Design Technical Director

X-Architects is seeking an experienced and technically accomplished Design Technical Director to join our leadership team in Dubai. This senior leadership role will drive technical excellence, design quality, and project delivery across our architectural and master planning portfolio. Working closely with the Head of Design, Founders, Project Director, and multidisciplinary teams, you will play a pivotal role in translating ambitious design visions into technically robust, coordinated, and buildable solutions.

We are looking for a hands-on technical leader with a strong architectural background, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a proven track record of delivering complex projects from concept through construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Lead the technical delivery of multiple complex architectural and master planning projects across all design stages, from feasibility and concept design through tender documentation and construction.
• Design Quality & Compliance: Establish and maintain the highest standards of technical quality, ensuring compliance with UAE building codes, authority requirements, international standards, and company design procedures.
• Project Delivery: Resolve complex design and coordination challenges, oversee critical project milestones, and support delivery within agreed programmes, budgets, and contractual obligations.
• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Drive effective collaboration between architectural, structural, MEP, landscape, interior design, and specialist consultant teams.
• Technical Reviews & QA/QC: Lead design reviews, technical audits, detailed drawing reviews, and quality assurance processes to ensure coordinated, accurate, and buildable project deliverables.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the department in senior-level client meetings, technical workshops, authority discussions, and contractor coordination meetings.
• Departmental Leadership: Support the Head of Design in resource planning, workload management, technical performance monitoring, and continuous improvement of departmental standards and processes.
• People Development: Mentor and develop Senior Architects, Design Managers, and Project Architects, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Strategic Support: Act as Deputy to the Head of Design when required, contributing to the department’s operational effectiveness and overall business performance.

What We're Looking For

• A Bachelor's degree in Architecture; a Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum 20 years of professional architectural experience , including at least 10 years leading multidisciplinary design teams.
• Extensive experience delivering complex architectural projects across all RIBA/AIA design stages, from concept to construction.
• Excellent knowledge of UAE building codes, local authority approval processes, and applicable international design standards.
• Strong technical detailing expertise and a demonstrated ability to resolve complex architectural and construction-related challenges.
• Proven experience coordinating architectural design with structural, MEP, and other specialist disciplines.
• Experience in BIM-enabled project delivery and multidisciplinary design coordination.
• Demonstrated capability in technical quality assurance, design reviews, and the development of technical standards.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• GCC experience is preferred.
• Professional registration or chartership is desirable.

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