About the Role: Responsibilities, Skills, and Requirements
Introduction
Are you the kind of person who finds satisfaction in seeing a building take shape, down to the last millimeter? At Al Shamikha Engineering Consultancy, we’re on the lookout for an Architectural Draftsman eager to turn imaginative concepts into clear, actionable plans. This is more than just redrawing blueprints — you’ll play a key role in shaping Abu Dhabi’s ever-evolving skyline, bringing both creativity and precision to every project. If the idea of moving from sketch to structure excites you, you could be the collaborator we’ve been looking for.
About the Company
Al Shamikha Engineering Consultancy might be headquartered in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, but our projects reach all across the Emirates — from bold new villas to thoughtfully designed commercial spaces. We’re a tight-knit, driven team who genuinely care about the details, both in our drawings and in our daily interactions. Interdepartmental chats are frequent, and “walk the floor” moments are embraced, no matter your job title. We value practical design, clear communication, and a sense of ownership over our work. The best part? Fridays usually end with a team catch-up and a good laugh.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Transform hand-drawn sketches and architectural ideas into detailed technical drawings using AutoCAD and similar software.
- Collaborate closely with architects and engineers to ensure designs are not just beautiful, but feasible and code-compliant.
- Conduct site visits as needed to gather field measurements and ensure drawing accuracy.
- Revise drawings according to feedback, always striving for clarity and precision.
- Maintain an organized archive of drawings and project documentation (you’ll thank yourself later—trust us).
- Coordinate drawing deliveries to clients and stakeholders on tight deadlines, because timing matters.
- Stay updated on UAE building codes and best drafting practices—you’ll be the go-to for technical accuracy.
What You’ll Bring
Must-Haves
- Proven experience in architectural drafting within a consultancy or similar setting.
- Solid command of AutoCAD and architectural 2D drawing software (3D a bonus!).
- Knowledge of local Abu Dhabi or UAE building regulations.
- A keen eye for accuracy, detail, and spatial relationships.
- Good communication skills—you’ll be working with designers, engineers, and sometimes clients.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines without losing your cool.
Nice-to-Haves
- Familiarity with BIM/Revit or similar 3D modeling software.
- Experience creating shop drawings or working drawings for construction.
- Some proficiency in English and Arabic, especially for reading project documents.
Not sure you tick every box? We’d still love to hear from you.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Competitive salary and employment stability in a permanent, full-time role.
- Opportunity to contribute to impactful projects across Abu Dhabi and beyond.
- Collaborative, family-feel team that values your input and initiative.
- Structured growth path—progress your drafting skills or evolve into senior design roles.
- Supportive work environment: approachable leaders, approachable coworkers.
- Convenient office location in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, with occasional site visits for variety.
- Regular team-building moments, and no one expects you to work late “just because.”
At Al Shamikha, you’re not just following plans — you’re helping to create them. If you like a workplace where your expertise makes a real difference, you’ll feel at home.
Common Interview Questions and Tips
To help you prepare and feel confident, here are some questions you might encounter during the interview process for this role.
- Can you walk me through your process for turning an architect’s hand-drawn sketches into detailed, code-compliant technical drawings using AutoCAD?
- Describe a project where you needed to revise drawings multiple times after receiving feedback. How did you ensure clarity and precision were maintained throughout?
- How do you keep yourself updated on UAE or Abu Dhabi-specific building codes, and can you share an example where this knowledge impacted a drawing you produced?
- Tell us about a time when you coordinated drawing deliveries to clients or stakeholders under a tight deadline. What steps did you take to make sure everything was accurate and on time?
- In your experience, what are the most common challenges you’ve faced while collecting field measurements during site visits, and how have you overcome them?
- Have you ever used 3D modeling software like Revit or BIM in your drafting work? If so, how did it enhance your ability to communicate design intent to the project team?
- Give an example of how you’ve organized and maintained an archive of project documentation. What strategies or tools do you use to keep everything accessible?
- Imagine you notice a design solution in a drawing that looks beautiful but may not be structurally feasible. How would you approach the architect or engineer to discuss your concerns?
- Describe a time when you needed to balance accuracy and speed—how did you ensure quality didn’t slip while meeting a tight deadline?
- When working with team members from different departments, how do you make sure everyone stays on the same page throughout a project?
- How would you handle a situation where you receive conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders about a drawing?
- What motivates you to pay close attention to detail in your drawings, especially when the workload is high or project timelines are demanding?
- How do you contribute a positive attitude to a team with different personalities, especially during stressful phases in a project?
- Why are you interested in Al Shamikha Engineering Consultancy, and how do you see yourself being part of our collaborative and detail-oriented culture