Drawing Specialist (Design Compliance & Authority Review)

Job description / Role

Job Title: Drawings Specialist (Design Compliance & Authority Review)
Location: Dubai, UAE
Employment Type: Full-Time

Role Overview

Our client in Dubai is seeking a technically strong Drawings Specialist to act as a zoning / authority review representative, responsible for receiving, reviewing, and assessing technical drawing submissions from contractors and consultants. The role ensures that all submissions comply with applicable local regulations, codes of practice, and master community guidelines before approval.

The position requires a high level of technical competence, strong knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks, and excellent communication skills to clearly advise applicants on compliance requirements and design revisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive and review technical drawing submissions for fit-out and building works
• Assess submissions against relevant regulations and guidelines, including but not limited to:
• Dubai Municipality Building Code
• UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice
• Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) regulations
• ASHRAE standards and Empower HVAC design requirements
• Dubai Municipality Food Safety & Hygiene requirements
• Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) requirements (where applicable)
• Master community and building guidelines
• Identify design non-compliance, clashes, and regulatory gaps in submitted drawings
• Prepare clear technical comments and compliance feedback for applicants
• Approve or reject submissions based on technical and regulatory compliance
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders to resolve design issues
• Maintain accurate records of submissions, reviews, approvals, and resubmissions
• Ensure consistency and quality in the application of codes, standards, and guidelines
• Support continuous improvement of the design review and approval process

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline

Minimum 5 years experience in:

• Design review, authority approvals, technical compliance, or consultancy roles in the UAE

Strong working knowledge of:

• UAE building codes and authority regulations
• Fire & Life Safety, MEP, and architectural coordination
• Fit-out and building design standards
• Proven ability to read, interpret, and review:
• Architectural, structural, and MEP drawings
• Specifications, codes, and regulatory requirements

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical judgment and compliance-focused mindset
• Excellent attention to detail and documentation discipline
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to explain technical and regulatory issues to non-technical stakeholders
• Confident in challenging non-compliant designs and proposing corrective actions
• Good stakeholder management and coordination skills
• Proficient in MS Office and drawing / document review systems

About the Company

Service

Our aim is to provide our clients and candidates with a consistent, quality service that goes beyond the norm, giving them peace of mind and complete trust in our ability to meet their needs.

Knowledge

Big Fish consultants specialise in their fields and have extensive experience in the region and beyond. We take pride in our knowledge and network and believe that our relationships are built on trust and integrity and are made for the long term.

Care

At Big Fish, as well as caring for the people we work with, we also care about the world and environment we live in, that's why Big Fish support initiatives that promote human welfare, environmental protection and sustainability.