Head of Architecture

Job description / Role

To manage the Architectural Department of a multi-disciplinary design office engaged in architectural and engineering design of major building projects, including residential, commercial, corporate, recreational, educational, healthcare and mixed-use developments, from initial concept and preliminary design to final design and completion of tender documentation.

Reporting to the senior management, responsibilities will include:

• General management of the Architectural Department in relation to resources, staff assignments, design quality, technical standards, etc., including working within a BIM environment;
• Providing inspirational leadership in architectural design;
• Providing mentoring and encouraging individual professional development;
• Directing the activities of architectural design teams within the department to ensure the proper interpretation of client requirements and project briefs, initiation and development of designs and preparation of construction documentation;
• Ensuring that architectural design work is properly coordinated with the requirements of other design disciplines;
• Presenting architectural designs to appropriate regulatory authorities for approval;
• Ensuing the completeness and quality of the output of architectural design teams;
• Ensuring that work is prepared and completed in accordance with established project design schedules and budgets;
• Providing input to technical and financial proposals for prospective projects.

Requirements

Suitable candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in architecture, membership of or registration with, a recognized national professional body (e.g. ARB, RIBA, AIA) and a minimum of 15 years’ experience since professional qualification, some of which should have been gained in the Middle East.

A thorough knowledge of all aspects of the building design process, including in-depth knowledge of architectural construction materials and their application, as well as considerable experience in the production of design documentation, including drawings and details, schedules and specifications, is essential.

The ability to communicate ideas effectively to other team members, as well as an understanding of the engineering requirements of projects and the coordination of these into the architectural design, are essential aspects of the position. Candidates must be conversant with international codes and standards for building design and be familiar with quality assurance/quality control procedures applicable to a design office.

About the Company

Omrania & Associates (O&A) is an architectural and engineering consultancy with more than 35 years experience as one of the leading consulting and design firms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With offices in Riyadh, Amman and Bahrain, O&A offers a range of services in the fields of Town Planning, Architecture, Engineering and Project Management, from initial feasibility studies, through building programme development, architecture and engineering design to construction management and supervision.