Company Description
Golden Square Engineering Consultants (GS), established in 2001, is a leading multi-disciplinary planning and design firm offering innovative architectural and engineering consulting services. With a focus on sustainable, energy-efficient, and green building solutions, GS delivers high-quality results for industrial, residential, commercial, and institutional projects. Collaborating with major developers, contractors, and consultants in the UAE and MENA region, GS specializes in design-bid-build and design-build projects while ensuring timely and cost-effective outcomes. Operating from offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, Baghdad, and Canada, the firm remains dedicated to creating value and fostering long-term client relationships.
Location: Dubai, UAE
Department: Architecture & Design
Reports To: Director of Architecture / Managing Director
Employment Type: Full-Time
1. Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Architect / Design Manager with a minimum of 12 years of professional experience, including substantial experience within the UAE and GCC region. The successful candidate will lead the architectural design delivery process, with a strong emphasis on detailed design, technical documentation, BIM coordination, authority approvals, and multidisciplinary design management.
The role requires a technically strong architect capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring design excellence, compliance with local regulations, and the delivery of high-quality construction documentation packages. The candidate must possess extensive experience in architectural consultancy environments and demonstrate leadership in coordinating architecture, structure, MEP, landscape, and specialist disciplines. This aligns with the responsibilities commonly expected of senior architects and design managers in Dubai consultancy firms, particularly around detailed design, IFC documentation, BIM coordination, QA/QC, and multidisciplinary design delivery.
2. Key Responsibilities
A. Design Management & Technical Leadership
- Lead and manage architectural teams through Design Development (DD), Detailed Design, Tender Documentation, and IFC stages.
- Oversee the preparation, review, and coordination of architectural drawings, specifications, schedules, and technical reports.
- Ensure all design deliverables comply with project briefs, client requirements, international standards, and local authority regulations.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to architects, BIM modelers, and technical staff.
- Establish and maintain company-wide architectural standards and quality procedures.
B. Detailed Design & Documentation
- Lead the production and review of comprehensive detailed design packages.
- Develop architectural details, material specifications, construction assemblies, and technical solutions.
- Review shop drawings, material submissions, mock-ups, and technical proposals during construction stages.
- Ensure constructability, coordination, and compliance throughout the design process.
- Manage preparation of tender and IFC documentation to the highest quality standards.
C. Project Coordination
- Coordinate with structural, MEP, interior design, landscape, façade, lighting, and specialist consultants.
- Conduct interdisciplinary design reviews and clash detection workshops.
- Monitor design progress against project schedules and resource plans.
- Identify technical risks and propose effective mitigation measures.
- Participate in design coordination meetings with clients, contractors, and stakeholders.
D. BIM & Digital Delivery (preferred)
- Ensure effective implementation of BIM processes and project delivery standards.
- Review BIM models for quality, coordination, and compliance with project requirements.
- Support BIM execution planning and model coordination across disciplines.
E. Client & Authority Liaison
- Act as the primary architectural point of contact for clients during design delivery.
- Present technical design solutions and project progress to clients and stakeholders.
- Coordinate submissions and approvals with relevant authorities including Dubai Municipality, DDA, Trakhees, DEWA, Civil Defence, RTA, and other regulatory bodies as required.
- Address client comments and authority review feedback efficiently.
F. Quality Assurance
- Implement and maintain QA/QC procedures for all architectural deliverables.
- Conduct detailed design reviews and technical audits.
- Ensure consistency, accuracy, and completeness of project documentation.
- Monitor compliance with company standards, project specifications, and contractual obligations.
G. Team Management
- Manage and supervise architects, BIM coordinators, and technical staff.
- Allocate resources effectively across multiple projects.
- Conduct performance evaluations and support staff development.
H. Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (Master's Degree preferred).
- Registered Architect or equivalent professional accreditation preferred.
- Minimum 12 years of experience in architectural consultancy, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven experience delivering residential, commercial, hospitality, mixed-use, healthcare, or institutional projects.
- Strong UAE/GCC project experience and knowledge of local regulations.
- Extensive experience in Detailed Design, Tender Documentation, and IFC package preparation.
I. Technical Skills
- Advanced proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and other design tools.
- Strong understanding of construction systems, building materials, and detailing.
- Knowledge of UAE building codes, Dubai Municipality regulations, Civil Defence requirements, and international standards.
- Familiarity with LEED, Estidama, Al Sa'fat, or other sustainability frameworks is advantageous.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.
J. Competencies
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Good communication and presentation abilities.
- Exceptional technical detailing and problem-solving capability.
- Commercial awareness and client management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
K. Preferred Experience
- UAE consultancy experience with leading architectural or multidisciplinary firms.
- Experience managing projects from Design Development through Construction Documentation and Site Supervision support.
- Proven track record of delivering complex projects within Dubai and the wider GCC region.
