DIRECTOR OF DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE HOSPITALITY & LEISURE
Location: Dubai, UAE
Salary: Up to AED 65,000 per month + full benefits package
Our client is a leading international design and architecture consultancy with an impressive portfolio of high-profile projects across the Middle East and beyond. They are seeking an exceptional Director of Architecture to lead the design and delivery of luxury hospitality, mixed-use leisure, and resort developments in the UAE. This is an outstanding opportunity to shape iconic destinations and create world-class architectural experiences in one of the world's most dynamic markets.
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.
Responsibilities
- Lead the architectural design vision for major hospitality, resort, and mixed-use leisure projects across the UAE and wider region
- Direct multidisciplinary design teams through all project phases from feasibility and concept design to construction delivery
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, developers, and key stakeholders, ensuring alignment of vision and expectations
- Provide creative leadership and design excellence across luxury hotel, resort, and leisure developments
- Oversee preparation of design documentation, technical specifications, and client presentations to exceptional standards
- Ensure all designs meet UAE regulatory requirements, international building standards, and sustainability benchmarks
- Mentor and develop architectural talent within the practice, building high-performing teams and fostering innovation
- Manage multiple concurrent projects ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
- Present design proposals and strategies to senior clients, investors, and approval authorities with clarity and conviction
- Champion design innovation while maintaining commercial viability and operational functionality
- Coordinate seamlessly with structural, MEP, landscape, and interior design disciplines for integrated delivery
- Represent the consultancy at industry forums, client pitches, and design competitions
Requirements
- Minimum 18-20 years experience in architecture with significant leadership on major hospitality or resort projects
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture; professional registration (ARB, RIBA, AIA, or equivalent) strongly preferred
- Extensive portfolio demonstrating delivery of luxury hotels, resorts, or mixed-use leisure developments
- Proven creative direction and design management expertise with world-class hospitality projects
- Exceptional leadership skills with track record of inspiring, mentoring, and managing large architectural teams
- Outstanding client relationship management capabilities with experience engaging C-level executives and developers
- Superior communication and presentation skills with ability to articulate sophisticated design concepts effectively
- Deep understanding of hospitality design principles, guest experience, operational requirements, and brand standards
- Experience working in the UAE or GCC region highly advantageous; knowledge of local regulations beneficial
- Strong technical proficiency in relevant design software and understanding of BIM processes
- Commercial awareness with ability to balance design ambition with project constraints and financial realities
- Proven ability to manage multiple high-pressure projects simultaneously while maintaining design excellence
- Fluency in English essential; Arabic or additional languages advantageous
