Lead Architect

AtkinsRéalis; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free salary

Life insurance

Medical insurance

Annual leave balance

Company gratuity scheme

Discretionary bonus program

Annual flight contribution

Transportation & housing allowances

Employee wellbeing program

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis in Abu Dhabi seeks a Lead Architect to coordinate design across disciplines and supervise construction to preserve architectural intent. You will review submissions, issue site inspections, and ensure on-site work aligns with drawings, specifications, and contract requirements.

The role requires 15+ years in architecture with strong UAE regulatory knowledge, familiar with large-scale mixed-use, commercial, hospitality or infrastructure projects, and international consultancy

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Architecture.
• 15+ years in architecture with construction supervision/PMC/consultancy experience.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit and BIM platforms; strong MS Office skills.
• Experience with large-scale projects and UAE regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design review and technical coordination across the project lifecycle.
• Supervise on-site architectural works and ensure compliance with drawings and specs.
• Review and approve shop drawings, submittals, RFIs, method statements and mock-ups.
• Conduct regular site inspections and prepare observation reports.
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, contractors, and authorities to resolve issues.
• Monitor progress to meet project schedules and ensure QA/QC.
• Mentor junior architects and site supervision staff.
• Lead design changes, value engineering, and technical problem solving during construction.

Skills

Architectural design

Construction supervision

Coordination

Shop drawings review

QA/QC oversight

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

BIM platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Lead Architect to lead architectural design coordination and provide site supervision services for large-scale building projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the architectural intent is maintained throughout construction, managing multidisciplinary coordination, reviewing contractor submissions, and overseeing site execution in compliance with project specifications, local regulations, and quality standards.

Your role

• Lead architectural design review and technical coordination throughout project lifecycle.

• Supervise architectural works on-site and ensure compliance with approved drawings, specifications, and contract requirements.

• Review and approve shop drawings, material submittals, RFIs, method statements, and mock-ups.

• Conduct regular site inspections and prepare site observation reports.

• Coordinate with clients, consultants, contractors, and authorities to resolve technical issues.

• Monitor construction progress and ensure adherence to project schedules.

• Ensure compliance with UAE building codes, authority regulations, and health & safety requirements.

• Lead architectural QA/QC activities and manage snagging, de-snagging, and handover processes.

• Mentor junior architects and site supervision staff.

• Participate in design changes, value engineering, and technical problem solving during construction.

About you

• Bachelor'S or Master's Degree in Architecture.

• Professional registration/accreditation preferred.

• Minimum 15+ years of experience in architecture, with significant experience in construction supervision/PMC/consultancy projects.

• Experience in large-scale mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, residential, aviation, healthcare, or infrastructure projects.

• Strong knowledge of architectural detailing, building materials, construction methodologies, and UAE regulations.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, BIM platforms, and Microsoft Office.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience working with international engineering consultancy firms.

• Previous experience in Abu Dhabi and familiarity with DMT, ADM, and UAE authority requirements.

• Site supervision experience on projects valued above USD 100M.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing contractor performance.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career.

This includes:

• Tax-free salary.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Medical insurance.

• Annual leave balance.

• Company gratuity scheme.

• Discretionary bonus program.

• Annual flight contribution.

• Transportation & housing allowances.

• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.

Seize every opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your expertise, and be recognized for the impact you make.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's'infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.