Lead Architect Job Details

Job Description

Lead Architect

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Senior/Executive

Experience level

Job details

Office

Work location

Architecture Design

Career

About the job

Pace is a leading multidisciplinary consultancy firm based in the Middle East which provides architecture, engineering, and planning services. We assist national governments, international organisations, and private sector companies in delivering successful and local solutions with global expertise. Founded in 1968 in Kuwait City, we build on our fifty-five-year legacy by continuing to contribute positively and ethically to the development and shaping of our societies. As one of the region’s largest privately owned design and engineering consultancies, we currently employ more than 750 professionals and operate internationally in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

About the Role

Leads an architectural design team. Plans, including budget and resources overview, schedules, organizes, coordinates and executes the design work on projects of all scales. Acts as a key member driving the Quality Assurance focus with regular interaction with an Associate Director or designated senior team member.

What you will be doing

Collaborate and communicate clearly and concisely with the colleagues, Clients, contractors and stakeholders to positively influence and resolve critical and sometimes conflicting issues or requirements.
Conduct Line management and appriasals of the Senior Architects and other grades of staff supporting professional and personal development, including mentoring and coaching responsbilities.
Contribute to the design and delivery of innovative design solutions and emerging technologies with market insights, whilst reconciling Clients’ and Pace objectives.
Contribute to the preparation of bids and coordinate with the graphics, marketing, comms and proposals teams including the pipeline review of new project opportunites.
Contribute to the preparation of monthly PSR’s in coordination with the PMO team.
Contribute to the weekly BIM and QA-QC processes.
Develop and support standardised procedures to achieve project delivery excellence.
Develop the Design Manual (BIM delivery), Cost Capture(VO’s), Design Review (design quality) and Safety in Design (safety integrated into our designs).
Drive quality through the Pace QM QA-QC processes.
Ensure design brief compliance, completeness and accuracy of all delverables prior to issue.
Ensure effective communations with the site supervision teams and specifically the coordination of RFI’s, shop drawings, specifications including site safety.
Ensuring quality control mock-ups and samples to ensure the site installed systems match the Pace design intent.
Ensuring the deliverables meet the Client’s requirements, Pace corporate standards and industry best practice standards.
Lead and cooordinate the Value Engineering of technical and value+ solutions.
Lead client meetings and project reviews of internal and external multidisciplinary teams, checking project deliverables for accuracy and completeness.
Lead, coordinate and manage the work of the multi-disciplinary teams including external and specialist consultants and partners.
Manage Corporate, project and personal KPI’s, ensuring those under line mamagement achieve their KPIs.
Participate in the weekly project design and coordination meetings ensuring the agenda, minutes and actions are recorded and implemented.
Participate in the weekly senior management team meetings with subject matter expertise responsibilities.
Play a role in the operatons of the architecture department including resourcing, recruitment, interviewing, HR interractions and management duties.
Proactively support innovative business solutions and processes through research, analysis and development in collaboration with the wider business.
Proactively support the Director of Architecture and the Associate Directors with the effective operations of the corporate functions of the business.
Represent Pace at regional and international events.
Rigorously challenge project teams across all disciplines to drive performance and efficiency, proactively identify and support the mitigation of commercial risks.
Secure, sustain and expand a broad client base in line with the corporate objectives.
Support the Director of Architecture, other Directors and Associate Directors in developing the relationships of existng and new clients for current and future opportunities.
Support the business development and CRM strategy and the support of client networks.
Take accountability for own duties and tasks and for projects under your leadership.
Take part in the development and implementation of the corporate Pace3 programmes, contiuous improvement and lessons learned.
Work closely with all levels of the company from juniors to Directors to ensure projects meet Pace standards for quality, design, coordination, technical documentation and budgets.
Be involved in the development and implementation of the Architcture Strategy (rolling 100 Day Plan).

Required Experience

Minimum requirement of 15 years on major international project experience.
Leading multidisciplinary teams aligned to Pace sectors and services holding Senior Architect positions or higher.
3+ years experience of working in the Middle East an advantage.
Accomplished leadership, architectural design and technical experience with a full understanding of the management of designs using a full BIM process.
Management experience of teams and departments of 50+ with direct reports of 5+.
With strong portfolio on completed projects.

Education

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) or Bachelor of Science (BS Arch), Masters of Architecture, an advantage.

Certifications & Memberships

Chartered membership with the RIBA or equivalent an advantage. CMLI for Landscape Architects.
Kuwait Society of Engineers (KSE) membership should be realistically achievable within the probation period.
Professionally registered as an Architect for 15+ years with an internationally recognised authority ARB, AIA or equivalent. Landscape Institute for Landscape Architects.
Sustainability certification (LEED or equivalent) is an advantage.

Essential Skills

Project delivery focused with attention to detail.
Demonstrates real-world problem solving skills with innovative and lateral thinking, identifying and resolving risks through effective management.
Ability to self-start without micro management or excessive support from others.
Demonstrates a flexible, collaborative and inclusive approach to relationships.
Proficiency in MS Project and other Design Planning & Management tools an advantage.
Working knowledge of BIM Revit and Navisworks, presentation software and Excel.
Rhinoceros 3D modelling skills.
Working knowledge of Middle East building codes is required.
Working knowledge of safety best practice.
Proven track record of excellence in Architectural design and presentation skills required.
Experience of master planning and urban design projects an advantage.
Excellent understanding of space planning, functional adjacencies and constructability.
Experience and knowledge of sustainable design principles.
Experience and knowledge of Fire & Life Safety (FLS) principles.
Proficient in the analysis, research and implementation of innovative technologies.
Excellent command of English both written and spoken. Knowledge of other languages would be an advantage.
Demonstrates a highly organized and systematic approach to delivering a project, with all required project management processes.
Constantly seeks to streamline processes and procedures to increase quality and efficiency.
Excellent time management skills.
Previous background in creating a culture of empowerment and where others share knowledge, insights and learning.
Demonstrates a good understanding of commercial decision making and risk management.

Why join Pace?

Join our award-winning multidisciplinary consultancy firm, offering architecture, engineering, and planning services based in the GCC region with projects across the globe.

With over 55 years of pushing boundaries in design, innovation, and quality, employees have the chance to contribute to projects shaping the landmarks of the future.

Our commitment to prioritising people ensures a safe, diverse, inclusive, and progressive work environment where employees can grow and develop their careers through organisational, individual, and professional goals. Collaborating with industry-leading experts on unique projects, you can also enjoy the economic benefits and lifestyle opportunities the region offers.

Information at a Glance