Design Manager - Architecture, Dubai

About the role

Arada creates communities that inspire healthier, happier and more meaningful lives through sustainable developments and exceptional customer experiences. As Design Manager (Architecture), you will lead the architectural design process from concept through IFC and into construction support, keeping the design aligned with the investment case, cost, programme and quality benchmarks. The role requires strong leadership of consultants and close collaboration with Development, Commercial, Construction and Project Management teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design lifecycle from concept design through tender and IFC with international and local consultants, acting as the design custodian up to construction.
• Assess, appoint and manage design consultants, including scope, fees, contracts, performance and variations.
• Chair design reviews, workshops and coordination sessions, and monitor progress, deliverables and compliance.
• Keep design within approved budgets, investment case and master programme, and report risks, issues and milestones regularly.
• Review design documentation for quality, completeness, coordination and constructability, and oversee QA, value engineering and design optimisation.
• Ensure compliance with local authority requirements, UAE planning regulations and fire and life safety codes.
• Support tendering and procurement: prepare RFPs, evaluate technical submissions and coordinate appointments with Commercial and Procurement.
• Support construction by reviewing RFIs, material submissions, mock-ups and shop drawings, and resolving design issues with site teams.
• Help develop the Project Management Plan and Design Implementation Plan, and maintain design governance and reporting standards.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture (Master's preferred).
• Minimum 12 years' experience in a consultancy and/or developer environment, with large-scale developments.
• Proven experience delivering projects in the Middle East, with UAE experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of the UAE legal, approval and planning framework for architectural design.
• Fluent English and excellent communication skills.

Required skills

• AutoCAD, Revit and Adobe Suite
• BIM implementation and multi-disciplinary BIM coordination
• Preferred: membership of a recognised professional body such as RIBA or AIA