Lead Senior Architect

Recently Established Architecture/Engineering Firm in Saudi Arabia

Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Ref: RP203-01

Job description / Role

Employment: Full Time

Role
The Architect will play a pivotal role in setting and realizing the firm’s design philosophy and output to the highest quality standard and to provide guidance and subject matter expertise based on an in-depth understanding of design criteria inherent in architecture planning and design work as well to meet and exceed the industry practice and statutory regulations. Working very closely with the Head of Design, the candidate will support the design direction of the studio by performing a strategic as well as a hands-on function from concept design, preliminary design and technical detailing, to sub-contractor coordination, tender documentation, project management and delivery. The candidate will work on a wide range of high end, mid-scale architectural design projects ranging from commercial and residential buildings to mixed use compounds and hospitality developments. The architect’s role will primarily require a solid strength in innovative and creative concept generation, a high level of technical competence for the development of detailed design and marked proficiency in 3D visualization software and graphic presentation skills. Additional key duties involve preparation of architectural budgets, coordination of contracted services for Structure & MEP disciplines expertise in staff supervision and support of quality management systems. The ideal candidate is a multi-talented, tried and tested hands-on architect with international design experience and a passion for design innovation and excellence and high standard output. The position offers a unique opportunity for the highly talented designer to realize his design vision, to showcase his creative skills and to take pride in his individual and team performance

Responsibilities
The successful candidate will have the creative talent, technical knowledge and visualization expertise necessary to carry out the following responsibilities that are required to support the design and supervision of architecture projects:
• Work with Head of Design to define the design brief and to clarify the scope of the project and the specific client and project criteria that are to be met
• Document site conditions for the proposal and execution of the architectural vision including land use stipulations and limitations, statutory requirements, geotechnical reports, etc.
• Develop project plans that identify the basis of design, scope of work, goals key activities, outputs and resource requirements that form the basis for monitoring project performance
• Conduct comprehensive research on building precedence and prototypes as well as collect data on the principles and practices of related engineering design methods and systems
• Develops creative design concepts which are functional, aesthetic, safe and conducive to intended purposes and uses as well as reflective of the client goals and within project budget
• Estimate preliminary budgets for the realization of the proposed design and prepare price quotations for designs using standard pricing schemes and including options for using different construction method, structural systems, materials and building technology
• Research and identify key building construction and technology systems required to support the design proposal such as construction materials, structural systems, cladding, curtain walls, glazing, shading systems, ECS, etc.
• Identify the discipline specific tasks, staff selection and duties as well as the optimal allocation of resources in order to ensure the completion of the project within time and budget parameters
• Research and identify the required specialist consultants and industry suppliers that are essential for providing technical details and sourcing of materials and systems for design development and documentation
• Prepare presentations of the conceptual design ideas which include drawings, sketches, renderings, images, 3D visuals, color and material boards, photographs and models.
• Identify potential challenges in the Preliminary Design phase that may present challenges to the proposed design and verify at each stage that the proposed details are technically feasible and can be sourced
• Provide direction and technical advice to the team members in the preparation of accurate high quality drawings and support them in their professional development
• Develops Concept Design for Design-Build projects based on project's requirements and in accordance with relevant Authorities’ regulations
• Convert Preliminary Design Concepts to a complete set of Detailed Design Drawings using 2D &3D CAD Software that meet industry standards across various disciplines as well as satisfy local Authorities requirements
• Communicate with Head of Design/ Consultant / Authorities for obtaining necessary Approvals / NOC’s for ongoing projects pending the receipt of final approval/building permit
• Prepare visually powerful presentation boards and images both 2D &3D using colored manual sketches and digital media-AutoCAD and 3D Max studio, Photoshop,Vray, Sketchup and Revit
• Coordinate the Projects design drawings with Structural / Architectural / MEP disciplines and highlight any discrepancies to the concerned consultant
• Reviews sub-contractors’/ suppliers’ Shop Drawings and verify their accuracy and conformity with proposed design
• Source and nominate local and international suppliers and contractors according to the design and materials needed
• Follow up on the preparation of working construction shop drawings and review submittal data on proposed materials and equipment for conformity with the contract and project specifications
• Make recommendations to Head of Design on Creative Value Engineering ideas.
• Follow up and coordinate between factory and project manager. engineer, subcontractor and the client representative at all the steps of the project from initiation step till handing over including monitoring and following up any expected variations to ensure precise realization by all parties.
• Assist the Head of Design in soliciting bids from contractors and manufacturers for the fabrication and installation of systems, materials and finishes
• Assist in the preparation of Tender documentation and IFC packages
• Set-up and implemented quality assurance measures and document control procedures. Review and be accountable for all design and contract documentation
• Monitor and evaluate architectural plans and designs, feasibility, and safety standards and ensure adherence to building codes and statutory regulations.
• Conducted periodic project review meetings with consultants, engineers and contractors to remain abreast of timelines and building schedules for project completion
• Maintained periodic visits to project sites for inspection of Civil, MEP and interior works to verify adherence to design specifications and for trouble shooting
• Monitor and supervise the performance of contractors and suppliers to ensure design specifications and quality
• Prepare periodic reports to the Head of Design identifying achieved targets, highlighting potential challenges and proposing remedial solutions

Requirements

Required Skills
• Strong understanding of architecture design principles and practices and the ability to interpret design concepts using practices and procedures in the architecture field
• Advanced knowledge of design trends, current models, construction methodology, construction industries, technical details, materials and applications.
• Advanced creative and innovative architectural design
• Understands the standard architectural work planning, technical issues, scheduling and cost estimating process, and conducts independent research and work requiring judgment in the application of design technology
• High skill in assessing the scope of architectural challenges and developing practical solutions
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools and principles involved in the development of drawings, technical details and models
• Knowledge of building technologies, regulations and safety codes
• Strong understanding of green design and sustainable systems, materials and products conducive to the protection of the environment and human health.
• Ability to provide technical direction and assign work to designers and drafters to meet design assignments
• Ability to liaise and assert authority in dealing with consultants and contractors- mainly structure & MEP
• High proficiency in MS Office- Word, Excel and Outlook
• High proficiency in AutoCAD/Architectural Desktop
• Good knowledge of 3D Modeling software - 3D Max studio and Viz 2006
• Good knowledge of graphic design software - Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup and InDesign
• Knowledge of Revit is an added advantage
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interface and lead team efforts
• Independent and proactive attitude with good management, planning and organizational skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing

Required Experience
• Master degree in Architecture or minimum of a Bachelor degree in Architecture Design from an accredited educational institution
• 10-12 years of professional experience with partial experience working for an international architecture firm
• Experience in high end mid-scale commercial, residential mixed use and hospitality development architectural projects
• Advanced experience with different construction technology and materials, structural systems, cladding, curtain walls, glazing, shading systems, ECS, etc.
• Experience in upholding building and construction codes, regulations and requirements in KSA as well as familiarity in dealing with the local statutory authorities
• Experience with managing knowledge of sustainability and its integration into the design and the construction of building. Experience with coordinating a multidiscipline design team.
• Experience in producing a full, well-coordinated detailed set of architectural, tender, construction and coordination drawings
• Planning and coordinating architectural design proposals, forecasts, change orders, bid evaluations and awarding.
• Demonstrated experience in designing independently with minimum supervision
• Candidate must be in Saudi Arabia or have experience in working in GCC

About the Company

A recently established Architecture/Engineering and Interior Design boutique firm in Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia with a distinctive and highly innovative cutting edge design philosophy specializing in high end, mid-size commercial, residential and hospitality projects.

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Senior Architect salaries in Saudi Arabia

Average monthly compensation
SAR 20,500

Breakdown available for industries, cities and years of experience