About the Role: Responsibilities, Skills, and Requirements
Introduction
Ever picture yourself shaping skylines in a city that’s writing its next chapter? Here’s your chance. We’re looking for a thoughtful, design-driven Architect to join a boutique consultancy in Madinat Al Riyadh, Abu Dhabi. If you love translating big ideas into smart, buildable plans — and you’re energized by close client collaboration — this is a role where your work will be seen, celebrated, and truly make an impact.
About the Company
This isn’t a faceless firm buried in bureaucracy; we’re a tight-knit team that believes good design starts with good conversation. Our studio is intentionally small, which means your ideas won’t just be heard — they’ll help shape our projects from day one. Around here, coffee-fueled brainstorms are as common as midweek lunch outings (yes, a favorite local shawarma spot counts as a team tradition). As Abu Dhabi continues to grow, we’re proud to play our part in building it thoughtfully, guided by respect for local context and the highest professional standards.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Shaping initial concept designs that balance creativity, client needs, and practical constraints.
- Meeting directly with clients (sometimes onsite, sometimes over coffee), listening intently to their ambitions and translating them into smart architectural solutions.
- Developing detailed design drawings and preparing all necessary documentation for DMT (Department of Municipalities and Transport) submissions.
- Integrating MEPS (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Structural) and FAB (Fire and Building) systems into your designs for seamless coordination.
- Staying up-to-date on – and weaving into your work – Abu Dhabi’s design regulations, codes, and standards.
- Occasionally pitching in with team reviews, providing feedback, and lending your expertise when someone’s stuck on a tricky detail.
What You’ll Bring
- Real-world experience preparing design concepts and DMT submission documents for Abu Dhabi projects.
- Strong know-how of MEPS and FAB system integration (you know the difference between best practices and real-life site constraints).
- Comfort with client-facing work and a knack for translating complex requirements into clear design decisions.
- Up-to-date knowledge of Abu Dhabi’s building codes and local design standards.
- Proficiency in relevant architectural and drawing software (you can let us know your stack).
- A collaborative spirit — you like working with others, and you’re happy to help raise the bar for the team.
Not sure you tick every box? We’d still love to hear from you.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Competitive compensation, commensurate with your experience.
- Support for professional development — think licenses, conferences, or that advanced CAD course you’ve been meaning to take.
- An open, supportive team culture that values creativity and mutual respect.
- Genuine opportunities for career growth as our office’s project portfolio expands.
- Flexible, trust-based working hours — we know inspiration can strike at 10 a.m. or 10 p.m.
- Occasional team outings and regular coffee breaks (our track record with finding the best baklava nearby is unbeaten).
At its heart, this is a place where you’ll see the direct impact of your ideas — on our clients, our growing city, and your own career. If that sounds like the kind of challenge you’re seeking, we can’t wait to meet you.
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 your experience developing concept designs and preparing DMT submission documents for architectural projects in Abu Dhabi?
- How do you ensure that your designs remain both creative and compliant with Abu Dhabi’s building codes and local regulations?
- Describe your approach to integrating MEPS and FAB systems into your architectural plans. Can you share a specific example where site constraints required you to adapt your solution?
- What architectural and drawing software are you most comfortable with, and how have these tools helped you streamline your workflow on past projects?
- When you’re meeting directly with clients to discuss their vision, how do you handle situations where their ambitions don’t align with regulatory or practical realities?
- Tell us about a time you helped review a colleague’s design or offered feedback on a challenging detail. How did you approach this collaborative process?
- Describe a scenario in which you had to juggle multiple client needs and technical requirements under a tight timeline. What strategies helped you succeed?
- The studio places high value on respectful discussion and teamwork. How do you handle disagreements or differing design opinions within a close-knit team?
- How do you stay updated on changes in Abu Dhabi’s local design standards and codes, and how do you ensure this knowledge informs your day-to-day design work?
- Our clients value clear communication. Can you share an example of translating complex technical requirements into understandable recommendations for a non-technical client?
- This role thrives on flexibility and trust. How do you structure your own work and stay motivated when you have autonomy over your schedule?
- What attracts you most to working in a smaller, boutique consultancy as opposed to a larger firm?
- How have professional development or ongoing learning opportunities shaped your career as an architect so far?
- What excites you most about contributing to the growth and identity of Abu Dhabi through thoughtful architecture?