Director of Architecture

Description

The Director of Architecture will provide strategic design leadership and creative direction for major hospitality and leisure projects from initial concept through to construction completion. You will lead multidisciplinary teams including architects, interior designers, engineers, and consultants to deliver exceptional built environments. This role demands a distinguished track record in luxury hospitality architecture, strong leadership credentials, and the ability to manage complex, high-value projects in a demanding, fast-paced environment.

• Provide creative leadership and design excellence across luxury hotel, resort, and leisure developments
• Coordinate seamlessly with structural, MEP, landscape, and interior design disciplines for integrated delivery
• Champion design innovation while maintaining commercial viability and operational functionality
• Manage multiple concurrent projects ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, developers, and key stakeholders, ensuring alignment of vision and expectations
• Present design proposals and strategies to senior clients, investors, and approval authorities with clarity and conviction
• Represent the consultancy at industry forums, client pitches, and design competitions
• Mentor and develop architectural talent within the practice, building high-performing teams and fostering innovation
• Ensure all designs meet UAE regulatory requirements, international building standards, and sustainability benchmarks
• Direct multidisciplinary design teams through all project phases from feasibility and concept design to construction delivery
• Lead the architectural design vision for major hospitality, resort, and mixed-use leisure projects across the UAE and wider region
• Oversee preparation of design documentation, technical specifications, and client presentations to exceptional standards

Requirements

• Proven ability to manage multiple high-pressure projects simultaneously while maintaining design excellence
• Superior communication and presentation skills with ability to articulate sophisticated design concepts effectively
• Commercial awareness with ability to balance design ambition with project constraints and financial realities
• Experience working in the UAE or GCC region highly advantageous; knowledge of local regulations beneficial
• Extensive portfolio demonstrating delivery of luxury hotels, resorts, or mixed-use leisure developments
• Outstanding client relationship management capabilities with experience engaging C-level executives and developers
• Exceptional leadership skills with track record of inspiring, mentoring, and managing large architectural teams
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture; professional registration (ARB, RIBA, AIA, or equivalent) strongly preferred
• Proven creative direction and design management expertise with world-class hospitality projects
• Deep understanding of hospitality design principles, guest experience, operational requirements, and brand standards
• Strong technical proficiency in relevant design software and understanding of BIM processes
• Fluency in English essential; Arabic or additional languages advantageous
• Minimum 18-20 years' experience in architecture with significant leadership on major hospitality or resort projects

Benefits

Salary: Up to AED 65,000 per month + full benefits package

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance