Senior Design Architect
Nad Al Shiba Engineering Consultants
Description
Position Title: Design Architect
Department: Architecture / Design
Reports To: Senior Architect / Design Manager / Project Manager
Location: United Arab Emirates
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Design Architect to join our Engineering Consultancy team in the UAE. The ideal candidate will have 10–12 years of relevant architectural experience in the UAE, with a strong background in engineering consultancy, high-rise building projects, and authority coordination. The candidate must possess excellent design and technical capabilities, be proficient in Autodesk Revit, and have a thorough understanding of UAE building regulations and authority requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop innovative architectural concepts and design solutions for residential, commercial, mixed-use, and high-rise developments.
- Prepare concept, schematic, detailed design, and construction documentation in accordance with project requirements.
- Produce accurate architectural drawings, models, and documentation using Autodesk Revit.
- Coordinate with structural, MEP, interior design, landscape, and other multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
- Ensure designs comply with UAE building codes, local regulations, and international standards.
- Coordinate with local authorities for project approvals and permit processes, including submission and follow-up.
- Attend design coordination meetings with clients, consultants, contractors, and authorities.
- Review and resolve design conflicts and provide technical solutions during all project stages.
- Conduct design reviews and ensure quality standards are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
- Assist in preparing presentations, design reports, and project documentation.
- Support project managers in meeting project schedules, budgets, and quality objectives.
- Review shop drawings, material submittals, and technical submissions when required.
- Conduct site visits to monitor architectural works and ensure compliance with approved drawings and specifications.
- Mentor junior architects and provide technical guidance when necessary.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (Master's Degree is an advantage).
- Minimum 10-12 years of architectural experience in the UAE.
- Mandatory experience working with Engineering Consultancy firms in the UAE.
- Proven experience in high-rise building projects from design through authority approvals.
- Strong knowledge of UAE building regulations, authority requirements, and approval procedures.
- Excellent understanding of architectural detailing and construction documentation.
- Strong coordination and communication skills.
Technical Skills
- Expert proficiency in Autodesk Revit (Mandatory).
- Strong knowledge of AutoCAD.
- Experience with BIM workflows and coordination.
- Knowledge of Navisworks is an advantage.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications.
- Familiarity with SketchUp, Lumion, Enscape, or similar visualization software is preferred.
Authority Coordination Experience
The successful candidate must have hands-on experience coordinating with UAE authorities, including but not limited to:
- Dubai Municipality (DM)
- Dubai Development Authority (DDA)
- Dubai Civil Defense (DCD)
- Trakhees
- Dubai South
- DEWA
- RTA
- Other relevant UAE regulatory authorities depending on project location.
Responsibilities include:
- Preparing authority submission packages.
- Coordinating comments and design revisions.
- Obtaining NOCs and design approvals.
- Liaising directly with authority engineers and reviewers.
- Ensuring compliance with authority regulations throughout the project lifecycle.
Required Competencies
- Strong architectural design capabilities.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage multiple p