Technical Design Associate

Kristina Zanic Consultants is renowned for delivering originality, quality, and style across world-class hospitality, leisure, commercial, and residential projects. Guided by our core values — Visionary, Integrity, Flexible, Empowering, and Passionate — we create spaces that inspire and endure.We are looking for Technical Design Associate who is a senior technical leadership role responsible for the technical development, documentation, coordination, quality assurance and post-contract delivery of interior architecture projects. The role provides technical direction across assigned projects, ensuring that design intent is translated into coordinated, buildable and high-quality documentation for hospitality, commercial, leisure and residential projects, including demolition, structural alterations, FF&E, lighting, joinery and specialist design interfaces.The Technical Design Associate acts as a technical authority for assigned projects and provides leadership to Senior Technical Designers, Designers and CAD/BIM team members as required. The role extends through design development, tender/IFC documentation and post-contract services, including shop drawing review, material and mock-up approvals, site inspections, technical coordination, RFIs, variations and snagging. The ultimate goal is to protect KZC design intent, technical quality, programmed and buildability through to completion.What You’ll DoThe Technical Design Associate reviews and interprets operator brand standards, local authority requirements, project specifications and relevant codes, and establishes the technical approach for assigned projects. The Associate is accountable for the quality and completeness of design drawings, specifications, schedules and technical packages, ensuring they communicate design intent clearly, are coordinated across disciplines, are buildable and comply with KZC standards. The Associate identifies technical risks early, proposes robust detailing and construction methodologies, and drives resolution of complex technical issues.Leads the technical development and documentation process from design development through tender/IFC and post-contract delivery, working closely with the design leadership, project managers, designers, CAD/BIM team and external consultants. The Associate provides technical direction, reviews deliverables, resolves coordination issues, mentors technical staff and ensures that project information is issued to the required quality and programmed. The Associate administers KZC SOPs, QA/QC procedures, checklists and the Project Quality Plan (PQP) for post-contract services, and ensures lessons learned are captured and applied.Projects include:o hospitality (hotels and F&B)o private residences and residential developmentso office spaceso retail locations, e.g. malls, shops, cafes, forecourtso leisure spaces, e.g. cinema, recreation complexesAdditional role and ResponsibilitiesOverviewing detailed working drawings, designs, plans, models, and schemes, using computer-aided design (CAD) software or red line markups whichever is appropriate for the project.Maintaining quality of drawings, details and standards and overviewing this with the design team. Pointing out corrections.Surveying buildings if necessary to see site conditions and attend site to ensure all details and existing conditions are captured and detailed solutions are prepared.Preparing checklist items to be included in drawings and updating the PQP as necessary working with the Quality Administrator.Ensuring documentation complies with ISO and local building regulations.Ensuring documentation is in line with Operator manual & design standards where applicable.Working in a team with other designers and CAD team.Supervising work at the design development and documentation stage and on-site post-contract services when and if required on projects assigned.Coordinating with architects and other Engineering and design professionals to determine the best resolved solutions working with manufacturers and contractors to determine the most appropriate details for the project.Coordinating Detail drawings with specialist drawings to ensure good integration, such as Kitchen Specialist drawings, Spa Specialist, Signage, Lighting architects etc.Keeping up to date with new developments in the design industry.Ensuring no gaps are left within the packages, and chasing to get the information on time and per quality to maintain deadlines and delivery.Coordinating with FF&E design team to ensure CAD block are accurately produced per FF&E selections.Lead by example, set technical standards for the team and ensure a professional level of service is consistently delivered in accordance with Kristina Zanic Consultants Service Standards and Values.Representing KZC professionally in client, consultant, contractor and supplier meetings when delegated, communicating technical recommendations clearly and confidently.Maintaining strong awareness of UAE construction practices, authority requirements, procurement constraints, material availability, fabrication processes and site execution realities.Mentoring and developing Senior Technical Designers, Designers and CAD/BIM team members, providing constructive technical guidance and establishing consistent detailing standards across projects.Supporting fee and scope reviews by identifying technical deliverables, coordination requirements, additional services and potential project risks.Supporting project leadership with technical programme planning, deliverable forecasting, resource requirements, technical risk identification and recovery actions where programme or quality is at risk.Conducting site inspections and technical reviews, identifying non-conformances and incomplete works, and supporting the preparation and close-out of snagging and quality reports.Reviewing RFIs, technical submittals, shop drawings, samples, mock-ups, method statements and proposed alternatives during post-contract stages, escalating material design risks or deviations where required.Providing technical input to design development, value engineering, mock-ups, material selection, fabrication methodology and buildability reviews without compromising the approved design intent.Reviewing BIM models and coordinated information where applicable, with working knowledge of Revit, Navisworks and common data environments such as BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud.Leading technical coordination meetings where required, recording actions, assigning responsibilities and driving closure of outstanding technical matters.Leading multidisciplinary coordination with Architecture, Structure, MEP, lighting, AV/IT, kitchen, spa, landscape, signage and other specialist consultants to achieve fully coordinated solutions.Reviewing and approving technical packages before issue, including plans, elevations, sections, reflected ceiling plans, joinery, bespoke details, finish layouts, schedules and coordinated specialist interfaces.Acting as the technical lead for assigned projects and serving as the primary technical point of contact for internal teams and relevant external stakeholders.Lead by example and ensure the team are providing a professional level of service and consistently exhibiting Kristina Zanic Consultants Service Standard and ValuesOther ResponsibilitiesEnsure full use of the filing system and databasesBe punctual and on time to commence workBe responsible for ensuring that a professional, neat and tidy appearance is portrayed at all times, including leading by example through maintaining high standards of morale and appearanceAssist and work together as part of a team, creating and maintaining a harmonious work environment. Be readily available at all times to deal with problems or concernsEnsure Company rules & procedures are followed in accordance with the Employee Handbook and lead by exampleBuild and foster harmonious client relationshipsWhat We’re Looking ForMinimum of 12 years’ relevant experience in interior architecture / technical design, with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, Interior Design or a related discipline.Mandatory proven post-contract and site experience on interior architecture projects, including shop drawing review, technical submittals, material/mock-up approvals, RFIs, inspections and snagging.Proven experience leading technical delivery of complex hospitality, F&B, luxury residential, commercial, retail or leisure projects, preferably within the UAE/GCC market.Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and provide direction to Senior Technical Designers, Designers and CAD/BIM team members.Strong knowledge of UAE construction practices, local authority requirements, consultant coordination, buildability, materials, joinery and specialist interfaces.Why Join Us?At Kristina Zanic Consultants, you’ll be part of a collaborative and visionary team that values creativity, innovation, and excellence. You’ll have the opportunity to work on iconic international projects, develop long-term supplier relationships, and make a lasting impact in the design world.If you are passionate about shaping spaces with originality and precision, we’d love to hear from you.Please send your application along with your CV to Mary Grace careers@kristinazanic.com