Associate

We are looking for an Associate Architect for an opportunity in Dubai who leads with concept, manages design delivery and has a strong commercial understanding of projects/development. You will work across hospitality, high-rise, residential, mixed-use and masterplanning projects, locally in the UAE and internationally.

Responsibilities

Concept and design leadership

• Develop strong, original design concepts
• Guide the design vision as projects progress, keeping the concept intact through each stage
• Contribute to masterplanning, including land use, density, massing, urban framework and phasing to individual buildings, massing models and facade

Design management and development

• Lead and coordinate design teams through concept, schematic, design development and tender stages.
• Manage consultant coordination (structure, MEP, façade, landscape, interiors, specialist advisors) and resolve design clashes early.
• Design review and manage drawings, models and reports for quality, buildability and consistency with the approved concept.

Commercial and cost awareness

• Test design decisions against budget, efficiency (GFA, NSA, gross-to-net) and programme from the earliest stage.
• Work with cost consultants on cost plans and value engineering, and make sure design changes are weighed for cost and time.
• Help prepare fee proposals, resourcing plans and project programmes, and track scope and variations.

Client and project engagement

• Act as a day-to-day contact for clients, operators, developers and consultants.
• Support business development through bids, pitches and competition entries.
• Work with international teams and partners on projects outside the UAE.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture
• Professional registration or chartership is preferred (RIBA, ARB or equivalent); eligibility for UAE registration is helpful.

Experience

• 10 years+ of post-qualification experience, with a substantial part in the UAE or GCC.
• A proven record on hospitality, residential and mixed-use projects, with exposure to masterplanning.
• Experience across multiple stages, from concept through design development, with a clear understanding of how the later stages affect the concept.
• Experience leading design teams and coordinating external consultants.
• Working knowledge of UAE authority approvals and local codes (Dubai Building Code, Civil Defence / fire and life safety, Dubai Municipality guidelines).
• International project experience is a strong plus.

Skills and attributes

• Strong conceptual and graphic ability, supported by a portfolio that shows both ideas and delivery.
• Commercial awareness: confident discussing efficiencies, areas, costs, value engineering and programme with clients and cost consultants.
• Clear communicator, comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders and writing concise reports.
• Organised, proactive and able to manage several projects at once.
• Collaborative leader who can motivate and develop a multicultural team.

Software

• Revit and AutoCAD; Rhino / Grasshopper is a plus.
• SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), and Enscape / Twinmotion or similar visualisation tools.
• Microsoft Office; BIM coordination tools such as Navisworks are an advantage.

Advantageous

• Experience with AI in architecture is a clear advantage. This could include:
• Using generative AI tools for concept exploration, image development and design iteration.
• Computational or parametric design workflows (Grasshopper, Python or similar) and data-driven options analysis for massing and yield studies.
• Applying AI to design management, such as automating repetitive documentation, summarising consultant comments or checking design briefs.
• Helping shape how AI tools are adopted across the studio, including standards, quality control and responsible use.