Associate / Architectural Director
Dubai
About the Role
This senior leadership position is based in our client's Dubai studio and reports directly to a Partner. You will play a pivotal role in driving both the creative and commercial success of the Hospitality Architecture studio. This is an ideal opportunity for an ambitious, entrepreneurial architectural leader who thrives on autonomy, client relationship building, and business growth. You will lead the design and delivery of high-end hospitality, resort, and mixed-use projects while identifying opportunities, winning new work, and contributing to the strategic expansion of our client's studio across the Middle East and internationally.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Studio Growth
- Drive growth of the Hospitality Architecture business across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider region.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with hotel operators, developers, investors, and industry partners.
- Lead business development efforts including networking, pitches, design competitions, and contract negotiations.
- Identify market opportunities and contribute to our client's strategic positioning and studio expansion.
- Deliver measurable results in revenue generation and client acquisition.
Design Leadership
- Lead multidisciplinary teams across all project stages, delivering world-class luxury hospitality and resort architecture.
- Provide creative direction that enhances guest experience while meeting commercial and sustainability goals.
- Present concepts confidently to clients and stakeholders.
- Mentor and develop architectural teams to foster a high-performing, collaborative culture.
Commercial & Project Leadership
- Oversee multiple projects from concept through construction, ensuring quality, profitability, and client satisfaction.
- Manage project scopes, fees, budgets, programmes, and financial performance.
- Ensure technical compliance and delivery to the highest standards.
- Travel regionally and internationally as required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture.
- Registered Architect (RIBA, AIA or equivalent preferred).
- 15+ years experience, with at least 12 years in luxury hospitality, resort, and mixed-use developments.
- Strong portfolio of completed projects.
- Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Fluent English.
To Be Successful You Will Have
- An entrepreneurial mindset with a proven track record of winning work and growing client relationships in the hospitality sector.
- Strong commercial acumen and experience managing project profitability and studio performance.
- Outstanding presentation, negotiation, and client-facing skills.
- Exceptional conceptual design ability combined with technical and delivery expertise.
- The confidence to operate independently and lead high-performing teams.
This is a unique opportunity to join our client's globally respected design consultancy, shape landmark hospitality projects, and build your own client portfolio in a highly entrepreneurial environment with significant career growth potential.
