Architectural Design Manager

Our client is a multidisciplinary creative studio, with a maximum of ten people per studio, working across ideation, partnering, funding, design and delivery. Its approach combines creative concepts, partnerships and ownership, with ambitions to deliver its own products and projects across the region and launch further studios.

Reporting to the Design Director / CEO, you will act as the studio’s senior design and delivery lead. You will combine design leadership, technical coordination, team management and client-facing project management, maintaining design quality, programmes and budgets throughout each project.

This is a full-time, on-site position in Dubai, with site visits.

Key responsibilities

• Lead feasibility studies, concept design, schematic design and detailed design, translating briefs into coherent, buildable architectural solutions.
  
• Protect design intent throughout delivery, including value engineering without diluting the concept.
  
• Lead façade strategy and design development, coordinating consultants, engineers and specialist contractors.
  
• Prepare and present design packages to clients, partners, stakeholders and review committees.
  
• Work with the Design Director / CEO to shape project creative direction and the studio’s own products.
  
• Manage architects, designers, technicians and remote partners, assigning tasks, reviewing work and mentoring team members, including the Senior Architectural Designer.
  
• Own design programmes, resource planning, deliverable tracking and fee/budget performance.
  
• Act as the primary design contact for clients and project managers, managing progress reporting, risk escalation and change.
  
• Coordinate structural, MEP, landscape, interiors, fire, façade and sustainability consultants.
  
• Lead the production and review of technical drawings, specifications and construction documentation.
  
• Ensure compliance with applicable UAE regulations and authority requirements, including authority submissions.
  
• Drive BIM strategy, model structure, LOD requirements, quality checks and clash coordination.
  
• Maintain Revit standards and workflows in line with the BIM Execution Plan and Common Data Environment.
  
• Review contractor submittals, shop drawings and mock-ups, respond to RFIs and support site inspections.
  
• Support bids, proposals, partnership discussions and early project development.
  
• Develop studio standards, improve delivery workflows and support recruitment, onboarding and team development.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Master’s degree in Architecture or equivalent.
  
• At least 7 years’ experience in architectural consultancy practice.
  
• Proven track record on large-scale commercial, mixed-use or hospitality projects.
  
• A strong conceptual portfolio compatible with the studio’s creative direction.
  
• High creativity and a genuine understanding of the region.
  
• Advanced Revit proficiency and strong BIM workflow knowledge.
  
• Façade design and coordination experience.
  
• Experience leading multidisciplinary coordination and managing design teams.
  
• Strong presentation, communication and client-management skills.
  
• Ability to explain and defend design ideas clearly and persuasively.
  
• Entrepreneurial, collaborative approach and confidence working in a small, fast-moving studio.
  
• Fluent English.
  

Desirable

• GCC authority approvals and local code experience.
  
• Middle East luxury hospitality or destination project experience.
  
• Familiarity with Rhino/Grasshopper, Enscape/Twinmotion and SketchUp.
  
• Experience working with remote teams or partners.
  
• UAE professional registration or equivalence, or willingness to pursue it.
  

Benefits

• Starting salary of AED 26,000 per month, subject to confirmation.
  
• Visa.
  
• Medical insurance.
  
• Annual flight allowance.
  
• Standard end-of-service benefits.
  
• Further benefits linked to achieving personal and studio goals.