Architect

Hill International, Inc.; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 380,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Hill International, Inc. is seeking an experienced Architectural Design Reviewer in Abu Dhabi to oversee design submissions from concept through tender. You will verify compliance with the project brief, coordinate across disciplines, and provide technical comments to the Project Management team.

The role requires strong knowledge of BIM, architectural codes, and excellent communication with clients and consultants in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in architectural design, design review or design management.
• Experience on large-scale mixed-use developments or major commercial projects preferred.
• Registration with a recognised architectural body (e.g. RIBA) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review architectural drawings, reports, specifications and design deliverables for completeness, accuracy and compliance.
• Assess submissions across design stages: concept, schematic, detailed and tender.
• Coordinate with structural, MEP, infrastructure and landscape disciplines to ensure design integration.
• Identify constructability issues and propose practical solutions.
• Attend technical meetings with Design Consultants, contractors and Client representatives.

Skills

Architectural design review

Coordination across disciplines

Client liaison

Multitask management

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Professional registration (RIBA or equivalent)

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

MS Office

Job description

General Description of Role and Responsibilities:

• Review architectural drawings, reports, specifications and other design deliverables submitted by the Design Consultant(s) at each stage of the design process to ensure completeness, technical accuracy and compliance with the project brief, scope of work, contractual requirements and applicable standards.
• Review and assess architectural design submissions across all design stages, including concept design, schematic design, detailed design and tender documentation.
• Ensure that architectural designs adequately address the requirements of the mixed-use development, including residential, retail, commercial, community facilities and associated public realm areas.
• Carry out constructability reviews during the design and modification stages, identifying potential design issues and recommending practical solutions.
• Review, in a timely manner, the Design Consultant(s)' submissions and provide consolidated technical comments and recommendations to the Project Management team.
• Ensure that comments raised during previous design review stages are adequately incorporated and addressed by the Design Consultant(s).
• Review architectural design proposals to ensure functionality, design quality, accessibility, sustainability, safety and compliance with the approved project requirements.
• Coordinate architectural design reviews with other disciplines, including structural, MEP, infrastructure, landscape and other specialist consultants, to ensure design integration and minimise interface issues.
• Review master plans, building layouts, elevations, sections, space planning and architectural details to ensure consistency with the overall development vision and approved design requirements.
• Review the integration of residential, retail, commercial and community facilities, ensuring appropriate circulation, accessibility, connectivity and functionality across the development.
• Attend and participate in technical meetings with the Design Consultant(s), sub-consultants, contractors and Client's representatives to discuss design progress, technical issues and outstanding comments.
• Review proposed design alternatives submitted by the Design Consultant(s), prepare technical assessments and provide recommendations to the Project Management team, highlighting the advantages, disadvantages and potential implications of each proposal.
• Review proposed architectural materials, finishes and specifications and recommend alternatives where appropriate to improve quality, durability, maintainability, safety and cost-effectiveness.
• Review design changes, change requests and variations submitted by the Design Consultant(s), assessing their technical implications and compliance with the project requirements.
• Review architectural design submissions for compliance with applicable local authority regulations, building codes, accessibility requirements and relevant international standards.
• Review Tender Documents, including architectural drawings, specifications and schedules, to ensure completeness, consistency and coordination prior to issuing to bidders.
• Participate in the prequalification and technical evaluation of construction contractors, where required.
• Review and respond to bidders' technical clarifications, participate in the preparation of tender bulletins and attend technical meetings with bidders during the tender stage.
• Monitor and report on the Design Consultant(s)' progress against the approved design programme, identifying potential delays, resource constraints and design deliverable risks.
• Identify, assess and proactively manage architectural design risks and technical issues in coordination with the Design Consultant(s) and wider Project Management team.
• Coordinate with the Project Management Document Controller and QA/QC Manager to ensure that all architectural design documents and submissions are properly controlled and recorded.
• Review and monitor the implementation of BIM processes and digital design coordination requirements, where applicable, to support effective design integration and coordination.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Client's team, Design Consultant(s), specialist consultants and other project stakeholders.
• Keep informed of and comply with Hill International's relevant Quality, Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Policies, Manuals and Procedures throughout the duration of employment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the line manager/supervisor.

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in architectural design, design review or design management.
• Previous experience working on large-scale mixed-use developments, master-planned communities, residential developments or major commercial projects is highly preferred.
• Previous experience working within a Project Management Consultancy (PMC), client-side consultancy or engineering consultancy environment is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing and coordinating architectural design submissions across concept, schematic, detailed design and tender stages.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination and the interfaces between architectural, structural, MEP, infrastructure and landscape disciplines.
• Good knowledge of applicable building regulations, authority requirements, accessibility standards and relevant international codes.
• Professional registration or membership with a recognised architectural body (e.g. RIBA) is highly preferred.
• Good understanding of BIM processes and digital design coordination tools.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Ability to manage multiple design reviews, project deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
• Strong technical review, analytical, problem-solving and reporting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal, coordination and organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with clients, design consultants, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams.