Lead Architect

NCO; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

NCO is seeking a highly experienced Architect with 15+ years in design within engineering consultancy to lead design direction from concept to IFC in Abu Dhabi. You will coordinate multidisciplinary teams, ensure client and authority requirements, and deliver buildable, compliant drawings on schedule.

The role requires strong communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to manage expectations with clients, consultants and contractors throughout design stages from concept

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in architectural design, preferably within an engineering consultancy.
• Proficiency in architectural design from concept to IFC.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and building codes.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary design team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design direction from concept to completion.
• Ensure the design meets client requirements, authority regulations, budget, and project objectives.
• Review and guide architectural layouts, elevations, sections, details, materials, and finishes.
• Manage architects, draftsmen, BIM modelers, and junior designers.
• Distribute tasks and monitor daily progress.
• Review team output before submission to the Project Manager or client.
• Coordinate with structural, MEP, infrastructure, landscape, and interior design teams.
• Ensure drawings comply with ADM/DMT, Civil Defense, Estidama, accessibility, fire safety, and other authority requirements.
• Support authority submissions and respond to comments.

Skills

Architectural design

Team leadership

Client & stakeholder communication

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Regulatory compliance

Tools

BIM

Autodesk Revit

Job description

Bridges creative concept and final delivery by leading the design team, coordinating multi-disciplinary engineering, and ensuring strict compliance with Abu Dhabi authorities to deliver high-quality, buildable projects on schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design direction from concept to completion.
• Ensure the design meets client requirements, authority regulations, budget, and project objectives.
• Review and guide architectural layouts, elevations, sections, details, materials, and finishes.
• Manage architects, draftsmen, BIM modelers, and junior designers.
• Distribute tasks and monitor daily progress.
• Review team output before submission to the Project Manager or client.
• Coordinate with structural, MEP, infrastructure, landscape, and interior design teams.
• Ensure architectural drawings are aligned with all engineering disciplines.
• Resolve design clashes and coordination issues.
• Ensure drawings comply with ADM/DMT, Civil Defense, Estidama, accessibility, fire safety, and other authority requirements.
• Support authority submissions and respond to comments.
• Coordinate with the authority/NOC team when required.
• Review architectural drawings, specifications, schedules, and details.
• Ensure drawings are complete, coordinated, buildable, and technically correct.
• Check compliance with project standards and company quality procedures.
• Client and Consultant Coordination
• Attend design meetings with clients, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Present design options and technical solutions.
• Record and follow up on architectural action items.
• Prepare and manage architectural deliverables according to the project schedule.
• Support concept design, schematic design, detailed design, tender, and construction stages.
• Ensure submissions are issued on time and in the required format.
• Conduct internal reviews before submissions.
• Ensure consistency between drawings, specifications, schedules, and BOQ.
• Maintain company standards for drawing quality and documentation.
• Report design progress, risks, delays, and coordination issues to the Project Manager or Technical Director.
• Highlight required decisions, missing information, or scope changes.
• Support project planning and resource allocation.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in architectural design, preferably within an engineering consultancy
• Proficiency in architectural design from concept to IFC.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and building codes.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary team.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.