Senior Architect

1- MISSION

To lead architectural design delivery on assigned project(s), from concept through completion, ensuring design quality, technical coordination, regulatory compliance, programme performance, and full Client satisfaction. 

2- LINE AND STAFF RELATIONS

The Senior Architect will report to the Head of Building Practice and/or the Design Manager and will lead and coordinate architects, BIM resources, specialist designers, and multidisciplinary contributors assigned to the project(s). 

Artelia staff: 
o Architects, BIM Manager, Design Manager, discipline leads, and project management 
team 

Internal / External collaborators: 
o Multidisciplinary engineers, specialist consultants, partners, sub-consultants, Clients, 
operators, and statutory authorities. All coordination shall be conducted 
professionally, with decisions, minutes, and exchanges adequately documented.  

3- KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Design delivery:

• Lead the architectural design team in the delivery of projects from concept and feasibility through detailed design, authority approvals, tender, construction support, and completion.
• Ensure that designs meet all relevant international codes, IATA and ICAO standards, and UAE 
  authority submission requirements (Dubai Municipality, Civil Defense, Estidama, etc.)
• Coordinate with BIM Manager and Coordinator to prepare list of deliverables and Guarantee that all project deliverables (drawings, specifications, reports) meet contractual and regulatory 
  requirements.
• Ensure full technical coordination across disciplines and with sub-consultants.
• Conduct reviews of deliverables at every stage for quality and compliance before submission.
• Act as the architectural design lead and design coordinator, managing interfaces, priorities, design risks, reviews, and decision-making across the project.
• Lead design reviews, coordination workshops, approval meetings, and high-level presentations with Clients, executive stakeholders, operators, and authorities.
• Develop clear executive presentation narratives and communicate complex design matters through concise, high-quality visual and verbal presentations.
• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and quality oversight to architects and BIM team members.
• Use AI-enabled workflows and other necessary design software elements responsibly to support option generation, design analysis, visualisation, coordination, quality checks, and presentation preparation, while maintaining professional judgement, data confidentiality, traceability, and human review.
  

Documentation:

• Ensure all design deliverables comply with Company/Client standards, as well as relevant UAE 
  regulatory and aviation authority submission protocols (IATA/ICAO guidelines).
• Maintain systematic documentation for traceability and audit purposes. 

Coordination:

• Coordinate works internally across all disciplines.
• Coordinate externally with stakeholders, sub-consultants, statutory authorities, and aviation 
  regulators.
• Lead architectural interface management and close out design, coordination, and authority 
  comments within agreed deadlines.
• Support project leadership in scope definition, programme planning, resource forecasting, fee 
  control, change management, and technical risk management. 

4- MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 10 years of relevant post-graduate architectural experience, including a substantial 
  record of leading multidisciplinary design delivery on large-scale and complex projects; aviation sector experience is an advantage.
• Bachelor of Architecture / Master of Architecture Degree or equivalent.
• Current UAE professional membership, where applicable, and eligibility to obtain and maintain the relevant professional architect/engineering registration or licence required by the competent Abu Dhabi authorities.
• International professional accreditation (RIBA, AIA, or equivalent) and sustainability certification (LEED, Estidama PQP, WELL, or equivalent) are preferred. 

Knowledge:

• Statutory Authorities requirements and UAE codes/regulations (Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi 
  UPC, Civil Defense, GCAA, etc.
• IATA Airport Development Reference Manual (ADRM) and ICAO Annexes for airport planning and design.
• Fire & Life Safety principles, accessibility standards, and sustainable design principles.
• Strong understanding of design leadership, multidisciplinary coordination, constructability, 
  specifications, material selection, value engineering, and authority approval processes.
• Ability to translate Client strategy and operational requirements into robust design briefs, design decisions, and executive-level presentations. 
  

Software and digital skills:

• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit (BIM).
• Knowledge of 3D rendering and visualization tools (Enscape, Lumion, Twinmotion, Unreal 
  Engine).
• Preferably experience with parametric and computational design tools (Grasshopper, Rhino, 
  Dynamo).
• Demonstrated capability to work in an AI-enabled architectural environment, using appropriate 
  generative, analytical, visualisation, and productivity tools to improve design options, 
  coordination, quality, and communication will be preferred.
• Advanced capability in preparing and presenting high-level Client presentations using suitable 
  visualisation, layout, and presentation software.
• Ability to use collaborative project management platforms (BIM 360, Navisworks, Asite, Primavera Cloud).
• Awareness of digital twin platforms and integration with asset management systems.