Junior Architect

Job description / Role

The Junior Architect will play a supporting role in 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 and the Senior Architect, the candidate will support the design direction of the studio by performing hands-on function from concept design, preliminary design and technical detailing, to sub-contractor coordination, tender documentation and project management. 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 Junior architect’s role will primarily require a solid strength in innovative and creative concept generation, technical competence for the development of detailed design and marked proficiency in 3D visualization software and graphic presentation skills. Additional key duties involve the coordination of contracted services for Structure & MEP disciplines and support of quality management systems.

The ideal candidate is a multi-talented, tried and tested hands-on architect with a passion for design innovation and excellence and high standard output. The position offers a unique opportunity for the 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:

• Document site conditions for the proposal and execution of the architectural vision including land use stipulations and limitations, statutory requirements, geotechnical reports, etc.
• Develop 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
• Assist in the research and identification of 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.
• Prepare presentations of the conceptual design ideas which include drawings, sketches, renderings, images, 3D visuals, color and material boards, photographs and models.
• 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
• 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
• Assist in the revision of sub-contractors’/ suppliers’ Shop Drawings and verify their accuracy and conformity with proposed design
• 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
• 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 in the preparation of Tender documentation and IFC packages
• Monitor and evaluate architectural plans and designs, feasibility, and safety standards and ensure adherence to building codes and statutory regulations.
• Attend 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
• Supervise the performance of contractors and suppliers to ensure design specifications and quality

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 creative and innovative architectural design
• 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
• Good understanding of green design and sustainable systems, materials and products conducive to the protection of the environment and human health.
• Ability to coordinate and integrate contracted services- mainly Structure & MEP
• High proficiency in MS Office- Word, Excel and Outlook
• High proficiency in AutoCAD/Architectural Desktop with solid drafting skills
• Very Good knowledge of 3D Modeling software - 3D Max studio and Vray
• 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
• Bachelor degree in Architecture Design from an accredited educational institution
• 4-6 years of professional experience with partial experience working for an leading architecture firm
• Experience in high end mid-scale commercial, residential mixed use and hospitality development architectural projects
• Good 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 in collaborating on the production of a full, well-coordinated detailed set of architectural, tender, construction and coordination drawings
• 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.