Practice Lead

Ignite Search & Selection; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architectural firm in Dubai is seeking a Regional Practice Leader to oversee its Commercial Projects portfolio. The role requires over 10 years of experience in the Middle East, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in large-scale commercial projects. The ideal candidate will inspire multidisciplinary teams and shape the future of commercial architecture in the region, with competitive compensation and opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Leadership role within a global design-focused firm

Dynamic collaborative studio culture

Competitive compensation

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in architecture within the Middle East.
• Proven track record of winning and delivering large-scale commercial projects.
• Strong design portfolio showcasing commercial sector work.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for commercial sector projects.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Oversee project design and delivery from concept through completion.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

Project design oversight

Commercial sector understanding

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Architecture

Job description

Overview

The Role We are recruiting a Regional Practice Leader for an award-winning international architecture firm. This role will lead and grow its Commercial Projects portfolio in the Middle East, based out of its Dubai studio. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic leader with a strong design sensibility, client network, and business acumen to shape and influence the future of commercial architecture in the region. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of the commercial and mixed-use sector, paired with leadership experience on high-profile projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for commercial sector projects (office buildings, mixed-use developments, retail).
• Build and maintain strong client relationships; identify new business opportunities and lead pursuits.
• Partner with firm leadership to develop strategic growth plans for the commercial market.
• Oversee project design, delivery, and financial performance from concept through completion.
• Inspire and mentor multidisciplinary teams; promote design excellence and technical quality.
• Represent the firm at industry events and in the broader architectural community across the region.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in architecture within the Middle East.
• Proven track record of winning, delivering, and leading large-scale commercial projects in the Middle East.
• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Architecture; professional licensure preferred.
• Strong design portfolio showcasing commercial sector work.
• Exceptional client-facing, leadership, and communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of the regional market and development landscape.

What’s on Offer

• Leadership role within a global design-focused architecture firm.
• Opportunity to shape commercial architecture across the MENA region.
• Dynamic, collaborative studio culture with growth potential.
• Competitive compensation.

About the company

Ignite Search & Selection is a leading Recruitment Agency in the Middle East. Ignite's team of specialist recruiters now works across a range of sectors including Legal, Digital / Technology, Retail / FMCG, Construction and Engineering. We pride ourselves on given both clients and candidates expert market knowledge in our chosen sectors. We value getting a detailed understanding of our clients and candidates expectations to find the perfect fit for all parties.