Architectural Design Lead

Menasa & Partners FZ-LLC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 540,000 - 780,000; Full time

Job summary

Menasa & Partners FZ-LLC seeks an Architectural Design Lead to shape the direction of flagship projects in Abu Dhabi. You will guide concept through delivery, balancing bold design with technical feasibility and client goals. You will mentor junior designers and elevate design standards across the practice.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, drive design reviews, and contribute to proposals and tenders, while maintaining strong client partnerships and industry best practices.

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture (or equivalent)
• Around 15+ years of strong architectural design experience
• Proven track record leading complex projects and managing design delivery
• Excellent design flair, technical depth and creative problem-solving ability
• Experience thriving in multidisciplinary consultancy environments
• Outstanding client and stakeholder relationship skills
• Ability to communicate ideas with clarity, energy and influence
• Confidence with industry-standard design software and BIM tools
• Experience leading and developing people to achieve shared goals

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of sophisticated architectural projects from concept to delivery
• Set and champion a clear design vision that inspires teams
• Build partnerships with clients and stakeholders to uncover needs
• Lead design reviews, feasibility studies and validation processes
• Provide expert guidance on design, construction methods, regulations and best practice
• Collaborate with BIM, engineering and technical specialists
• Support winning new work through compelling technical input
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering knowledge sharing

Skills

Leadership

Design vision

Stakeholder management

People development

Education

Architecture degree

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

BIM

Job description

Job title: Architectural Design Lead

Location: Abu Dhabi

Are you ready to shape the future of the built environment?

We are searching for a talented and visionary Lead Designer to take the creative and technical lead on ambitious, high-profile projects across a wide range of sectors. This is a rare chance to influence the design direction of major developments, work alongside passionate multidisciplinary teams, and deliver solutions that are not only innovative and commercially smart, but that leave a lasting positive impact on communities.

You will be recognised as a creative and technical leader — guiding teams through every stage of the design journey while carefully balancing bold ideas, technical excellence, commercial realities and client aspirations. Equally important, you will play a key role in mentoring emerging designers and elevating design standards across the business.

In this role you will:

• Take ownership of sophisticated architectural projects from first concept right through to delivery
• Set and champion a clear design vision that inspires teams and exceeds expectations
• Build strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders to uncover needs and unlock exceptional outcomes
• Lead design reviews, feasibility studies and validation processes with confidence and clarity
• Provide expert guidance on design, construction methods, regulations and industry best practice
• Collaborate seamlessly with BIM, engineering and technical specialists
• Help win exciting new work through compelling technical input into proposals, tenders and presentations
• Mentor and develop talented team members, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and continuous growth
• Bring fresh technologies and progressive thinking into projects to raise the bar on quality and innovation

What we’re looking for

• A degree in Architecture (or equivalent)
• Around 15+ years of strong architectural design experience
• A proven track record of leading complex projects and managing design delivery
• Excellent design flair, technical depth and creative problem-solving ability
• Experience thriving in multidisciplinary consultancy environments
• Outstanding client and stakeholder relationship skills
• The ability to communicate ideas with clarity, energy and influence
• Confidence with industry-standard design software and BIM tools
• Experience leading and developing people to achieve shared goals

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading global professional services organisation specialising in architecture, engineering, construction, and environmental services.

The successful candidate will have the chance to lead significant design initiatives, collaborate with international multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to complex projects that help shape the built environment.