Senior Architect (Data Centre)

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

Job summary

Atkins Realis Group is seeking an experienced Senior Architect Data Centre to lead the design, planning and development of large-scale mission-critical facilities in Abu Dhabi. The role requires delivering end-to-end architectural design and coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in data centre projects, proficiency with BIM tools, and a strong grasp of Tier III/IV standards, sustainability, and regulatory compliance to ensure reliable, scalable

Qualifications

• 10+ years of architectural design experience, including data centre projects.
• Strong knowledge of data centre planning principles and Tier III/IV standards.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end architectural design and planning of data centre facilities.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, detailed, and construction-ready designs for greenfield and brownfield projects.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and ICT requirements.
• Ensure designs meet operational scalability, sustainability, and reliability objectives.
• Develop layouts for white space, technical rooms, support facilities, and ancillary infrastructure.
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders throughout the lifecycle.
• Drive sustainability initiatives including energy efficiency and green building practices.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture

Registered Architect

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Navisworks

BIM360

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Architect Data Centre to lead the design, planning, and development of large‑scale mission‑critical data centre facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end architectural design and planning of data centre facilities.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, detailed, and construction‑ready designs for greenfield and brownfield data centre projects.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and ICT requirements.
• Ensure designs meet operational scalability, sustainability, and reliability objectives.
• Develop layouts for white space, technical rooms, support facilities, and ancillary infrastructure.
• Incorporate TierIII and TierIV design principles and industry best practices into all projects.
• Ensure compliance with local building regulations, fire and life safety codes, and data centre standards.
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct design reviews, feasibility studies, and space utilization assessments.
• Support site selection, due diligence activities, and capacity planning exercises.
• Review and approve architectural drawings, technical specifications, and design documentation.
• Drive sustainability initiatives including energy efficiency and green building practices.
• Manage design risks and recommend innovative solutions to complex architectural challenges.
• Support commissioning, operational readiness, and project handover activities.
• Stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in data centre design and construction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture or a related discipline.
• Registered Architect or equivalent professional qualification preferred.
• 10+ years of architectural design experience, including significant experience in data centre projects.
• Proven experience designing hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, or mission‑critical data centre facilities.
• Strong knowledge of data centre planning and design principles.
• Knowledge of TierIII and TierIV standards.
• Building codes and regulatory compliance.
• Fire and life safety design.
• Sustainable and energy‑efficient design practices.
• Space planning and capacity management.
• BIM and 3D modelling tools.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, BIM360, and other architectural design software.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.
• Strong understanding of data centre operational requirements and resilience strategies.
• Knowledge of Uptime Institute, TIA‑942, ASHRAE, NFPA, and related industry standards.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in fast‑paced environments.