Venue Planning Architect
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract
Duration: ASAP – March 2027
About the Opportunity
We are seeking a talented Venue Planning Architect to join a high-profile international sporting event project in Saudi Arabia.
This role will play a critical part in the planning, development, and management of venue layouts, operational plans, spatial coordination, and technical drawings across multiple tournament venues. Working closely with operations, infrastructure, security, transport, accreditation, and venue management teams, the successful candidate will help translate operational requirements into practical and efficient venue solutions.
This opportunity is ideal for architects who enjoy working beyond traditional building design and are interested in large-scale events, stadiums, public venues, crowd management, and operational planning.
Key Responsibilities
Architectural & Spatial Planning
- Develop and maintain venue layouts, zoning plans, circulation plans, and operational drawings.
- Translate operational requirements into functional and efficient spatial designs.
- Review venue plans and identify opportunities to improve space utilization, access, and user experience.
- Coordinate venue modifications and temporary infrastructure requirements.
Venue Coordination
- Work closely with venue operations, security, accreditation, transport, workforce, medical, commercial, and broadcast teams.
- Gather stakeholder requirements and incorporate them into venue plans and layouts.
- Ensure all venue plans align with operational, safety, and accessibility standards.
- Participate in venue planning workshops, reviews, and readiness exercises.
Technical Documentation
- Produce and manage technical drawings, plans, and venue documentation.
- Maintain drawing registers, revision histories, and version control processes.
- Coordinate with consultants, contractors, venue owners, and project teams regarding design updates and operational changes.
- Ensure consistency and quality across all venue plans and documentation.
Event Readiness & Delivery
- Support venue preparation and operational readiness activities.
- Assist with planning for crowd movement, access control, workforce circulation, and temporary facilities.
- Provide planning support during test events and operational periods.
- Coordinate updates to venue plans throughout project delivery.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Spatial Planning, Interior Architecture, or a related field.
- Minimum 4–8 years of professional experience in architecture, venue planning, master planning, event infrastructure, public realm projects, stadiums, airports, transport hubs, or large-scale developments.
- Experience preparing technical drawings and coordinating multidisciplinary stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of spatial planning, circulation, accessibility, and user flow.
- Ability to work within fast-paced, deadline-driven project environments.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in AutoCAD is essential.
- Experience with Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Rhino, or similar design tools.
- Knowledge of GIS platforms is advantageous.
- Strong technical drawing and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
