Senior Design Manager (Design Guardianship)

Architecture Social Limited; Dubai; On-site; AED 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Architecture Social Limited is seeking a Senior Design Manager to oversee construction-phase delivery of a major HQ development in Dubai. The role focuses on protecting the original architectural vision, ensuring technical solutions, finishes and construction details align with the approved design.

This site-based position requires extensive UAE experience and the ability to coordinate with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary teams to maintain design excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.
• Minimum 15 years architectural experience; 20+ years preferred.
• Registered Architect status or equivalent accreditation desirable.
• Significant construction-phase experience on major commercial, HQ, or mixed-use developments.
• Strong knowledge of architectural detailing, materials, finishes and construction methodologies.
• Proven experience protecting design intent through project delivery.
• UAE project experience and local authority approvals essential.
• International project experience and LEED-accredited developments advantageous.
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and decision-making skills.
• Availability to work a six-day week when required.
• UAE-based candidates preferred; relocation will be considered.
• Immediate availability or notice period of one month or less is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Act as the architectural design team’s primary representative throughout construction
• Safeguard the original design intent across all architectural packages and site activities
• Review shop drawings, technical details, material submissions, finishes and mock-ups
• Resolve design conflicts and coordination issues without compromising architectural quality
• Assess value-engineering proposals and recommend design-sensitive solutions
• Undertake site inspections and monitor compliance with approved drawings and specifications
• Coordinate with the client, contractor, PMC, supervision consultants and multidisciplinary teams
• Support local authority matters, including coordination with Dubai Municipality
• Contribute to the project’s sustainability objectives, including LEED Platinum and LEED Zero certification
• Prepare technical reports, architectural reviews and recommendations for senior stakeholders

Skills

Design management

Stakeholder management

Construction-phase experience

UAE project experience

LEED knowledge

Negotiation/decision-making

Education

Architecture degree (B.Arch./M.Arch.)

Job description

A leading international architecture and engineering consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to oversee the construction phase delivery of a major £1 billing HQ development in Dubai.

The role will focus on protecting the original architectural vision, ensuring that technical solutions, materials, finishes and construction details remain aligned with the approved design.

Please note this is a site based role.

Responsibilities

• Act as the architectural design team’s primary representative throughout construction
• Safeguard the original design intent across all architectural packages and site activities
• Review shop drawings, technical details, material submissions, finishes and mock-ups
• Resolve design conflicts and coordination issues without compromising architectural quality
• Assess value-engineering proposals and recommend design-sensitive solutions
• Undertake site inspections and monitor compliance with approved drawings and specifications
• Coordinate with the client, contractor, PMC, supervision consultants and multidisciplinary teams
• Support local authority matters, including coordination with Dubai Municipality
• Contribute to the project’s sustainability objectives, including LEED Platinum and LEED Zero certification
• Prepare technical reports, architectural reviews and recommendations for senior stakeholders

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
• At least 15 years of architectural experience, with 20+ years preferred
• Registered Architect status or equivalent accreditation is desirable
• Significant construction-phase experience on major commercial, headquarters or mixed-use developments
• Strong knowledge of architectural detailing, materials, finishes and construction methodologies
• Proven experience protecting design intent through project delivery
• UAE project experience and knowledge of local authority approvals are essential
• International project experience and exposure to LEED-accredited developments are advantageous
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and decision-making skills
• Availability to work a six-day week when required
• UAE based candidates are preferred, although relocation will be considered
• Immediate availability or a notice period of one month or less is highly desirable

About the Practice

This international consultancy delivers complex architecture and engineering projects across multiple sectors. It offers the opportunity to take a senior role on a high-profile development, working closely with multidisciplinary teams and project stakeholders to maintain exceptional standards of design and technical delivery.