Job Description

Director of Architecture - Retail & Hospitality - AECOM Middle East - Dubai, UAE
Position Overview
AECOM Middle East is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Architecture with expertise in Retail and Hospitality design to lead its regional architectural practice in Dubai. This leadership role involves overseeing design excellence, driving innovation, and ensuring seamless delivery of high-profile projects that define the future of retail and hospitality spaces across the Middle East.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Architecture & Planning
Function: Architecture-Interior Design
Salary: 65000-80000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and creative leadership for all retail and hospitality design projects in the Middle East region
• Oversee architectural concept development, design management, and technical delivery to ensure project excellence and innovation
• Guide project teams through all design stages-from concept to construction documentation-ensuring alignment with client objectives and AECOM design standards
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership in Architecture + Interiors to define strategic priorities, growth plans, and practice goals
• Lead client engagement, presentations, and business development activities to expand the firm's presence in the luxury retail and hospitality sectors
• Supervise design coordination across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring integrated project solutions combining architecture, MEP, structural, and sustainability inputs
• Drive sustainable design initiatives and promote innovative, environmentally responsible building practices
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and quality control while ensuring adherence to regulatory and building code requirements
• Provide mentorship, performance feedback, and career development opportunities for junior architects and design professionals
• Contribute to the advancement of digital design, BIM integration, and computational design methodologies within the practice
• Represent AECOM in design forums, client meetings, and industry events as a thought leader and brand ambassador

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution
• Registered Architect with valid professional license
• Minimum 15 years of experience in architectural design, including 8+ years in leadership roles
• Proven track record delivering complex retail, hospitality, and mixed-use developments
• Demonstrated success managing multidisciplinary design teams on landmark regional and international projects
• Strong understanding of current trends in retail experience design, branded environments, and hotel/resort architecture
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and related architectural visualization tools
• Deep knowledge of sustainable and LEED-certified design practices
• Excellent presentation, communication, and client relationship management skills
• Ability to lead strategic business initiatives and contribute to long-term practice growth

Skills Set

• Architectural leadership and team management
• Design concept development and execution
• Retail and hospitality architecture
• Sustainable and smart building design
• Business development and client engagement
• Project financial and resource management

Why Join Us

• Lead prestigious architectural projects across the UAE and the broader Middle East region
• Collaborate with a global network of top-tier architects, designers, and engineers
• Shape the next generation of retail and hospitality experiences through innovative design
• Access to AECOM's advanced digital platforms, training, and professional development programs
• Competitive tax-free compensation and world-class employee benefits

About the Company
AECOM Middle East is a leading architecture and engineering consultancy committed to creating sustainable, people-centered environments. From luxury retail destinations and iconic hotels to transformative urban developments, AECOM's multidisciplinary expertise spans architecture, engineering, and design innovation. Based in Dubai, the firm combines global resources with local insight to deliver projects that elevate communities and redefine modern design across the Gulf region.
Job Title Director of Architecture - Retail & Hospitality - AECOM Middle East - Dubai, UAE
Director of Architecture - Retail & Hospitality - AECOM Middle East - Dubai, UAE
Position Overview
AECOM Middle East is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Architecture with expertise in Retail and Hospitality design to lead its regional architectural practice in Dubai. This leadership role involves overseeing design excellence, driving innovation, and ensuring seamless delivery of high-profile projects that define the future of retail and hospitality spaces across the Middle East.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Architecture & Planning
Function: Architecture-Interior Design
Salary: 65000-80000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and creative leadership for all retail and hospitality design projects in the Middle East region
• Oversee architectural concept development, design management, and technical delivery to ensure project excellence and innovation
• Guide project teams through all design stages-from concept to construction documentation-ensuring alignment with client objectives and AECOM design standards
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership in Architecture + Interiors to define strategic priorities, growth plans, and practice goals
• Lead client engagement, presentations, and business development activities to expand the firm's presence in the luxury retail and hospitality sectors
• Supervise design coordination across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring integrated project solutions combining architecture, MEP, structural, and sustainability inputs
• Drive sustainable design initiatives and promote innovative, environmentally responsible building practices
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and quality control while ensuring adherence to regulatory and building code requirements
• Provide mentorship, performance feedback, and career development opportunities for junior architects and design professionals
• Contribute to the advancement of digital design, BIM integration, and computational design methodologies within the practice
• Represent AECOM in design forums, client meetings, and industry events as a thought leader and brand ambassador

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution
• Registered Architect with valid professional license
• Minimum 15 years of experience in architectural design, including 8+ years in leadership roles
• Proven track record delivering complex retail, hospitality, and mixed-use developments
• Demonstrated success managing multidisciplinary design teams on landmark regional and international projects
• Strong understanding of current trends in retail experience design, branded environments, and hotel/resort architecture
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and related architectural visualization tools
• Deep knowledge of sustainable and LEED-certified design practices
• Excellent presentation, communication, and client relationship management skills
• Ability to lead strategic business initiatives and contribute to long-term practice growth

Skills Set

• Architectural leadership and team management
• Design concept development and execution
• Retail and hospitality architecture
• Sustainable and smart building design
• Business development and client engagement
• Project financial and resource management

Why Join Us

• Lead prestigious architectural projects across the UAE and the broader Middle East region
• Collaborate with a global network of top-tier architects, designers, and engineers
• Shape the next generation of retail and hospitality experiences through innovative design
• Access to AECOM's advanced digital platforms, training, and professional development programs
• Competitive tax-free compensation and world-class employee benefits

About the Company
AECOM Middle East is a leading architecture and engineering consultancy committed to creating sustainable, people-centered environments. From luxury retail destinations and iconic hotels to transformative urban developments, AECOM's multidisciplinary expertise spans architecture, engineering, and design innovation. Based in Dubai, the firm combines global resources with local insight to deliver projects that elevate communities and redefine modern design across the Gulf region.
Post Details
Job Start Date
Salary from 65000.00
Salary to 80000.00
Number of Vacancies 1
Location -
Location City Dubai
Desired Candidate's Profile
Gender No Preference
Nationality
Candidate Current Location

Skills Required