Senior Architect - Design Coordination and Fit-Out

AECOM Middle East Ltd; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life and disability coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

AECOM Middle East Ltd is seeking a Senior Architect to lead design coordination and on-site supervision for complex entertainment and immersive fit-out projects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The role requires 12+ years of architectural experience, strong coordination skills, and a proven track record on complex venues. This on-site position comes with a comprehensive benefits package and dedicated professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Professional registration or equivalent qualification in architecture.
• 12+ years of professional architectural experience.
• Experience coordinating design across interfaces (architectural, structural, MEP).

Responsibilities

• Review shop drawings, material submittals, and technical proposals.
• Coordinate interfaces between architectural finishes and MEP systems.
• Monitor construction quality and resolve technical discrepancies.
• Support snagging and as-built documentation reviews.
• Guide integration of finishes with specialist systems during fit-out.

Skills

Strong architectural judgment

Technical problem-solving

Education

Recognized architectural qualification (RIBA Part 3)

Tools

BIM

Architectural software

Job description

Senior Architect - Design Coordination and Fit-Out Job Snapshot - Role: Senior Architect - Design Coordination and Fit-Out - Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Industry: Construction - Function: Architect - Experience: Minimum 12 years - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site Position Overview AECOM is seeking an experienced Senior Architect to support architectural design coordination, technical reviews, and construction supervision for complex projects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The position focuses on ensuring that architectural works are delivered in accordance with approved design intent, project specifications, applicable building regulations, and quality standards. The successful candidate will review architectural shop drawings, material submissions, technical proposals, and construction details while coordinating interfaces between architectural finishes, structural elements, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, lighting, audiovisual (AV) installations, show systems, and specialist ride equipment. The role also involves monitoring construction quality, resolving technical discrepancies, reviewing material samples and mock-ups, coordinating snagging activities, and validating architectural as-built documentation. Candidates must have at least 12 years of professional architectural experience, recognized architectural qualifications, and proven involvement in entertainment venues, immersive environments, or specialized fit-out projects.

Job Details

Country: Saudi Arabia - City: Riyadh - Industry: Construction - Function: Architect - Salary: Not disclosed - Gender: No Preference - Candidate Nationality: Not specified - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

Key Responsibilities

• Review architectural shop drawings, material submittals, method statements, and technical proposals.
• Verify compliance with approved architectural design intent and project specifications.
• Assess construction details and architectural interfaces for technical accuracy and buildability.
• Identify discrepancies between architectural documentation and project requirements.
• Coordinate technical clarifications with relevant consultants, contractors, and specialists.
• Review proposed solutions to ensure consistency with established architectural design criteria.
• Support implementation of approved architectural standards throughout construction.

Multidisciplinary Design Coordination

• Coordinate architectural partitions, ceilings, flooring, wall finishes, joinery, and associated building elements.
• Integrate architectural works with structural and MEP installations.
• Review interfaces involving lighting, AV, show, and specialist ride systems.
• Identify spatial clashes and conflicting installation requirements.
• Coordinate with engineering disciplines to resolve technical and spatial constraints.
• Evaluate the buildability of architectural details within complex project environments.
• Support effective integration of architectural finishes with specialist systems.
• Maintain communication between architectural consultants and multidisciplinary project teams.

Architectural Shop Drawings and Technical Documentation

• Evaluate architectural shop drawings for dimensional accuracy and compliance with approved design requirements.
• Review technical specifications and construction details.
• Identify inconsistencies between design drawings and proposed installation methods.
• Coordinate required revisions and technical clarifications.
• Verify that architectural documentation adequately addresses relevant construction interfaces.
• Support accurate interpretation of approved design information during site execution.
• Maintain appropriate records of technical reviews and recommendations.

Material Selection and Mock-Up Assessment

• Review architectural material submissions and proposed finishes.
• Evaluate material samples against approved design requirements.
• Inspect mock-ups for architectural compliance, workmanship, and aesthetic quality.
• Assess the compatibility of selected finishes with adjoining architectural elements.
• Identify inconsistencies in material appearance, finish quality, and detailing.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to resolve material-related concerns.
• Support consistent application of approved architectural materials and finishes.

Architectural Site Supervision

• Monitor architectural installations for compliance with approved drawings and specifications.
• Inspect dimensional accuracy, alignment, and workmanship quality.
• Verify that installed architectural elements reflect approved construction details.
• Review accessibility compliance during architectural inspections.
• Identify installation deficiencies and site constraints affecting design execution.
• Coordinate technical resolutions with contractors and consultants.
• Monitor integration between architectural works and specialist installations.
• Report significant architectural quality or compliance concerns to project leadership.

Spatial Coordination and Technical Problem-Solving

• Identify spatial clashes involving architectural, structural, MEP, and specialist systems.
• Investigate discrepancies between design documentation and actual site conditions.
• Collaborate with relevant disciplines to develop practical construction solutions.
• Assess technical alternatives for consistency with architectural design intent.
• Provide recommendations on complex architectural coordination challenges.
• Support resolution of construction constraints affecting specialized fit-out works.
• Communicate unresolved technical issues to appropriate project stakeholders.

Entertainment and Specialized Fit-Out Projects

• Provide architectural technical guidance for entertainment venues and immersive environments.
• Coordinate architectural finishes with specialized show and ride installations.
• Review design interfaces associated with complex entertainment and experiential spaces.
• Evaluate the integration of architectural elements with lighting and AV systems.
• Identify technical challenges arising from specialist equipment and architectural requirements.
• Support the development of buildable solutions for complex fit-out conditions.
• Monitor architectural quality and design consistency throughout specialist installation activities.

Architectural Quality Assurance and Inspections

• Support architectural quality assurance activities during construction and fit-out.
• Participate in inspections of completed architectural works.
• Identify defects, non-conforming installations, and workmanship deficiencies.
• Coordinate snagging activities with quality assurance and project management teams.
• Document inspection findings and required corrective actions.
• Monitor the resolution of identified defects.
• Verify completed corrective works against approved specifications and quality requirements.
• Support consistent delivery of architectural finishes across project areas.

As-Built Documentation and Handover

• Review architectural as-built drawings for accuracy and completeness.
• Verify that final drawings reflect completed architectural installations.
• Identify missing or inconsistent information requiring correction.
• Coordinate documentation updates with relevant contractors and consultants.
• Support final inspections and outstanding defect resolution.
• Assist project teams with architectural handover documentation.
• Maintain appropriate technical records supporting completion and verification of architectural works.

Stakeholder Communication and Technical Guidance

• Communicate architectural review findings to contractors, consultants, and project managers.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary discussions concerning design and construction issues.
• Provide technical recommendations on architectural compliance and installation quality.
• Support collaboration between design teams and construction supervision personnel.
• Maintain effective working relationships with specialist contractors and consultants.
• Escalate unresolved architectural concerns requiring senior-level input.
• Contribute technical expertise to project coordination and quality review activities.

Qualifications and Experience Required

Professional Qualifications

• Recognized architectural qualification, including RIBA Part 3 or equivalent professional registration.

Required Experience

• Minimum 12 years of professional architectural experience.
• Substantial experience in architectural design coordination, technical review, and site supervision on complex projects.
• Demonstrated expertise coordinating architectural elements with structural, MEP, lighting, AV, and specialist systems.
• Proven experience working on entertainment venues, immersive environments, or specialized fit-out projects.
• Advanced experience reviewing architectural shop drawings, technical specifications, and as-built documentation.
• Strong track record in architectural quality assurance, snagging coordination, and defect rectification.
• Extensive experience with material selection, mock-up reviews, and aesthetic quality assessment.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve spatial clashes, drawing discrepancies, and site constraints.
• Experience coordinating across multiple architectural, engineering, and specialist consultant teams.

Required Technical Skills

• Advanced architectural drawing and technical detailing.
• Architectural shop drawing review and coordination.
• Building Information Modelling (BIM) and relevant architectural software platforms.
• Architectural design intent interpretation and compliance.
• Construction technical specifications and material submission review.
• Coordination of partitions, ceilings, flooring, wall finishes, and joinery.
• Integration of architectural works with structural and MEP systems.
• Coordination of lighting, AV, show, and specialist ride systems.
• Spatial clash identification and multidisciplinary problem-solving.
• Architectural material selection and mock-up assessment.
• Construction workmanship and dimensional accuracy inspections.
• Quality assurance, snagging, and defect rectification.
• Architectural as-built documentation and handover review.
• Strong understanding of architectural detailing and buildability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to coordinate effectively across multidisciplinary consultant teams.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Experience on award-winning or high-profile entertainment and experiential design projects.
• Knowledge of accessibility compliance standards and building regulations relevant to specialized venues.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and quality assurance protocols.
• Experience mentoring junior architectural personnel and providing technical guidance.
• Experience addressing complex architectural design and construction coordination challenges.

Professional Competencies

• Strong architectural judgment and technical problem-solving ability.
• Excellent attention to design detail and construction quality.
• Ability to identify and resolve multidisciplinary coordination issues.
• Effective communication with consultants, contractors, and project leadership.
• Strong understanding of architectural aesthetics and material compatibility.
• Ability to balance design intent with practical construction requirements.
• Organized approach to inspections, documentation, and corrective action follow-up.
• Commitment to quality, professional standards, and collaborative project delivery.

Additional Employment Information

• All newly hired AECOM employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding session at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
• AECOM is committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and takes fraudulent hiring activity seriously.

Job Reference Information

• Requisition ID: J10161335
• Business Line: B&P - Buildings and Places
• Business Group: DCS
• Strategic Business Unit: Middle East and Africa
• Career Area: Design
• Work Location Model: On-site

Benefits and Professional Development

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life and disability coverage
• paid time off
• leave arrangements
• well-being resources
• employee assistance programs
• business travel insurance
• retirement savings plans
• employee stock purchase plans

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm providing professional services across buildings, transportation, water, environment, and energy. The company partners with public- and private-sector clients throughout the project lifecycle, delivering advisory, planning, design, engineering, program management, and construction management services. With a global workforce of more than 50,000 professionals, AECOM brings together engineers, architects, designers, planners, scientists, digital specialists, and construction managers to develop innovative, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure solutions. AECOM is a Fortune 500 company that reported revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. The company promotes equal employment opportunity, professional development, collaboration, and a workplace built on respect.