Site Architect

HIVE LIVING; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HIVE LIVING is seeking a Site Architect for their Ras Al Khaimah Residential Development. The role involves ensuring architectural accuracy during construction, responding to technical queries, and conducting inspections.

With a focus on hospitality projects, candidates should have 8–10 years of architecture experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage design quality effectively. This position requires a proactive approach on site alongside collaboration with the Construction Manager.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8–10 years of professional experience in architecture.
• Experience with hospitality or high-quality branded residential projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of architectural standards.

Responsibilities

• Review shop drawing submittals from contractors.
• Respond to RFIs providing clear design responses.
• Conduct regular site walks to identify design deviations.

Skills

Architectural construction detailing

Communication skills

Site inspection

Snagging process management

Design quality assessment

Education

Degree in Architecture

Job description

Site Architect – Ras Al Khaimah Residential Development

The Site Architect will be the primary on‑site guardian of HIVE’s architectural intent throughout the construction stage of one of our branded residential developments in Ras Al Khaimah. Working closely with the Construction Manager, this role is responsible for responding to technical queries, conducting site walks and ensuring that all architectural elements, materials and spatial decisions on site reflect the approved design package.

This is a highly proactive on‑site role requiring regular presence, decisive judgment and strong ownership of design quality. The role reports to the Head of Design.

Key Responsibilities

• Review shop drawing submittals from the contractor across all architectural and landscape packages and issue formal responses in a timely manner.


• Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) from the contractor, providing clear and well‑reasoned design responses that protect the intent of the approved package.


• Review architectural material submittals and assess proposed alternatives or substitutions against the specification, making recommendations that balance design intent, quality and buildability.


• Review and assess proposed vendors and subcontractors from the contractor for architectural scopes, evaluating their capability to execute HIVE’s design and quality standards.


• Action and respond to inspection requests: attend site inspections and provide written sign‑off or corrective direction as required.


• Conduct regular site walks to proactively identify deviations from the design package, non‑conformances and quality issues before they become costly to resolve.


• Lead snagging processes at the relevant project milestones, producing detailed snagging lists and tracking resolution through to completion.

Qualifications & Experience

• A minimum of 8–10 years of professional experience in architecture with significant exposure to hospitality, hotel, or high‑quality branded residential projects. Candidates with 6–8 years may be considered where their site experience is demonstrably strong.


• Proven experience in a site‑based construction delivery role reviewing shop drawings, responding to RFIs, conducting site inspections, and managing snagging on a live construction project. Experience on the contractor side alone will not be sufficient.


• Strong technical knowledge of architectural construction detailing, material specifications, and build quality standards.


• A discerning eye for design quality.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, well‑structured formal responses to RFIs and submittals.


• Experience on an international level; we value candidates who have worked on equivalent projects outside the UAE and are comfortable operating in a fast‑paced Gulf construction environment.


• Degree in Architecture. Professional registration (ARB, RIBA, AIA, or equivalent) is an advantage but not a requirement.


• A strong portfolio demonstrating delivered hospitality or high‑end residential projects is essential and must be submitted with the application.

EEO Statement

Equal Employment Opportunity – the Company is an affirmative action employer, and the position is open to all qualified candidates.