Director of Architecture

I'm currently working with a well-established international architectural consultancy in Dubai that is looking to appoint a Director of Architecture to lead and further develop its Architecture business unit across the Middle East.

This is a senior leadership appointment within a growing international practice delivering major mixed-use, hospitality, commercial and residential developments across the region and internationally.

The successful individual will take ownership of the department's strategic direction, leading the continued growth of the architectural team, strengthening design capability, developing client relationships, and helping position the business as a market leader across the region.

Whilst maintaining oversight of design quality and project delivery, this role is significantly focused on leadership, business growth and team development.

The successful candidate will be responsible for building a high-performing architecture team, mentoring senior staff, improving processes, supporting business development activities, and working closely with the executive leadership team to expand the firm's architectural offering.

This position would suit somebody currently operating at Associate Director, Design Director or Director level within a recognised international architectural practice or leading regional consultancy who is looking to take ownership of a business unit and play a significant role in its long-term growth and success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the Architecture department across the region.
• Build, mentor and grow a high-performing team of architects and design leaders.
• Shape the strategic direction and future growth of the Architecture business unit.
• Oversee design quality and provide leadership across multiple major projects.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with key clients, developers and stakeholders.
• Support business development, winning work and expanding existing client relationships.
• Improve operational performance, team capability and project delivery processes.
• Work closely with the executive leadership team on business planning and regional growth initiatives.
• Champion design excellence whilst ensuring commercial and operational objectives are achieved.

Requirements:

• Extensive experience leading architectural teams within a recognised international practice or major regional consultancy.
• Strong leadership credentials with experience managing, mentoring and developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven experience growing departments, studios or business units.
• Excellent client-facing, commercial and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong understanding of large-scale mixed-use, hospitality, commercial and residential developments.
• Ability to oversee multiple projects whilst maintaining high design and delivery standards.
• Experience contributing to business development, strategic planning and winning new work.
• Previous Middle East experience is preferred.

This represents an excellent opportunity to take ownership of an established Architecture business unit within a respected international consultancy, with the autonomy to grow the team, influence strategic direction and play a key role in the firm's continued expansion across the region.