) Membership
• PMP Certification (advantage)
• LEED AP or similar sustainability certifications (advantage)
• BIM Professional Certification (advantage)

Reporting Structure Example

Project Director / Technical Manager

→ Senior Architect

→ Architect

→ Architectural Draughtsman / BIM Coordinator

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely completion of architectural deliverables
• Shop drawing approval success rate
• Design coordination issue resolution time
• Number of architectural NCRs
• Value engineering savings achieved
• Authority approval turnaround time
• Consultant and client satisfaction level
• Defect and rework percentage
• RFI response time
• Successful project handover with minimal snag items

Recommended Candidate Profile

1. Government Architecture Universities.
2. Previous UAE/GCC contracting experience.
3. Experience with Design & Build projects.
4. Previous employment with international or major regional contractors.
5. Strong background in buildings, industrial, and government developments.
6. Experience managing projects from tender stage through construction completion.