Senior Architect – Hospitality; Luxury Hotels & Resorts

Department: Design / Development

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Experience: 10+ Years

Industry: Real Estate Development / Hospitality / Architecture

We are seeking an experienced and creative Senior Architect with a strong background in luxury hospitality design, including five-star hotels, luxury resorts, beachfront destinations and high-end hospitality developments.

The successful candidate will play a key role in overseeing and coordinating architectural design activities, ensuring that projects meet the highest standards of architectural excellence, functionality, aesthetics and luxury guest experience. The role requires strong technical expertise, design sensitivity and the ability to manage complex hospitality projects from concept development through detailed design and construction.

Lead and contribute to the architectural design and development of luxury hotels, resorts and hospitality projects.

Review and oversee architectural concepts, schematic designs, design development and detailed design packages.

Ensure architectural solutions reflect the positioning, identity and luxury standards of the project.

Develop innovative design solutions that enhance guest experience, functionality and operational efficiency.

Review architectural layouts, plans, elevations, sections, materials and specifications.

Demonstrate strong knowledge of luxury hospitality design principles and international hotel standards.

Review and coordinate space planning and area programming for key hospitality facilities, including:

• Guestrooms and luxury suites.
• Hotel lobbies and reception areas.
• Restaurants, bars and fine-dining venues.
• Spas, wellness and fitness facilities.
• Swimming pools and beach clubs.
• Ballrooms, meeting rooms and event spaces.
• Back-of-house areas and hotel operational facilities.

Ensure efficient space utilization, circulation, functionality and operational requirements.

Understand the relationship between architectural design, guest experience and hotel operations.

Coordinate with interior designers, structural engineers, MEP consultants, landscape architects and specialist hospitality consultants.

Review consultant submissions and ensure compliance with project requirements, design briefs and approved standards.

Monitor design progress, deliverables, quality and project timelines.

Identify design challenges and propose practical and innovative solutions.

Participate in design workshops, technical meetings and project reviews.

Ensure compliance with applicable UAE building regulations, authority requirements and international design standards.

Review technical drawings, specifications, materials and construction details.

Conduct design reviews and site visits to ensure the approved design intent is maintained during construction.

Ensure the highest standards of architectural quality, detailing and material selection.

Bachelor's degree in Architecture from a recognized university.

Minimum 10 years of relevant architectural experience.

Strong portfolio of luxury hospitality projects, particularly five-star hotels, luxury resorts and high-end hospitality developments.

Previous experience working with leading international architectural design consultancies, luxury hospitality developers or hotel groups.

Proven experience in architectural design development, space planning, area programming and technical coordination.

Strong understanding of international luxury hotel standards and hospitality design requirements.

Experience managing multidisciplinary design consultants and reviewing complex design packages.

Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit and other relevant architectural design software.

• Strong architectural design and technical capabilities.
• Excellent understanding of luxury hospitality and resort design.
• Strong spatial planning and area programming expertise.
• Creative thinking with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong coordination, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Strong presentation, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Experience with internationally recognized luxury hospitality brands and projects such as Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, St. Regis, Aman, One&Only, Six…