Associate / Associate Director – Technical Architect

Job Description

WSP in the Middle East are seeking a highly accomplished Associate / Associate Director – Technical Architect to join our team in UAE and lead the technical delivery of major multidisciplinary projects across the UAE and wider Middle East region.

The Associate / Associate Director – Technical Architect will provide technical leadership across all stages of design and project delivery, ensuring architectural excellence, compliance, constructability, and quality. The role requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience delivering large-scale, complex developments in the Middle East and a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and engage with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical architectural design and delivery of major projects from concept through construction.
• Provide expert guidance on building systems, materials, detailing, coordination, and technical compliance.
• Review and approve architectural deliverables to ensure alignment with project requirements, quality standards, and local regulations.
• Coordinate closely with structural, MEP, landscape, and specialist disciplines to ensure integrated design solutions.
• Lead technical reviews, design audits, and quality assurance processes.
• Ensure compliance with UAE building regulations, international codes, and client standards.
• Provide technical mentoring and leadership to architects and project teams.
• Support project directors and design leads in managing programme, risk, resources, and technical performance.
• Interface with clients, authorities, contractors, and key stakeholders throughout project delivery.
• Contribute to business development activities, proposals, and strategic client engagements where required.
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and digital design methodologies across projects.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in architecture.
• Minimum 15 years' professional experience, with significant exposure to the Middle East market.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, residential, aviation, cultural, healthcare, or public sector projects.
• Strong technical expertise in architectural detailing, specifications, building systems, and construction methodologies.
• In-depth understanding of UAE authority approvals and building regulations.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary design coordination.
• Strong knowledge of international design and construction standards.
• Excellent stakeholder management and client-facing skills.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities.
  
  
  

Preferred

• Chartered Architect, RIBA, AIA, ARB, or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Experience working within leading international consultancy environments.
• Knowledge of BIM delivery processes and digital design platforms.
• Experience leading teams within complex, fast-paced project environments.
  
  
  

What You'll Bring

• Strategic technical leadership.
• Strong commercial and project delivery awareness.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• A collaborative approach with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Commitment to quality, innovation, and design excellence.
  
  
  

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

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