About the Role: Responsibilities, Skills, and Requirements
Introduction
Do you see buildings not just as structures, but as stories waiting to be told? We’re looking for a creative Architect who’s eager to do more than just draft blueprints—you’ll help us bring innovative concepts to life and guide exciting projects from vision to reality. This is your chance to put your stamp on Abu Dhabi’s skyline, master both the artistry and the precision of design, and become a vital part of a collaborative architecture team.
About the Company
We’re a boutique architectural consultancy based in Abu Dhabi—small enough for you to have a real voice, big enough to handle complex, city-defining projects. Our office hums with lively discussion, sketchbooks share desk space with 3D models, and coffee breaks often turn into brainstorming sessions. We thrive on turning clients’ big ideas into buildable realities, and we’re passionate about sustainable, thoughtful design. If you like the idea of working closely with senior architects and junior designers alike—where your input can sway a project’s direction—this might feel like home.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Producing detailed, high-quality architectural designs and technical drawings for a variety of project types
- Preparing and submitting comprehensive applications via the Abu Dhabi Municipality (Mebs) portal
- Coordinating applications on multiple local authority systems—NOC, IDAS, TPD, IMAS, and ITC—not just ticking boxes, but smoothing the path for approvals
- Attending client meetings to understand project vision, requirements, and constraints, then translating these (sometimes contradictory!) needs into tangible solutions
- Providing creative input and collaborating closely with other architects, engineers, and consultants—sometimes sketching on the spot, sometimes diving deep into CAD
- Staying hands-on through site visits and project execution, ensuring designs are faithfully realized in the built environment
What You’ll Bring
Must-Haves:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a related field
- Proven experience with architectural design and documentation
- Familiarity with Abu Dhabi submission systems (Mebs, NOC, IDAS, TPD, IMAS, ITC)
- Confident user of CAD and relevant design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp)
- A creative eye—able to balance aesthetics, functionality, and compliance
- Clear communicator, comfortable with both team collaboration and client-facing moments
Nice-to-Haves:
- Prior experience working with Abu Dhabi or UAE-based authorities
- Interest in sustainable design or local building regulations
- Proficiency in Arabic
Not sure you tick every box? We’d still love to hear from you.
Why You’ll Love Working Here (Benefits & Perks)
- Competitive salary with clear progression opportunities
- Flexible/remote work arrangements (we trust you to get the job done)
- Ongoing professional development—certifications, workshops, and time set aside for learning
- A real voice at the table: your ideas will be heard and valued
- Friendly, supportive team—weekly design critiques, group lunches, and the odd spontaneous birthday cake
- Health insurance and wellness stipend
We believe great architecture comes from great teams—where every member feels empowered to contribute and grow. If you’re excited to shape Abu Dhabi’s future while also shaping your own career, let’s talk.
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 us through a recent project where you managed end-to-end architectural design, from concept to construction documentation?
- How familiar are you with the Abu Dhabi Municipality (Mebs) portal and related authority systems like NOC, IDAS, TPD, IMAS, and ITC? Can you describe a time you navigated approvals through these platforms?
- Describe your workflow when taking client requirements that may be contradictory—how do you reconcile aesthetics, functionality, and compliance in your solutions?
- What role does sustainability play in your design process, and can you share an example where you incorporated sustainable or locally compliant solutions?
- In your experience, which CAD and design software do you feel most confident with, and how have these tools helped you bring a creative vision to life?
- Give an example of a situation when a site visit revealed challenges that required you to adjust your original design. How did you respond?
- Tell us about a time you collaborated with engineers or consultants to achieve a tricky project objective. What was the outcome?
- How do you approach giving and receiving feedback during design critiques, especially in a team with a mix of junior and senior members?
- Have you ever needed to advocate for your design ideas during a client meeting? How did you ensure your perspective was understood and considered?
- What strategies do you use to maintain clear and open communication with both clients and team members throughout a project?
- Our studio thrives on lively discussion and brainstorming. How do you contribute to or facilitate creative ideation in a collaborative setting?
- Share an instance where your creative input directly influenced a project’s direction or outcome.
- What excites you most about working on projects that shape Abu Dhabi’s skyline, and how do you see yourself growing in a close-knit, boutique studio environment?