We are looking for an internationally experienced LEAD ARCHITECT to join our team in The Middle East to deliver one of the most revolutionary buildings in history, destined to be the heart and new global landmark of a key metropolis in the Middle East

The project is a mix-used ecosystem of different program heavily focused on next generation retail, with residential, hospitality and leisure and it will feature ground-breaking revolutionary immersive technology at the centre of its offer

The project is scale is of such magnitude that is comparable to a three-dimensional city, being similar to a mixed-use precinct with different typologies coordinated together into one cohesive whole

The selected candidate will be part of a highly skilled, elite team with direct engagement with our Regional Design Director, and will be interfacing with the most prestigious pool of global subconsultants currently aligned to support the project

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Being the owner, key point of contact and architectural lead of the building complex, considering a total GFA of over 2 million m2 and consisting of different uses throughout: Residential, Leisure, Hospitality, Retail

• The role will be supported by a dedicated project team, and its main task will be to bring cohesiveness to the work produced by specific asset teams led by other specific Lead Architects covering Hospitality, Residential, Leisure and Retail

• The role will also focus on identifying interface challenges between assets and scope gaps

• Our studio focuses on a flat hierarchy and requires hands-on involvement at all levels of seniority. Candidates are expected to be able to manage teams, but also to produce designs, be proficient in CAD drawing, being able to produce and deliver presentations, and conduct research as necessary

• As a senior position, the role will demand extensive expertise in all stages of design, with a focus on Schematic stage onwards. It is expected that candidates will be very experienced in terms of leading the preparation of submissions, having extensive knowledge in international best standards and practices and proven expertise in architectural detailing

• Candidates are expected to be able to grasp concepts and briefings with speed and then work in a well-documented and structured way with their teams and others to produce design solutions to be evaluated within the studio and with clients and stakeholders

• Ability to work both physically together or as part of a remote team and maintain ATKINS QA/QC standards

• Keen eye for design, drawing and submissions review

Knowledge & Experience:

• 15+ years of international experience in the architectural design field

• Experience working for world-renowned design-focused firms is a plus

• Professional background centred around architecture practices of international renown

• Design experience of various scales and in various architectural types: residential, retail, hospitality, and leisure

• Extensive project experience with emphasis on large projects and programs

• Understanding of financial and commercial management of projects.

• Full understanding of risk management and ability to transmit the same to others.

• Understanding of scope definition and scope interface and ability to transmit the same to others.

• Full knowledge of international standards & best practice, policies, codes and procedures and ability to transmit the same to others.

• A knowledge and appreciation of Statutory Authorities requirements and international best practice

• Experience working on high-profile, fast paced projects with complex stakeholder and approvals processes

Essential Skills:

• Excellent “eye for design”

• Fluency in English, spoken and written

• Outstanding presentation skills.

• Excellent Software ability (both for CAD, CAM, graphic prestation)

• Rhino/ Grasshopper are a plus

• Ability to engage in design discussion with a capability to prepare and deliver public/ group presentations, and conduct research on different topics with autonomy

• Strong organizational skills, ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines on budget and on time

• A keen eye for detail resolution and accuracy

• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative in response to direction from project managers, directors and partners

• A team player, with a flexible and open attitude towards new ways of working and collaborating

• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills, communicating with clarity, purpose, and accuracy

• Ability to negotiate

• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.

• Flexibility and positive attitude towards company objectives.

• Cordial relationships with clients and stakeholders.

• Commitment to innovation and design excellence

Qualifications:

• B.Arch or B.Sc. in Architecture from a recognized university

• Postgraduate Studies in Architecture are desirable

• International accreditation (RIBA, AIA, or equivalent).

Rewards and Benefits

We offer an excellent package which includes:

• A competitive salary

• Accommodation allowance

• Transportation allowance

• 22 calendar days annual leave (based on 5 day working week)

• Medical and life insurance cover

• Company gratuity scheme

• Discretionary bonus scheme

• Annual flight allowance to point of origin

• Employee Assistance Programme – 24 hour free advice on financial, legal and family

SNC Lavalin's Atkins business is one of the largest multidisciplinary, multi sector engineering design consultancies in the world and is part of the SNC Lavalin Group.

As one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies with a leading track record in the defence sector, Atkins are ideally placed to respond to this market. We have a broad establishment and proud, 50 year history throughout the Middle East region.

We provide a full range of design, engineering and project management services for buildings, transportation and other infrastructure programmes.

Atkins in the Middle East now employs around 2,000 staff serving Gulf clients across all market sectors from offices in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Manama, Muscat, Riyadh, and Sharjah.

Active in the Middle East for over 20 years, we have offices in the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia. We hire and retain only the best people in the industry. Our success is built on recruiting – and then developing – brilliant people from a broad range of professional and cultural backgrounds. It’s precisely this diversity of talent that sets us apart.

Acquired by SNC Lavalin in 2017, we also have an extensive depth of geographic exposure across 50 countries and the breadth of 53,000 experts. As one of the largest engineering consultants, we have access to 17,000 staff in the Middle East making us one of the largest multidisciplinary consultancies in the region.

As a market-leading design, engineering and project management consultancy we're transforming infrastructure delivery.
Data and technological innovation are reshaping and improving every aspect of our lives. Our passion for turning insights into solutions helps you to use these forces to transform your infrastructure projects.
That could mean fixing things for better outcomes or imagining new ways of doing things. We help to create and build the future of the lived environment.
Our consultants are natural disrupters and innovators; they combine extensive experience in each sector with market-leading expertise and new tools and techniques that transform infrastructure to deliver better and more sustainable lived environments for everyone.
We help you build on what has gone before to create a whole-infrastructure digital ecosystem that combines the best of your heritage with a connected and a data-driven approach.
Working with Atkins enables our clients to make even the most complex projects a success for the builder, for clients and for citizens.