Senior Architect

POSITION OVERVIEWWe are seeking a Senior Architect with strong, practical knowledge of Dubai authority regulations, architectural submissions and approval procedures. The role will lead regulatory compliance and submissions for complex developments while coordinating architectural design, consultants and site teams, with particular emphasis on hotel and resort projects.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESAuthority Regulations, Permits & Submissions

• Lead the preparation, coordination and submission of complete architectural approval packages, including drawings, schedules, technical reports and supporting documentation.
• Interpret and apply applicable Dubai and UAE regulations, development controls, building codes, fire and life-safety requirements, accessibility standards and master-developer guidelines.
• Liaise directly with relevant authorities and stakeholders—including Dubai Municipality, Trakhees, Nakheel and Dubai Civil Defense, as applicable—to obtain permits, NOCs and statutory approvals.
• Manage authority comments, drawing revisions, resubmissions, design amendments and approval trackers through timely closure.
• Verify architectural submissions for plot limits, setbacks, heights, floor-area calculations, circulation, means of escape and other approval-critical parameters.Architectural Design & Multidisciplinary Coordination
• Review and develop architectural concepts, design-development packages and technical drawings to ensure compliance, functionality and constructability.
• Coordinate architectural interfaces with structural, MEP, fire/life-safety, interior design and specialist consultants; proactively resolve clashes and approval risks.
• Ensure hotel and resort designs address operational planning, guest circulation, back-of-house areas, service access and hospitality design requirements.
• Oversee CAD documentation, drawing quality, specifications, details and issue control across internal teams and external consultants.Project Delivery & Technical Leadership
• Provide architectural support during construction, including technical clarifications, design changes, RFIs, shop drawing reviews and material submissions.
• Monitor design compliance with authority-approved drawings and coordinate documentation for inspections, completion and close-out approvals as applicable.
• Guide architects and draughting staff, manage technical priorities and represent the architectural discipline in coordination and authority meetings.ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from a recognized university.
• Valid Dubai Municipality (DM) G+12 Architect certification/registration — mandatory.
• Minimum 5 years of professional architectural experience, including significant experience working on projects in Dubai / the UAE.
• Proven, hands-on experience in authority liaison, regulatory compliance, formal architectural submissions, permit applications, design amendments and approval follow-up.
• Relevant hospitality-project experience is mandatory: direct involvement in at least one hotel or resort development, preferably including design coordination and authority approvals.
• Sound working knowledge of applicable Dubai authority procedures and requirements; experience coordinating with Trakhees, Nakheel and other master-developer authorities is strongly preferred.
• Strong AutoCAD capability and competence in reviewing architectural layouts, technical details, schedules, specifications and statutory submission drawings.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multidisciplinary consultants and resolve technical and authority-related design matters.
• Strong written and verbal English communication, technical reporting, document control and stakeholder-management skills.PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES
• Track record of obtaining approvals for technically complex, multi-storey and/or mixed-use hospitality developments.
• Ability to assess regulatory risks early, recommend practical compliant design solutions and manage submissions to agreed deadlines.
• Strong ownership, attention to detail, independent judgement and a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach.SUCCESS IN THIS ROLEThe successful candidate will be able to take ownership of architectural compliance and the authority submission process, secure timely responses and approvals, and maintain design quality and technical coordination from design development through construction.