Site Architect

The Role

Our client, a larger developer in the UAE, needs a Site Architect for a large project IN RAK. Location: Dubai/ Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE (Flexible working arrangement: 3 days on-site in RAK, 2 days at Dubai HQ) Project: Branded Residential Development 1 Role Overview As the primary on-...

The Role
Our client, a larger developer in the UAE, needs a Site Architect for a large project IN RAK. Location: Dubai/ Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE (Flexible working arrangement: 3 days on-site in RAK, 2 days at Dubai HQ) Project: Branded Residential Development 1 Role Overview As the primary on-site guardian of the architectural intent during the construction stage of a flagship branded residential development in Ras Al Khaimah, you will bridge the gap between high-level design vision and physical execution. Working in close collaboration with the Construction Manager, you will tackle technical queries, lead site walks, and ensure every architectural element, material selection, and spatial decision rigorously mirrors the approved design package. This is a highly proactive, on-site role that demands regular physical presence, decisive judgment, and unwavering ownership of design quality. 1 Key Responsibilities * Shop Drawing Review: Examine and issue timely formal responses to shop drawing submittals from the contractor across all architectural and landscape packages. * RFI Management: Address Requests for Information (RFIs) from contractors by delivering clear, well-reasoned design directives that protect the integrity of the approved design package. * Material Evaluation: Review architectural material submittals, assess proposed alternatives or substitutions against project specifications, and recommend options that balance aesthetic intent, quality, and constructability. * Vendor & Subcontractor Assessment: Evaluate proposed vendors and subcontractors submitted by the contractor for architectural scopes to verify their capability to execute luxury design and quality standards. * Inspections & Sign-offs: Action inspection requests promptly, conduct physical site inspections, and provide formal written sign-offs or corrective directions as needed. * Proactive Quality Control: Execute regular site walks to identify design deviations, non-conformances, and quality flaws early, preventing costly downstream rectifications.

Requirements
1 Ideal Candidate Profile * Experience: 8 to 10 years of professional architectural experience with significant exposure to hospitality, hotel, or high-end branded residential projects. (Candidates with 6-8 years will be considered if they possess exceptionally strong site delivery experience). * Delivery Background: Proven track record in a site-based construction delivery role managing shop drawings, RFIs, site inspections, and snagging on live projects. (Note: Purely contractor-side experience is insufficient; candidates must have served as the designers or clients representative on site). * Technical Acumen: Deep technical knowledge of architectural construction detailing, material specifications, and rigorous build quality standards. * Design Sensibility: A sharp, discerning eye for luxury design quality tailored to hospitality-grade residential standards, with a clear understanding of high-end craftsmanship. * Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, authoritative, and structured formal responses to submittals and RFIs. * Global Perspective: International project experience is highly valued, combined with the adaptability to thrive in the fast-paced UAE construction market.

About the company
Blake Anderson is a boutique consultancy based in the UK, with a satellite office in Dubai. Specialising in Technical and Construction Recruitment, Blake Anderson provides a superior service to clients and candidates within the construction and technical sectors. We concentrate on placing professionals throughout the world, focusing mainly on the Middle East and Asia, drawing on both the global and local markets for highly qualified professionals. In order to attract the best talent, we invest in various high-end advertising mediums. With a database of 1,000s of candidates, our experienced consultants have a wealth of recruitment knowledge and have a consultative approach at all times, ensuring a second to none service.