Senior Design Architect

My client a leading real estate developer in Abu Dhabi requires a Senior Design Architect will play a key role in shaping the architectural vision, design quality, and placemaking strategy across a portfolio of major residential, mixed‑use, hospitality, and destination developments.

This is a design‑led role focused on concept development, design innovation, and architectural excellence. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing compelling design concepts, translating development objectives into high‑quality architectural solutions, and managing design consultants to ensure projects deliver against the approved vision, commercial objectives, and quality aspirations.

Working closely with senior leadership, development teams, and external consultants, the Senior Design Architect will provide design leadership from project inception through concept and schematic design stages.

• Lead the development of architectural concepts and design strategies across a range of developments and asset classes.
• Translate project objectives and development strategies into innovative and commercially viable design solutions.
• Develop and communicate strong design narratives, vision statements, and placemaking strategies.
• Produce and oversee concept studies, massing exercises, test fits, design diagrams, and presentation materials.
• Ensure consistency of design intent across all project stages.
• Manage and guide external architects, master planners, and specialist consultants throughout the design process.
• Critically review design proposals and provide clear direction to enhance quality and project outcomes.
• Ensure consultant deliverables align with approved briefs, development objectives, and design standards.
• Review concept, schematic, and detailed design submissions and provide recommendations to senior management.

• Collaborate with development, project management, infrastructure, and commercial teams to ensure integrated project solutions.
• Ensure architectural concepts respond effectively to planning, technical, operational, and commercial requirements.
• Support the development of design briefs, RFPs, and consultant scopes of work.
• Participate in design workshops, review meetings, and stakeholder presentations.

• Present design concepts, strategies, and recommendations to senior leadership and project stakeholders.
• Clearly communicate design intent to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, consultants, and external stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes.

• Champion design quality, innovation, and best practice across the project portfolio.
• Maintain awareness of international design trends, emerging technologies, and benchmark projects.
• Promote sustainable design principles and high‑quality user experiences.
• Support continuous improvement of design processes, standards, and methodologies.

• Mentor junior architects and designers within the team.
• Share knowledge, design expertise, and industry best practices.
• Contribute to the growth of design capability across the organisation.

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture.
• Professional registration with a recognised architectural body is advantageous.

• 12-15 years of professional experience in architecture and design.
• Strong background in concept design, visioning, and early‑stage project development.
• Experience working within a developer, master developer, leading architectural practice, or design consultancy environment.
• GCC experience is preferred, with UAE experience highly desirable.
• Excellent architectural design, spatial planning, and placemaking skills.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into compelling architectural solutions.
• Strong visual communication skills including sketching, diagrams, and design storytelling.
• Experience managing consultants and reviewing complex design submissions.
• Excellent presentation and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong understanding of development‑driven design and commercial considerations.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, Sketch Up, Revit, and other relevant design tools.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills;
  Arabic would be advantageous.

This is an opportunity to join one of Abu Dhabi's leading real estate developers and contribute to the creation of landmark residential, hospitality, and mixed‑use destinations. The role offers significant exposure to major developments, senior decision‑makers, and the chance to influence the architectural identity of projects from inception.