Description

The Director of Architecture – Retail & Hospitality will be based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and will lead the design and execution of innovative projects in the retail and hospitality sectors across the region. This senior role reports to the Architecture leadership team and is responsible for shaping the practice’s technical direction and strategic growth.

Key responsibilities include overseeing practice management, design direction, budget oversight, and bid strategy; guiding concept development; aligning design, technical, and business development teams; and engaging directly with clients to translate their vision into context‑responsive designs. The director will also lead client presentations, ensure technical and code compliance, define project timelines, monitor progress, prepare financial forecasts, and develop risk‑mitigation strategies while driving process improvements and thought leadership.

• Oversee practice management, design direction, budget oversight, and bid strategy.
• Guide conceptualization and development of innovative retail and hospitality projects.
• Define technical direction with Architecture + Interiors leadership and contribute to strategic planning.
• Align design, technical, and business development teams for integrated project outcomes.
• Engage clients to translate vision into context‑responsive designs and lead presentations.
• Provide high‑level technical oversight ensuring code compliance and consultancy standards.
• Define project timelines, monitor progress, and ensure delivery within scope and budget.
• Prepare financial reports, forecasts, and manage project budgets.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and other disciplines for seamless integration.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and ensure scalable, adaptable solutions.
• Solve high‑level design and business challenges through innovative cross‑functional collaboration.
• Drive process improvements and contribute to industry thought leadership.
• Ensure design excellence, documentation accuracy, coordination integrity, and code compliance.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, possess a valid professional license, and have at least 15 years of experience focused on retail and hospitality design. A strong portfolio, proven leadership of large‑scale projects, excellent project‑management skills, proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp, and deep knowledge of design trends, sustainable practices, and international codes are required.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture with a valid professional license.
• Minimum 15 years of architectural design experience focused on retail and hospitality.
• Proven track record leading large‑scale, complex projects with a strong portfolio.
• Strong leadership, team management, and ability to inspire diverse teams.
• Expert project management skills including budgeting, resource allocation, and scheduling.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp.
• In‑depth knowledge of design trends, sustainable practices, and international building codes.

Benefits

AECOM offers comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, disability, paid time off, flexible work options, well‑being resources, retirement savings, and an employee stock purchase plan. Employees benefit from cutting‑edge technology, a global network of experts, award‑winning training and development programs, and a supportive, inclusive workplace that encourages growth and impact on both local and global projects.

• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability, paid time off, and flexible work options.
• Well‑being resources, employee assistance program, and voluntary perks.
• Retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan.
• Business travel insurance and service recognition awards.
• Access to cutting‑edge technology, expert network, and award‑winning training programs.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance