Architectural Manager

Overview

KEO is a creative enterprise, where innovation is a way of life. We are uniquely resourced with end-to-end services to take clients from inspiration – through conceptualization – to realization of planning, design or project delivery in the built and natural environments. For over 60 years we’ve led with vision, contributing to many of the world’s most ambitious projects, iconic places, remarkable experiences and prosperous communities.

 

As a highly integrated and agile AEP/PMCM firm, KEO is recognized by ENR as one of the Top 225 International Design Firms and one of the Top 20 International PM/CM Firms. We are also ranked by World Architecture as the 57th largest global architecture firm and the #1 Firm in the Middle East Region in their 2024 WA100 Survey.

 

We invite you to join us. Why?

 

When you join KEO, you’ll discover more than just a job – you’ll find a supportive environment that fosters your professional development through internal global mobility and career development and does so within a culture that supports company-wide health and well-being through on-demand counselling services and regular workplace clinics. You will be invited to celebrate community events such as sports days, fun-runs, in-house sports teams and beach clean ups. In addition to your competitive package and benefits you will have access to a suite of policies that include hybrid working arrangements, individual athletic sponsorship, study assistance sponsorship, employee referral rewards, mentoring and coaching programs and extensive in-house on demand learning courses. 

Responsibilities

We are looking for a highly skilled Architectural Manager to join our multidisciplinary team in Abu Dhabi, supporting the delivery of a prestigious waterfront residential development comprising luxury villas and premium residential communities. 

 

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing architectural design reviews, coordination, technical delivery and construction-stage architectural activities. Working as part of the Consultant team, the Architectural Manager will lead architectural coordination across design validation, Architect of Record (AoR) services and construction supervision, ensuring all architectural works are delivered in accordance with approved designs, contractual requirements, quality standards and project objectives.

 

The ideal candidate will have extensive consultancy experience delivering luxury residential, villa, waterfront and high-end mixed-use developments, with strong experience in design management, multidisciplinary coordination and construction-stage delivery.

 

Design Review & Validation

• Leading the review and validation of architectural Detailed Design and Issued for Construction (IFC) documentation.
• Ensuring architectural designs comply with project requirements, applicable codes, authority regulations and client expectations.
• Reviewing architectural drawings, specifications, schedules and technical submissions.
• Identifying design gaps, coordination issues, constructability challenges and opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinating architectural reviews with Structural, MEP, Façade, Interior Design, Landscape, Fire & Life Safety and other disciplines.
• Supporting design-to-budget reviews while maintaining design intent and quality standards.
• Reviewing BIM models and ensure coordination across all architectural disciplines.

Architect of Record (AoR) Responsibilities

• Managing architectural services as part of the Architect of Record appointment.
• Coordinating design amendments, contractor design submissions and specialist consultant inputs.
• Reviewing contractor shop drawings, material submissions, technical submittals and RFIs.
• Coordinating authority submissions, approvals and design compliance requirements.
• Ensuring all architectural documentation remains updated throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Managing architectural interfaces between consultants, contractors, suppliers and project stakeholders.

Construction Supervision & Delivery

• Providing architectural leadership during the construction phase.
• Monitoring architectural works to ensure compliance with approved IFC documentation, specifications and quality requirements.
• Conducting site inspections and review architectural finishes, materials, workmanship and installation standards.
• Reviewing mock-ups, samples, material approvals and specialist contractor submissions.
• Identifying defects, non-conformances and quality issues, ensuring timely resolution.
• Coordinating with site supervision teams to resolve architectural and technical issues.
• Monitoring progress and support successful project completion, handover and Defects Liability Period activities.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• • Leading and mentor architectural teams throughout project delivery.
  • Coordinating with clients, contractors, consultants and specialist suppliers.
  • Facilitating design coordination meetings and technical workshops.
  • Providing technical guidance and decision-making support to project teams.
  • Promoting quality, innovation and best practice architectural delivery.

 

Qualifications

To be successful in this dynamic opportunity, we envision that your career journey to date will include a minimum of 15 years’ career experience partnered with a Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering or related field and professional architectural registration is preferred.

• Strong consultancy experience within architecture and multidisciplinary design environments.
• Proven experience delivering luxury villas, high-end residential communities and waterfront developments.
• Experience managing projects through detailed design, construction and handover stages.

KEO’s performance is founded upon integrity, results, innovation, safety and our people. We embrace diversity and recognise its’ contribution to client success wherever we work.

We are excited to hear how you can partner with our award-winning team and treat all expressions of interest confidentially.