Senior Site Architect – High-End Finishes & Fit-Out

QWAED AL-EMMAR (QAE) | قواعد الاعمار للمقاولات; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

QWAED AL-EMMAR (QAE) invites applications for a Senior Site Architect to lead the execution of architectural works, high-end finishes and interior fit-out on large-scale hospitality, commercial and residential projects in Riyadh. The role requires hands-on site leadership and a track record of delivering premium finishes.

Based on-site, you will supervise subcontractors, plan work sequences, review drawings, coordinate with structural, MEP and façade teams, ensure safety, and manage handover

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Architectural Engineering.
• 5+ years of architectural site execution and finishing experience, incl 3+ years in Saudi Arabia.
• Proven hands-on experience in high-end finishes and interior fit-out on large projects.
• Ability to supervise subcontractors and site activities through inspection and completion.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Excel; ability to prepare reports in English.
• Based in Saudi Arabia with immediate joining for full-time Riyadh site work.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily site activities and supervise subcontractors and site teams.
• Plan work sequences and verify drawings, materials, manpower, and site conditions.
• Review shop drawings and samples; resolve issues with the technical office.
• Coordinate architectural, structural, MEP, façade and external works.
• Inspect materials for dimensions, levels, joints and finish quality.
• Apply method statements and document defects and rework.
• Prepare inspection requests and attend consultant inspections.
• Oversee mock-ups and FF&E coordination; manage handover readiness.
• Monitor safety and enforce PPE and safe working practices.
• Record site changes for as-built drawings and handover documents.

Skills

Leadership

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Deadline management

English documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Architectural Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel

Job description

Senior Site Architect – High-End Finishes & Fit-Out

Employment Type: Full-time | On-site

Required Experience: At least 5 years of relevant architectural site execution experience, including at least 3 years within Saudi Arabia.

Availability: Immediate joining required.

Applicants must currently be based in Saudi Arabia.

ABOUT THE ROLE

QWAED AL-EMMAR (QAE) is seeking a Senior Site Architect to lead the execution of architectural works, high-end finishes, and interior fit-out, with experience supervising façades and coordinating external works.

This site-based contracting role involves daily work planning, subcontractor supervision, quality inspections, multidisciplinary coordination, safety oversight, and handover.

Candidates must have proven site execution experience on large-scale hospitality, commercial, and residential projects.

ARCHITECTURAL AND FINISHING WORKS

Supervise execution and inspect workmanship across the following packages, as applicable to the project:

• Masonry, plastering, rendering, and substrate preparation.
• Gypsum board ceilings, partitions and linings, suspended ceilings, and decorative gypsum works.
• Marble, natural stone, porcelain, ceramic tiles, and mosaics.
• Timber flooring, parquet, vinyl, carpets, and epoxy flooring.
• Painting, putty, decorative coatings, wallcoverings, and wallpaper.
• Architectural joinery and fixed furniture, including doors, wardrobes, wall panelling, counters, vanity units, and associated hardware.
• Glass, mirrors, aluminium works, decorative metalwork, and balustrades.
• Waterproofing to wet areas, roofs, and planters, together with joint sealing and interfaces with finishes.
• Glazed façades and curtain walls, including Stick and Unitized systems and Structural Silicone Glazing.
• Aluminium windows and doors, including thermally broken, hinged, and sliding systems, storefront glazing, glazed partitions, and skylights.
• External cladding, including mechanically fixed stone, metal panels, solid and composite aluminium panels, GRC/GFRC, louvers, and sunshades.
• Hardscape works, including paving, interlock, kerbs, walkways, plazas, external steps, ramps, and decking.
• Planters, pergolas, canopies, boundary walls, fences, gates, and outdoor furniture.
• Coordination of softscape, irrigation, external lighting, and drainage with specialist contractors.
• Architectural finishes and waterproofing interfaces for swimming pools and water features, where applicable.
• Installation coordination of Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E), sanitary fixtures and bathroom accessories, decorative lighting, curtains, and furnishings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead daily site activities, organise work fronts, and supervise subcontractors, foremen, and site teams.
• Plan work sequences and verify the availability of approved drawings, materials, manpower, access, and suitable site conditions.
• Review shop drawings, specifications, material approvals, and samples before execution; raise technical queries and resolve issues with the technical office and relevant disciplines.
• Coordinate architectural, structural, MEP, façade, and external works, ensuring concealed services and required inspections are completed before closure.
• Personally inspect materials and workmanship against approved requirements, checking dimensions, levels, alignment, joints, interfaces, finish consistency, and installation quality.
• Apply approved method statements and inspection and test plans; document defects and non-conformances and verify corrective work.
• Prepare material and work inspection requests, attend consultant inspections, and close observations.
• Supervise mock-ups and model rooms and maintain approved quality standards throughout subsequent execution.
• Follow up on façade installation, specialist drawings, material approvals, and required testing with specialist subcontractors.
• Coordinate deliveries, storage, installation readiness, FF&E interfaces, and protection of completed works.
• Prepare short-term work plans and progress reports covering quantities, manpower, productivity, constraints, and recovery actions.
• Monitor material usage, minimise waste and rework, and manage snagging and final handover.
• Record approved site changes and provide verified information for as-built drawings and handover documents.
• Monitor safety and occupational health requirements within the assigned scope, brief workers on task-related risks, and enforce appropriate PPE, housekeeping, safe access, and safe working practices.
• Identify hazards, stop unsafe activities, and report issues to project management for corrective action.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Architectural Engineering.
• At least 5 years of architectural site execution and finishing experience, including at least 3 years within Saudi Arabia.
• Proven hands-on experience in high-end finishes and interior fit-out on large-scale hospitality, commercial, and residential projects.
• Ability to supervise subcontractors and site teams and manage activities through inspection and completion.
• Strong practical knowledge of finishing materials, installation methods, gypsum systems, joinery, stonework, waterproofing, and workmanship standards used in Saudi Arabia.
• Experience supervising façade, glazing, and aluminium installation and coordinating specialist subcontractors.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings and resolve site interfaces.
• Ability to independently inspect materials and workmanship, identify defects, and follow corrective actions through to closure.
• Experience with consultant inspections, mock-ups, snagging, and handover.
• Working knowledge of FF&E installation and coordination.
• Familiarity with Saudi Building Code requirements and specifications relevant to the architectural scope.
• Practical knowledge of site safety and occupational health requirements and the ability to direct safe working practices.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Excel, with the ability to prepare site reports and technical correspondence in English.
• Strong leadership, attention to detail, follow-up, problem-solving, and deadline management.
• Currently based in Saudi Arabia and available for immediate joining and full-time site work in Riyadh.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with luxury hotels, model rooms, hotel operator standards, and complex interior finishes.
• Experience delivering finishing packages from substrate preparation through final handover.
• Experience in hardscape and coordination of softscape, irrigation, and external works.
• Familiarity with Revit and Navisworks for model review and coordination.
• Relevant training in construction quality inspection or occupational health and safety.

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

Final-stage candidates will be asked to provide two professional references, with a third if available, preferably former direct managers or project managers.

Provide each reference’s name, job title, organisation and project where you worked together, professional relationship, and telephone number and/or work email, after obtaining their permission to share these details.

References will be contacted with the candidate’s prior consent. A current employer will not be contacted without explicit permission.

SELECTION PROCESS

Shortlisted candidates will discuss their site responsibilities and portfolio. Assessment may include a short practical scenario covering execution, quality inspection, coordination, work sequencing, or safety.

Work samples and photographs must be permitted for sharing and exclude confidential project information. Redacted samples are acceptable.