Senior Design Architect

Role overview

A prominent real estate developer in Abu Dhabi is looking for a Senior Design Architect to help shape the architectural direction, quality, and place-making approach across a varied portfolio of large-scale residential, mixed-use, hospitality, and destination projects.

This position is strongly focused on concept design, inventive thinking, and architectural excellence. The selected candidate will turn development goals into refined architectural outcomes, create persuasive design concepts, and coordinate with consultants so that each project stays aligned with the approved vision, business goals, and expected quality standards.

Working alongside senior leaders, development teams, and outside consultants, the role will provide design leadership from the earliest project stages through concept and schematic design.

Design leadership and concept development

• Drive the creation of architectural concepts and design approaches across multiple development types and asset classes.
• Convert project briefs and development strategies into practical, innovative, and commercially sound design solutions.
• Create and present clear design stories, vision statements, and place-making ideas.
• Prepare and supervise concept studies, massing options, test fits, design diagrams, and presentation packs.
• Maintain a consistent design direction through all relevant project phases.

Consultant management and design review

• Direct and support external architects, master planners, and specialist consultants throughout the design journey.
• Evaluate design submissions carefully and provide clear feedback to strengthen overall quality and outcomes.
• Confirm that consultant outputs match approved briefs, development aims, and design standards.
• Assess concept, schematic, and detailed design packages and advise senior management on recommendations.

Design coordination

• Work closely with development, project management, infrastructure, and commercial teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Ensure architectural concepts address planning, technical, operational, and commercial needs effectively.
• Assist in preparing design briefs, RFPs, and consultant scope documents.
• Take part in design workshops, review sessions, and stakeholder presentations.

Stakeholder engagement

• Present concepts, strategies, and recommendations to senior leadership and project stakeholders.
• Explain design intent clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Develop strong working relationships with internal teams, consultants, and external stakeholders to support successful delivery.

Design excellence and innovation

• Promote high design standards, creativity, and best practices across the project portfolio.
• Stay informed on global design trends, emerging technologies, and benchmark projects.
• Encourage sustainable design thinking and strong user experiences.
• Contribute to ongoing improvement of design processes, standards, and working methods.

Team development

• Coach and support junior architects and designers within the team.
• Share expertise, design knowledge, and professional best practices.
• Help strengthen the organisation’s overall design capability.

Qualifications and experience

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture is required. Professional registration with a recognised architectural body would be an advantage.

The role calls for 12 to 15 years of professional experience in architecture and design, with a strong track record in delivering high-quality residential, hospitality, mixed-use, or destination developments. Candidates should have solid experience in concept design, visioning, and early project development, ideally gained within a developer, master developer, top architectural practice, or design consultancy. GCC experience is preferred, and UAE experience is highly desirable.

Skills and competencies

The ideal candidate will bring strong design authorship, excellent spatial planning ability, and a clear understanding of placemaking. They should be able to turn strategic objectives into compelling architectural solutions, communicate ideas visually through sketches, diagrams, and design narratives, and manage consultants across complex submissions. Strong presentation skills, stakeholder handling, commercial awareness, teamwork, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, SketchUp, Revit, and similar tools are important. Excellent written and spoken English is required, while Arabic would be an added advantage.

Why this opportunity stands out

This is a chance to join one of Abu Dhabi’s leading real estate developers and contribute to landmark residential, hospitality, and mixed-use destinations. The position offers exposure to major projects, senior decision-makers, and the opportunity to influence the architectural identity of developments from the outset.