Senior Site Architect - Construction in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates is a senior Architecture and Planning opportunity with AECOM for an experienced architectural professional specializing in site supervision, design compliance, quality control, contractor coordination, and project administration. The role ensures that architectural design intent is accurately delivered during construction while maintaining compliance with approved drawings, local regulations, quality standards, and project requirements.
Job Details
- Country: United Arab Emirates
- City: Abu Dhabi Emirate
- Industry: Architecture and Planning
- Function: Architect
- Job Type: Full-time
- Salary: 28,000-36,000 AED (estimated; confirm with employer)
- Work Location Model: On-site
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise architectural construction activities and verify that works are executed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, and design intent.
- Conduct regular site inspections covering finishes, facades, partitions, ceilings, doors, flooring, joinery, waterproofing, and other architectural elements.
- Assess workmanship and material quality against approved samples, mock‑ups, technical standards, and contract requirements.
- Identify architectural defects, design deviations, incomplete work, and non‑conforming installations.
- Issue clear technical observations and monitor corrective actions until satisfactory closure.
- Coordinate with contractors, subcontractors, civil engineers, structural engineers, MEP teams, and specialist consultants.
- Resolve clashes and interface issues between architectural components and structural or building services installations.
- Review architectural shop drawings, material submittals, samples, mock‑ups, method statements, and technical proposals.
- Confirm that contractor submissions are coordinated, constructible, and consistent with the approved design.
- Respond to requests for information and provide practical architectural guidance during construction.
- Evaluate proposed design changes and assess their impact on functionality, appearance, quality, cost, and programme.
- Ensure construction activities comply with UAE building codes, authority requirements, safety regulations, and environmental guidelines.
- Support sustainable design implementation and applicable LEED certification requirements.
- Maintain detailed records of site activities, architectural inspections, technical decisions, and outstanding actions.
- Prepare daily logs, inspection reports, progress updates, photographic records, and technical correspondence.
- Review change orders and maintain documentation related to approved architectural variations.
- Prepare and present progress reports to clients, project leaders, and other stakeholders.
- Highlight deviations from approved plans and recommend appropriate corrective or mitigation measures.
- Liaise with clients to understand operational, functional, and aesthetic requirements.
- Support client reviews, site walkthroughs, mock‑up approvals, and design clarification meetings.
- Coordinate snagging, defect inspections, completion reviews, and closeout activities.
- Verify that architectural defects are resolved before practical completion and final handover.
- Review as‑built drawings, material records, warranties, maintenance information, and architectural handover documents.
- Mentor junior architects and inspectors by providing technical guidance and site‑based knowledge.
- Promote consistent quality standards and continuous improvement across the project team.
- Attend in‑person Day1 onboarding at an AECOM office as a condition of employment.
Ideal Profile
- Bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering, Architecture, or an equivalent discipline.
- Minimum 15 years of demonstrable experience in architectural supervision and project administration.
- Extensive experience supporting large‑scale construction projects in the Middle East consulting industry.
- Strong record of supervising architectural finishes, building envelopes, interior works, and related construction packages.
- Comprehensive understanding of architectural drawings, specifications, material schedules, and design documentation.
- Experience reviewing shop drawings, material submissions, mock‑ups, samples, method statements, and change proposals.
- Strong knowledge of UAE building regulations, construction standards, safety requirements, and authority procedures.
- Ability to interpret architectural design intent and translate it into practical site guidance.
- Demonstrated capability in identifying defects, non‑conformance, coordination conflicts, and constructability issues.
- Strong understanding of quality control procedures, inspection processes, snagging, and project closeout.
- Professional membership such as PE, PEng, CEng, or an equivalent recognized accreditation is preferred.
- LEED Green Associate or LEED Accredited Professional certification is advantageous.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions in active construction environments.
- Strong written communication and technical report preparation abilities.
- Confident interpersonal skills for dealing with clients, contractors, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to architectural detail.
- Strong client‑service orientation and commitment to design quality.
- Willingness to work on‑site and travel when required by project needs.
Skills Set
- Architectural site supervision
- Design compliance
- Architectural inspections
- Quality control
- Building finishes
- Facade works
- Interior fit‑out
- Shop drawing review
- Material submittal review
- Mock‑up inspection
- Method statement review
- Design coordination
- Contractor coordination
- Multidisciplinary coordination
- UAE building codes
- Architectural specifications
- Non‑conformance management
- Snagging
- Defect resolution
- Change order review
- Site reporting
- Technical documentation
- Client coordination
- Design issue resolution
- Construction administration
- As‑built drawing review
- Project handover
- LEED requirements
- Sustainable construction
- Architectural quality assurance
Why Join Us
This opportunity allows an experienced architect to influence the quality and successful delivery of major building developments in Abu Dhabi Emirate. Continued investment in high‑value commercial, civic, residential, hospitality, and mixed‑use projects creates steady demand for senior architectural supervision professionals with strong regional experience. AECOM offers access to multidisciplinary specialists, international design knowledge, digital delivery tools, major project exposure, and structured career development.
Depending on employment status and company policy, eligible employees may also receive medical coverage, disability insurance, life insurance, paid leave, well‑being resources, business travel insurance, recognition programmes, retirement benefits, flexible work options, and other employment benefits.
About the Company
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm delivering architecture, planning, design, engineering, programme management, and construction management services. Its Buildings and Places teams work with public and private sector clients to create sustainable, resilient, functional, and high‑quality developments across the Middle East and international markets.