Associate - Architecture - Building Design - AECOM - Dubai, UAE

AECOM Middle East Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 245,520 - 357,120; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Disability insurance

Long-term career progression

Leadership development

Job summary

AECOM Middle East Ltd is seeking an Associate - Architecture based in Dubai to lead architectural teams and deliver complex projects. The role requires strong design leadership, coordination of multidisciplinary teams, and oversight of project execution from concept to delivery.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture and at least nine years of experience. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are provided with opportunities for career progression within a global consultancy.

Qualifications

• Minimum nine years of post-undergraduate professional experience.
• Proven experience leading architectural teams on complex building projects.
• RIBA Part 2, AIA, or equivalent professional accreditation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate internal architectural teams and external specialist consultants.
• Set clear design direction including aesthetics and materials.
• Oversee project execution to ensure alignment with the design brief.

Skills

Architectural design standards

Multidisciplinary coordination

Leadership

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture

Job description

Position Overview

The Associate - Architecture role at AECOM Dubai is a senior design leadership position responsible for directing architectural teams and delivering complex building projects from concept through delivery. Reporting under the guidance of an Associate Director, this role combines design leadership, technical excellence, multidisciplinary coordination, and client engagement to achieve high-quality, compliant, and commercially successful outcomes.

Job Details

Country: UAE | City: Dubai | Industry: Architecture & Planning | Function: Architect | Salary: 22000-32000 monthly (Market estimated) | Gender: Any | Candidate Nationality: Any | Job Type: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate internal architectural teams and external specialist consultants to ensure cohesive project delivery
• Set clear design direction including aesthetics, materials, and technical solutions to resolve interdisciplinary interfaces
• Oversee project execution to ensure alignment with the design brief, company standards, industry guidelines, codes, and client expectations
• Provide strong design leadership during early project phases and maintain oversight through all subsequent stages
• Conduct technical quality reviews of architectural deliverables and ensure compliance with quality, health and safety, and corporate standards
• Manage coordination of sub-consultants, global delivery centers, and external partners
• Monitor and manage resources, discipline budgets, fee expenditure, and change management across project stages
• Contribute to cost planning, value engineering, and strategic decision-making to enhance project outcomes
• Foster a collaborative, creative, and high-performing team environment, promoting interdisciplinary teamwork
• Apply advanced technical expertise to manage complex projects, ensuring design integrity, budget control, and milestone achievement
• Work independently to prioritise tasks and resolve complex technical and coordination challenges
• Mentor junior staff, lead production of high-quality deliverables, and maintain strong client relationships
• Support continuous improvement, innovation, and adherence to best practices, standards, and codes
• Demonstrate leadership in communication, technical judgement, and execution aligned with project and organisational goals

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Architecture or equivalent qualification
• Minimum nine years of post-undergraduate professional experience
• RIBA Part 2, AIA, or equivalent professional accreditation preferred
• Proven experience leading architectural teams on complex building projects
• Strong knowledge of architectural design standards, building codes, and multidisciplinary coordination
• Experience managing resources, fees, and project budgets
• Excellent communication, leadership, and client-facing skills
• Detail-oriented with a proactive, solution-driven mindset

Why Join Us

• Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits including disability insurance
• Opportunity to lead landmark building projects in Dubai and across the region
• Exposure to international design standards and global project delivery networks
• Collaborative, inclusive workplace with strong focus on leadership development
• Long-term career progression within a global consultancy

About the Company

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm delivering professional services across architecture, engineering, planning, and program management. Based in Dubai, AECOM combines global expertise with regional insight to deliver innovative, sustainable, and resilient building solutions across the Middle East.