Senior Architect

About:

Alef Group is a pioneer in developing premier lifestyle communities, destinations, and experiences through investment and strategic joint ventures, seeking an experienced and hands-on Senior Architect with developer experience to join our team in Sharjah.

Job Purpose:

The Senior Architect will be responsible for leading the design and coordination of development projects across all stages—from concept through construction. Working within a fast-paced developer environment, the role demands a strong focus on design quality, technical compliance, stakeholder alignment, and timely project delivery, all aligned with the strategic goals of the organization.

Key Accountabilities:

Concept Design, Schematic, and Design Development Coordination

• Lead and coordinate all design stages, ensuring alignment with Alef’s vision, market requirements, and project timelines.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all consultants, contractors, and third parties to ensure smooth, well-integrated project coordination.
• Supervise and review all architectural deliverables, maintaining high technical standards and compliance with local regulations.
• Oversee the execution of the design strategy in line with project plans, ensuring timely delivery and quality outcomes.

Consultant, Contractor, and Third-Party Coordination

• Establish and manage Revit standards and BIM 360/Autodesk Construction Cloud environments, ensuring efficient collaboration with all design stakeholders.
• Review consultant and contractor drawings, providing mark-ups, technical input, and construction details where required.
• Ensure design adjustments are accurate and consistent with project objectives and authority requirements.

Authority Approvals, Presentations, and Compliance

• Review and validate design documentation for authority submissions, ensuring compliance with all applicable building codes and regulations.
• Prepare supporting sketches and technical details required for approvals.
• Lead technical presentations and engage in discussions with regulatory bodies to secure timely approvals.

Software and Visualization Tools

• Develop compelling 3D architectural visuals and conceptual sketches for internal and external presentations.
• Utilize a wide range of software tools—SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit, 3Ds Max or Rhino, Adobe Photoshop, and InDesign—for design development and visualization.
• Create accurate 2D and 3D drawings, including plans, elevations, sections, and basic construction details to support design decisions.

Architectural Drawing Production

• Ensure all design outputs meet safety, code, and regulatory standards while maintaining design intent.
• Support the development of tender packages, technical specifications, and reports as needed.
• Review and revise architectural documents based on project briefs, RFPs, and stakeholder feedback.

Team Coordination

• Drive early coordination with structural, MEP, and other disciplines to mitigate design clashes and improve constructability.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—architects, engineers, designers—to ensure cohesive and high-quality project documentation.
• Respond efficiently to project deadlines and ensure timely delivery of coordinated design packages.

Site Supervision and Technical Support

• Conduct site inspections when required to ensure architectural intent is maintained during execution.
• Provide design clarifications and technical support to the site team throughout the construction phase.

Educational Qualification, Work Experience, and Skills required:

Educational Qualification & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 12 years of architectural design experience, with at least 8 years in the UAE or GCC real estate sector in a Developer environment.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale residential, commercial, and/or mixed-use developments.

Skills required:

• Proficiency in design tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong understanding of UAE regulations and authority approval processes (e.g., Dubai Municipality, DDA, ADM).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and coordination skills.