Senior Architect

Sharjah Art Foundation; Sharjah; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Sharjah Art Foundation in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates seeks an experienced Architect (BArch/MArch) to lead design and production for exhibitions, renovations, and new-build projects. The role requires strong coordination with artists, curators, consultants and contractors, plus on-site supervision and BIM proficiency.

Responsibilities include drafting RFPs, procuring consultants, and ensuring quality output from concept to handover, while coordinating with operations and other departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years architectural experience on projects.
• Experience in exhibition design and production.
• Advanced software skills for design and BIM.
• Strong coordination and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Draft requests for proposals and procure consultants.
• Support consultants for design and execution of projects.
• Attend design meetings and input foundation vision and function.
• Liaise between consultants and contractors and follow up on-site output.
• Coordinate with other departments for building-use input.
• Oversee renovations and new-build projects from concept to delivery.

Skills

Architectural experience

Exhibition design

Coordination skills

Presentation skills

Arabic-English fluency

Education

B.Arch / M.Arch

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Rhino

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

Reporting to: Operations and Production Director
Job location: Sharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Expected starting date: As soon as possible
Application deadline : The job is open until filled

Roles and Responsibilities

Client Representation on Projects

• Drafting requests for proposals and procuring consultants.
• Supporting appointed consultants for design and execution of projects.
• Attending design meetings and providing input with regards to the foundation’s vision and function.
• Liaising between consultants and contractors.
• Following up projects on site and ensuring best quality output.
• Support in search for materials / suppliers / sub-contractors for the projects.
• Liaising with project manager in accordance with the project schdeuled and budget.
• Coordination with other departments and sections for input on building use.

Renovations

• Renovation of heritage housesin coordination with the relevant government authorities.
• Procuring sub-contractors and reviewing material samples.
• Selecting interior furniture and fit out.

New-build Projects

• New-build projects; from concept design to schematic design.
• Full research concerning site and program.
• Preparation of design presentations, documents and BIM model.
• Handing over to execution architect.
• Following up on detail design progress and coordination with sub-disciplines such as MEP and structure.
• Following up on tender procedures.
• Design to full delivery (renovations and extensions or new-build).
• Preparation of authority submission drawings.
• Review with senior architect for technical issues.
• Preparation of Issue for Construction package.
• Research and selection of materials / suppliers / sub-contractors.
• Review and approval of material submittals and shop drawings.
• Review and approval of as-built drawings.

Exhibitions

• Coordination with artists and curators for the realisation of exhibitions.
• Coordination with other departments and sections such as curatorial and design.
• Exhibition design and layout.
• Detailed drawings for furniture and exhibition elements.
• Shopping for artists’ materials.
• Procuring contractors, suppliers and materials for production.
• Coordinating with the operations teams such as art handlers, shipping, store, AV, lighting.
• Lighting preparation and set up.
• Monitoring production budgets and following up on financials.
• Oversee the de-installation of exhibitions.

Required Experience, Qualifications and Skills

• BARCH or MARCH with minimum 6 years of experience.
• Architectural Experience, project or practice-based architect.
• Experience in exhibition design and production.
• Advanced software skills Adobe Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCad, Revit, Rhino
• Fluency in Arabic and English is preffered.
• Strong research skillsin identifying and staying up to date with the latest innovations and techniques in sustainability and efficiency for architectural projects and exhibitions.
• Skills in coordination, following up on work progress, and executing of on-site works.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Advanced technical skills with extensive knowledge of materials.
• Continuous follow-up on the maintenance of the Foundation’s facilities, including their operation, upkeep, and furnishing as needed.
• Proficiency in developing and delivering professional presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to analyze issues, identify root causes, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Commitment to professional development and keeping up with best practices in the field.

Conditions of Work

The role is a full-time position based in Sharjah, with working hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Thursday, and occasional evening or weekend work as needed.