Lead Architect

Atkins Realis Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Atkins Realis Group in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Lead Architect to lead architectural design coordination and provide on-site supervision for large-scale building projects. You will ensure the architectural intent is maintained, manage multidisciplinary coordination, review shop drawings, submittals, RFIs, and mock-ups, and oversee site execution in line with project specs and local regulations.

The role requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Architecture, 15+ years of experience in

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master in Architecture. Professional registration/accreditation preferred.
• Minimum 15+ years of experience in architecture, with supervision/PMC/consultancy exposure.
• 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 with international engineering consultancy firms.
• Previous Abu Dhabi experience and familiarity with DMT, ADM, and UAE authority requirements.
• Site supervision on projects valued above USD 100M.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing contractor performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design review and technical coordination throughout project lifecycle.
• Supervise architectural works on-site and ensure compliance with drawings, specs, and contract requirements.
• Review and approve shop drawings, 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 schedules.
• Ensure compliance with UAE regulations and health and safety requirements.
• Lead QA/QC activities and manage snagging, de-snagging, and handover processes.
• Mentor junior architects and supervision staff.
• Participate in design changes, value engineering, and technical problem solving.

Skills

Leadership

Technical coordination

Site supervision

Design review

QA/QC

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's/Master's Degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

BIM platforms

MS Office

Job description

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 amp 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters 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.