Technical Design Manager

The Architectural Technical Design Manager will lead and manage the entire architectural design process from concept through detailed design and construction support, ensuring technical excellence, multidisciplinary coordination, and strict compliance with UAE authority regulations, regional and international codes, and the company Design Guidelines. The role requires proactive engagement with the company's Project Management, Planning, Cost, and Engineering teams to guarantee design quality, constructability, program alignment, and cost control for mega-scale residential, hospitality, and mixed-use developments.



Key Responsibilities
Own the full architectural design lifecycle: From early concept through detailed design and construction support, acting as the company's lead for architectural and technical design management.
Conduct comprehensive technical reviews of all architectural and specialist submissions, including but not limited to:
Drawings, specifications, schedules, details, and BIM models.
Materials, systems, interfaces, and constructability aspects.
Ensure multidisciplinary coordination across architecture, structural, MEP, faade, ID, landscape, and specialist disciplines (acoustics, fire & life safety, sustainability, ICT/ELV, wayfinding, accessibility, traffic/parking, hospitality brand standards).
Verify compliance with:
The company Design Guidelines and approved benchmarks.
Local authority regulations and UAE codes (ADM, DMT, and Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction).
Regional and international standards (IBC, BS, NFPA, ADA, LEED/Estidama).
Commercial Responsibilities:
Prepare and review RFPs, scopes of work, and fee proposals for architectural packages.
Support procurement and contract negotiations for design consultants and peer reviewers.
Manage consultants and peer reviewers, ensuring clear scope, alignment, and timely closure of comments.
Drive technical risk management: Identify design gaps, constructability issues, and coordination conflicts early; implement mitigation strategies.
Coordinate closely with the company's Cost, Planning, and Project Management teams to monitor design progress, report risks, and assess impacts on scope, cost, and time.
Ensure authority submissions are complete, coordinated, and compliant; manage NOCs and approvals.
Maintain formal trackers, documentation, and audit trails for reviews, approvals, and design changes.
Lead technical coordination meetings, workshops, and prepare weekly progress reports for senior management.
Act as the guardian of the company's architectural quality standards, ensuring continuous compliance and technical integrity throughout all project stages.



Specialist Design Checks
Faade engineering, fire & life safety, acoustics, sustainability (Estidama/LEED), accessibility, hospitality brand standards, and critical interfaces with structural and MEP systems.



KPIs & Performance Metrics
Design Review Closure Rate: 95% of comments closed within agreed timelines per stage.
Coordination Efficiency: Clash detection reports show 90% reduction in critical clashes before IFC stage.
Compliance Score: 100% adherence to the company Design Guidelines and UAE authority codes at each design gate.
Program Adherence: Design stage milestones achieved within 5% variance; recovery plans implemented when needed.
Cost Impact Control: All design changes assessed for cost/program impact; VE proposals documented and approved.
Authority Approvals: 100% timely submission and clearance of NOCs and permits aligned with project schedule.



Candidate Requirements

Education
Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (accredited/reputable university).
Master's Degree in Architecture or Urban Design is an advantage.

Experience
1215 years total professional experience; strong UAE experience is mandatory.
Proven delivery on mega-projects: Residential, Hospitality, Mixed-use / master-planned developments.
Prior developer-side experience within large client organizations and/or reputable UAE firms is highly preferred.
International consultancy experience is a plus.



Technical & Professional Skills
Deep knowledge of UAE construction practices, authority regulations, and approval processes.
Familiarity with regional and international codes (IBC, BS, NFPA, ADA, LEED/Estidama).
Expertise in architectural systems, faade design, and multidisciplinary coordination.
Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, BIM workflows, and design review tools (Bluebeam).
Ability to assess design decisions relative to cost, program, quality, and constructability.
Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.
Experience in writing RFPs, scopes of work, and managing consultants.



Certifications (Preferred)
RIBA, AIA, or equivalent international accreditation.
PMP, LEED AP, PQP (or similar) a plus.



Personal Attributes
Ownership and accountability; detail-oriented with a strategic, big-picture mindset.
Ability to manage multiple projects/priorities.
Confident communicator at senior/executive level.
Comfortable in a fast-paced, developer-led environment.



Work Location
Primary: Abu Dhabi / UAE.
Role may involve international projects; UAE design, construction, and authority knowledge is essential.