Senior Architect / Associate

Senior Architect / Associate Architect
Dubai, UAE

A boutique architectural practice based in Dubai is seeking an experienced Senior Architect to join its growing international team.
With a portfolio spanning luxury residential developments, private estates, hospitality projects, and bespoke architecture across the UAE, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Morocco, and other international markets, this is an opportunity to play a key leadership role within a design-led practice delivering world-class projects.
We are looking for a highly capable architect with a minimum of 10 years' professional experience who can confidently lead projects from concept design through to construction and completion, whilst also contributing to the strategic and operational management of the studio.
The Role
Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will be responsible for leading design teams, managing client relationships, overseeing project delivery, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the office. The successful candidate will act as a trusted senior figure within the business and will be expected to assume leadership responsibilities in the absence of the General Manager.
This is a hands-on role requiring both strong design capabilities and proven management experience.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead architectural projects from concept design through detailed design, tender, construction, and project completion.
• Manage and mentor a team of architects, designers, and technical staff.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, consultants, and project stakeholders.
• Present design concepts and project updates to clients and senior stakeholders.
• Ensure projects are delivered on programme, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary consultant teams across international projects.
• Review and oversee technical documentation, detailing, specifications, and construction packages.
• Support business operations and studio management activities.
• Assist with resource planning, project staffing, and workflow management.
• Provide leadership and operational oversight during periods when the General Manager is absent.
• Maintain exceptional design standards across all projects and project teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture.
• Minimum 10 years' post-qualification experience.
• Proven experience delivering luxury residential, hospitality, and high-end mixed-use projects.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating involvement from concept through execution.
• Previous experience leading architectural teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong technical knowledge and understanding of construction methodologies.
• Experience working on international projects is highly desirable.
• Previous Middle East experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and commercially aware.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design and documentation software.

Languages

• Fluent English is essential.
• Additional European language skills are highly desirable, particularly:
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Italian
  • French

What's on Offer

• 45,000 - 50,000 AED per month take home salary (depending on individual and experience)
• Opportunity to join a highly respected boutique design practice.
• Exposure to prestigious international projects across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
• Significant career progression opportunities.
• Leadership responsibilities with direct influence on the future growth of the practice.
• Dynamic, collaborative, and design-focused working environment in Dubai.

If you are an accomplished architect seeking a leadership role within a growing international practice and possess the ability to combine outstanding design expertise with strong business and people management skills, we would love to hear from you