Associate / Associate Director – Technical Architect

WSP in the Middle East; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the Middle East seeks an Associate / Associate Director – Technical Architect to lead technical delivery of major multidisciplinary projects in the UAE and wider Middle East. You will provide technical leadership through all design stages, ensure regulatory compliance, coordinate with structural, MEP, landscape and other disciplines, and mentor project teams.

This role requires a veteran professional with 15+ years of experience, strong communication, stakeholder management, and a proven

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture.
• 15+ years of experience with Middle East exposure.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale projects (mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, residential, etc).
• Strong technical expertise in detailing, building systems, and construction methods.
• In-depth understanding of UAE approvals and building regulations.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design coordination.
• Strong knowledge of international design and construction standards.
• Excellent stakeholder management and client-facing skills.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical architectural design and delivery of major projects from concept through construction.
• Provide expert guidance on building systems, detailing, coordination, and technical compliance.
• Review and approve architectural deliverables to ensure alignment with requirements and standards.
• Coordinate closely with structural, MEP, landscape, and specialist disciplines for integrated design.
• Lead technical reviews, design audits, and quality assurance processes.
• Ensure compliance with UAE regulations, international codes, and client standards.
• Mentor architects and project teams with strong leadership.
• Support project directors in managing programme, risk, resources, and performance.
• Interface with clients, authorities, contractors, and stakeholders throughout delivery.
• Contribute to proposals, business development, and strategic client engagements.
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and digital design methodologies across projects.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Design coordination

Technical excellence

Client facing

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in architecture

Tools

BIM

Digital design platforms

Job description

Job Description

WSP in the Middle East are seeking a highly accomplished Associate / Associate Director – Technical Architect to join our team in UAE and lead the technical delivery of major multidisciplinary projects across the UAE and wider Middle East region.

The Associate / Associate Director – Technical Architect will provide technical leadership across all stages of design and project delivery, ensuring architectural excellence, compliance, constructability, and quality. The role requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience delivering large-scale, complex developments in the Middle East and a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and engage with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical architectural design and delivery of major projects from concept through construction.
• Provide expert guidance on building systems, materials, detailing, coordination, and technical compliance.
• Review and approve architectural deliverables to ensure alignment with project requirements, quality standards, and local regulations.
• Coordinate closely with structural, MEP, landscape, and specialist disciplines to ensure integrated design solutions.
• Lead technical reviews, design audits, and quality assurance processes.
• Ensure compliance with UAE building regulations, international codes, and client standards.
• Provide technical mentoring and leadership to architects and project teams.
• Support project directors and design leads in managing programme, risk, resources, and technical performance.
• Interface with clients, authorities, contractors, and key stakeholders throughout project delivery.
• Contribute to business development activities, proposals, and strategic client engagements where required.
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and digital design methodologies across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in architecture.
• Minimum 15 years' professional experience, with significant exposure to the Middle East market.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, residential, aviation, cultural, healthcare, or public sector projects.
• Strong technical expertise in architectural detailing, specifications, building systems, and construction methodologies.
• In-depth understanding of UAE authority approvals and building regulations.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary design coordination.
• Strong knowledge of international design and construction standards.
• Excellent stakeholder management and client-facing skills.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities.

Preferred

• Chartered Architect, RIBA, AIA, ARB, or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Experience working within leading international consultancy environments.
• Knowledge of BIM delivery processes and digital design platforms.
• Experience leading teams within complex, fast-paced project environments.

What You’ll Bring

• Strategic technical leadership.
• Strong commercial and project delivery awareness.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• A collaborative approach with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Commitment to quality, innovation, and design excellence.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can.