Senior Concept Architect - Computational Design

AECOM Middle East Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM Middle East Ltd. is seeking a Senior Concept Architect in Dubai to lead early design directions for complex projects using computational and parametric design tools.

The role calls for translating broad objectives into clear architectural concepts that progress through design and delivery stages. The ideal candidate has 6+ years of architectural or computational design experience, expert Rhino/Grasshopper skills, and strong visualization abilities to communicate design intent to senior

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or related field; Master's preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of professional architectural or computational design experience.
• Strong proficiency in Rhino and Grasshopper for parametric exploration.
• Experience leading design workshops and presenting to senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop original architectural concepts responsive to project goals, site conditions, and stakeholders.
• Translate complex briefs into coherent architectural strategies and spatial frameworks.
• Use Rhino and Grasshopper to develop parametric, generative, and computational design studies.
• Explore multiple design scenarios and evaluate form, function, and performance implications.
• Create conceptual models, diagrams, and implementation roadmaps.
• Lead workshops and design sessions with clients and project teams.
• Guide junior architects and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Present architectural concepts and recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Coordinate with program managers, technical leads, consultants, and business stakeholders.
• Maintain architectural alignment across multiple initiatives and transitions between phases.

Skills

Concept architecture

Computational design

Parametric design

Generative design

Architectural concept development

Design strategy

Spatial planning

Design leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Architectural documentation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or related

Master's Degree preferred

Tools

Rhino

Grasshopper

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Senior Concept Architect - Computational Design

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Industry: Architecture and Planning

Function: Architect

Experience: Minimum 6 years professional architectural or computational design experience

Job Type: Full-time

Senior Concept Architect - Computational Design in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is an Architecture and Planning opportunity with AECOM for an experienced design professional who can develop innovative architectural concepts, parametric design solutions, strategic frameworks, and implementation roadmaps. The role combines advanced architectural thinking with computational design, stakeholder collaboration, design leadership, and technical evaluation to transform complex requirements into scalable and visually compelling architectural solutions.

Job Details

Country: United Arab Emirates

City: Dubai

Industry: Architecture and Planning

Function: Architect

Salary: 20000-30000 Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in the job city; please confirm the final offer with the employer.

Gender: Any

Candidate Nationality: Any

Job Type: Full-time

Role Context

The Senior Concept Architect is responsible for shaping the early design direction of complex projects and translating broad objectives into clear architectural concepts that can progress through subsequent design and implementation stages. The position requires both creative vision and analytical discipline, particularly where geometry, performance, spatial organization, and digital design tools must work together. A major part of the role involves using computational and parametric design methods to test options, refine ideas, and communicate design intent. The architect will also guide junior team members, facilitate collaborative design sessions, and ensure that concepts remain aligned with project objectives as they move towards delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop original architectural concepts that respond to project goals, market opportunities, site conditions, and stakeholder requirements.
• Translate complex design briefs into coherent architectural strategies and spatial frameworks.
• Use Rhino and Grasshopper to develop parametric, generative, and computational design studies.
• Explore multiple design scenarios efficiently and evaluate their implications for form, function, performance, and implementation.
• Create conceptual models, diagrams, architectural narratives, design specifications, and implementation roadmaps.
• Prepare clear visual presentations using Adobe Creative Suite and other architectural communication tools.
• Lead workshops and design sessions with clients, project teams, and other stakeholders.
• Gather stakeholder input and convert feedback into refined architectural directions.
• Build consensus around concept strategies while maintaining strong design intent.
• Analyze technical, operational, and business requirements to identify appropriate architectural responses.
• Evaluate design patterns, new methodologies, and emerging technologies that could improve project outcomes.
• Present architectural concepts and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Communicate complex architectural thinking in a clear, persuasive, and visually accessible manner.
• Coordinate with program managers, technical leads, consultants, and business stakeholders during concept development.
• Maintain architectural alignment across multiple project initiatives and workstreams.
• Guide the transition of approved concepts into later design stages while protecting the original design vision.
• Review evolving design outputs and identify areas where quality, clarity, or coordination can be improved.
• Conduct architectural assessments to identify optimization opportunities and design constraints.
• Provide direction and mentorship to junior architects and design professionals.
• Encourage experimentation, computational thinking, and continuous improvement within the design team.
• Review team outputs and provide constructive feedback on design quality, communication, and technical development.
• Maintain awareness of current architectural trends, computational design methods, digital workflows, and industry best practices.
• Support design quality reviews and ensure concept documentation remains coordinated and consistent.
• Contribute to a collaborative design culture that balances innovation with practical delivery requirements.

Ideal Profile

Candidates should hold a Bachelor 's Degree in Architecture, Architectural Design, or a related discipline. A Master 's Degree is preferred. Applicants should have at least 6 years of professional experience in architectural design, computational design, concept development, or an equivalent design-focused environment. Advanced proficiency in Rhino and Grasshopper is essential, particularly for parametric and generative design exploration. Strong capability in Adobe Creative Suite is required for visualization, diagramming, presentation development, and architectural communication. The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to move comfortably between conceptual thinking, technical analysis, digital design, stakeholder engagement, and project implementation. Experience leading design workshops, presenting to senior stakeholders, and mentoring junior architects will be valuable. Candidates should possess strong visual communication, design judgment, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. The role is particularly suited to an architect who enjoys exploring new design methods while remaining focused on scalability, clarity, and practical project delivery.

Skills Set

• Concept architecture
• Computational design
• Parametric design
• Generative design
• Rhino
• Grasshopper
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Architectural visualization
• Architectural concept development
• Design strategy
• Spatial planning
• Concept modelling
• Design specifications
• Implementation roadmaps
• Architectural diagrams
• Design presentations
• Stakeholder workshops
• Design facilitation
• Technical analysis
• Design optimization
• Architectural reviews
• Emerging technologies
• Digital design workflows
• Design leadership
• Junior architect mentoring
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strategic design thinking
• Architectural documentation
• Design quality assurance
• Creative problem-solving

Why Join Us

Dubai continues to provide a strong environment for architects working at the intersection of design innovation, digital workflows, and major urban development. This position offers the opportunity to work on concept-driven projects where computational design, visualization, and strategic architectural thinking can meaningfully influence project direction. The role also provides exposure to multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders while strengthening expertise in parametric design, design leadership, digital architecture, and concept development. For experienced architects seeking progression toward design leadership or computational design management, the position offers a valuable platform for long-term growth.

About the Company

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting and professional services organization delivering architecture, engineering, planning, environmental, programme, and construction management expertise. Its multidisciplinary teams work across transportation, buildings, water, energy, and urban development, combining technical knowledge with digital design and innovative thinking to deliver complex projects around the world.