We are looking for an Associate Architect for an opportunity in Dubai who leads with concept, manages design delivery and has a strong commercial understanding of projects/development. You will work across hospitality, high-rise, residential, mixed-use and masterplanning projects, locally in the UAE and internationally.
Responsibilities
Concept and design leadership
- Develop strong, original design concepts
- Guide the design vision as projects progress, keeping the concept intact through each stage
- Contribute to masterplanning, including land use, density, massing, urban framework and phasing to individual buildings, massing models and facade
Design management and development
- Lead and coordinate design teams through concept, schematic, design development and tender stages.
- Manage consultant coordination (structure, MEP, façade, landscape, interiors, specialist advisors) and resolve design clashes early.
- Design review and manage drawings, models and reports for quality, buildability and consistency with the approved concept.
Commercial and cost awareness
- Test design decisions against budget, efficiency (GFA, NSA, gross-to-net) and programme from the earliest stage.
- Work with cost consultants on cost plans and value engineering, and make sure design changes are weighed for cost and time.
- Help prepare fee proposals, resourcing plans and project programmes, and track scope and variations.
Client and project engagement
- Act as a day-to-day contact for clients, operators, developers and consultants.
- Support business development through bids, pitches and competition entries.
- Work with international teams and partners on projects outside the UAE.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture
- Professional registration or chartership is preferred (RIBA, ARB or equivalent); eligibility for UAE registration is helpful.
Experience
- 10 years+ of post-qualification experience, with a substantial part in the UAE or GCC.
- A proven record on hospitality, residential and mixed-use projects, with exposure to masterplanning.
- Experience across multiple stages, from concept through design development, with a clear understanding of how the later stages affect the concept.
- Experience leading design teams and coordinating external consultants.
- Working knowledge of UAE authority approvals and local codes (Dubai Building Code, Civil Defence / fire and life safety, Dubai Municipality guidelines).
- International project experience is a strong plus.
Skills and attributes
- Strong conceptual and graphic ability, supported by a portfolio that shows both ideas and delivery.
- Commercial awareness: confident discussing efficiencies, areas, costs, value engineering and programme with clients and cost consultants.
- Clear communicator, comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders and writing concise reports.
- Organised, proactive and able to manage several projects at once.
- Collaborative leader who can motivate and develop a multicultural team.
Software
- Revit and AutoCAD; Rhino / Grasshopper is a plus.
- SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), and Enscape / Twinmotion or similar visualisation tools.
- Microsoft Office; BIM coordination tools such as Navisworks are an advantage.
Advantageous
- Experience with AI in architecture is a clear advantage. This could include:
- Using generative AI tools for concept exploration, image development and design iteration.
- Computational or parametric design workflows (Grasshopper, Python or similar) and data-driven options analysis for massing and yield studies.
- Applying AI to design management, such as automating repetitive documentation, summarising consultant comments or checking design briefs.
- Helping shape how AI tools are adopted across the studio, including standards, quality control and responsible use.