LEAD ARCHITECT

Duncan & Ross; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Duncan & Ross is seeking a Lead Architect in Abu Dhabi. The successful candidate will lead architectural design and engineering for oil and gas projects, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. You'll coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, develop architectural solutions, and mentor junior staff.

Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree in architecture and have a minimum of 12-15 years of relevant experience. Immediate availability is preferred. This role requires strong knowledge of building codes and excellent leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12-15 years of experience in architectural design and engineering.
• Extensive expertise in FEED and Detailed Engineering for oil and gas projects.
• Proven track record on large-scale EPC projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural engineering and design activities for various projects.
• Develop and approve architectural design deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with local authority regulations and codes.

Skills

Architectural design

Project management

Team coordination

Knowledge of building codes

BIM platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Navisworks

Job description

Lead Architect

The Lead Architect will be responsible for leading architectural design and engineering activities during the Engineering phase, including FEED and Detailed Engineering, for oil and gas, industrial, and infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will ensure the delivery of functional, safe, sustainable, and code-compliant architectural solutions while coordinating with multidisciplinary teams throughout the project lifecycle.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead architectural engineering and design activities during the FEED and Detailed Engineering phases of oil and gas, industrial, and infrastructure projects.
• Develop, review, and approve architectural design deliverables, including general arrangement drawings, floor plans, elevations, sections, architectural specifications, and material schedules.
• Ensure compliance with project requirements, client standards, local authority regulations, international building codes, and industry best practices.
• Coordinate architectural design interfaces with civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and process engineering disciplines.
• Lead the design and development of control buildings, substations, administration buildings, warehouses, shelters, and other industrial facilities.
• Review and evaluate architectural layouts to ensure functionality, accessibility, safety, maintainability, and operational efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance on building materials, finishes, fire-rated assemblies, insulation systems, and sustainable design solutions.
• Participate in design reviews, interdisciplinary coordination meetings, value engineering workshops, and client discussions.
• Support procurement activities through technical bid evaluations, material reviews, and vendor document assessments.
• Ensure all architectural deliverables are completed within project schedules, budgets, and quality requirements.
• Provide construction support, respond to site queries, review contractor submissions, and resolve architectural design issues during project execution.
• Mentor and guide junior architects and designers, ensuring adherence to project standards and engineering best practices.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture from a recognized university.
• Minimum of 12-15 years of experience in architectural design and engineering, with extensive expertise in FEED and Detailed Engineering for oil and gas, petrochemical, industrial, or infrastructure projects.
• Strong experience in the design of industrial buildings, control rooms, substations, administration buildings, and utility facilities.
• Thorough knowledge of international building codes, fire and life safety requirements, accessibility standards, and industry regulations.
• Proficiency in architectural design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, and BIM platforms.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering architectural engineering solutions on large-scale EPC projects.
• Strong coordination, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with major operators and EPC contractors in the Middle East is preferred.
• Immediate availability is required.