Senior Architect / Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Architect / Design Manager

Company: One Works S.p.A.

Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Architectural Design & Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-26

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the architectural design and delivery of the landmark Sharjah Airport project, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, program, and quality standards.

• Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary design team, coordinating input from all disciplines and sub-consultants to achieve project objectives.

• Oversee architectural design development, reviews, and execution across all project stages, from concept to construction and handover.

• Act as a key liaison with the client and project stakeholders, representing the company in design meetings and ensuring strong relationships are maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly focused on managing the architectural design lifecycle for a major aviation infrastructure project. The "Design Manager" aspect emphasizes coordination, quality assurance, and stakeholder communication, while "Senior Architect" highlights technical expertise and leadership in architectural principles and execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the architectural design scope for the Sharjah Airport project, ensuring successful delivery against defined project parameters.

• Lead and manage the architectural design team, fostering a high-performance culture aligned with project expectations and quality standards.

• Conduct thorough reviews and approvals of all architectural deliverables, including drawings, specifications, and submittals, verifying compliance with international and local codes and project-specific requirements.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate design, technical, and programmatic risks, working closely with other engineering disciplines and project management teams.

• Monitor and report on design progress against the master project program, ensuring seamless coordination with engineering disciplines, contractors, and consultants throughout the construction phase.

• Manage client and stakeholder relationships effectively, representing the company's interests in design meetings, workshops, and presentations, and ensuring alignment on project vision and execution.

• Provide expert technical input for variations, claims, and contractual matters directly related to the architectural design scope.

• Mentor and develop junior architectural staff, promoting knowledge transfer, best practice implementation, and professional growth within the team.

• Report regularly to senior management on design progress, identified risks, and key issues, making proactive decisions to address any deviations from schedule, scope, or quality targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are heavily weighted towards project leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement, indicating a senior-level position where technical architectural expertise is combined with strong project management and client-facing skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture is required.

• A Master’s degree in Architecture is preferred. Experience:

• 8–15 years of progressive experience in architectural design.

• A minimum of 3 years of dedicated experience specifically on aviation projects (airports, airfields, etc.).

• Proven track record of leading design teams and managing design deliverables for complex, large-scale building and infrastructure projects.

• Extensive experience working within the UAE or GCC region is essential. Required Skills:

• Architectural Design: Deep understanding of architectural design principles, detailing, materials, and building systems.

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage design teams, deliverables, and processes for large-scale projects.

• Aviation Project Expertise: Specific knowledge and experience in airport design and construction is critical.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective liaison with clients, authorities, and project stakeholders.

• Project Delivery: Strong understanding of the full project lifecycle from concept to handover, with a focus on architectural scope.

• Construction Coordination: Ability to coordinate architectural design with construction activities and site execution.

• Building Codes & Standards: Thorough knowledge of international and local building codes, regulations, and standards relevant to the UAE/GCC.

• Design Development: Proficiency in managing design from conceptual stages through detailed design and construction documentation.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop architectural staff.

• Technical Documentation: Expertise in reviewing and approving architectural deliverables, drawings, and submittals.

• Risk Management: Skill in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design and technical risks.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Experience working effectively within complex, multidisciplinary project environments.

• Client Relations: Ability to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with clients and key stakeholders.

• Quality Assurance: Commitment to ensuring the highest standards of architectural design excellence.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in advanced architectural design software and BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms.

• Experience with contract administration and managing variations/claims related to architectural scope.

• Familiarity with sustainability principles and green building certifications relevant to airport design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on UAE/GCC experience and aviation project specifics strongly suggests that candidates must have direct, demonstrable experience in these areas. The blend of technical architectural skill with management and coordination capabilities is key.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 large-scale infrastructure or aviation projects where you managed the architectural design delivery from concept to completion. Highlight your specific role, challenges faced, and resolution strategies.

• Design Team Leadership Examples: Provide evidence of your experience leading and managing architectural design teams, including team size, coordination methods, and successful output.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Include examples of successful client and stakeholder engagement, demonstrating your ability to manage expectations, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts.

• Technical Deliverable Samples: Demonstrate your understanding of quality architectural documentation by including anonymized examples of drawings, specifications, or design review reports that showcase attention to detail and adherence to standards.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your approach to streamlining architectural design workflows, from initial concept development through to detailed design and construction documentation, emphasizing efficiency and quality improvements.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Outline your methodology for identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks within complex projects, including coordination with other disciplines and proactive problem-solving.

• Quality Assurance Protocols: Detail your process for ensuring architectural design quality, including review cycles, compliance checks against codes and standards, and coordination with quality assurance teams.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Explain how you ensure seamless integration and coordination between architectural design and other engineering disciplines (structural, MEP, etc.) and sub-consultants throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating successful management of large-scale, complex architectural projects, particularly in aviation, is crucial. Candidates should be ready to articulate their processes for design management, risk mitigation, quality assurance, and stakeholder communication.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the Senior Architect / Design Manager title, 8-15 years of experience, specialized aviation and UAE/GCC project experience, and the significant responsibility for a landmark airport project, the estimated annual base salary range for this role in Sharjah, UAE, is AED 300,000 - 500,000.

• This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior architectural and design management roles in the UAE construction and infrastructure sector, taking into account the cost of living in Sharjah and the specialized nature of airport projects. It excludes potential bonuses, allowances, and other benefits. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for employee and potentially dependents, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Annual Leave: Generous paid annual leave allowance, typically in line with UAE labor law and company policy.

• Flight Tickets/Travel Allowance: Potential provision for annual flight tickets to home country or a travel allowance, common for expatriate roles.

• Accommodation Allowance/Assistance: May include a housing allowance or assistance in finding accommodation.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and professional certifications relevant to architectural design and project management.

• End-of-Service Gratuity: As per UAE labor law.

• Company Transport: Potential provision of transport to and from the site office or designated pickup points.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, likely Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or similar, with a one-hour break. However, project demands, especially during critical phases or in a site office environment, may require flexibility and occasional overtime to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for senior roles in this sector and region. Specific benefits are common for expatriate hires in the UAE construction industry and can significantly enhance the overall compensation package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC), specialized in large-scale infrastructure, airports, and metro systems.

Company Size: One Works is a medium to large-sized international firm, indicated by their involvement in "landmark" and "high-profile" projects worldwide. This suggests a structured organization with established processes but also agility to manage complex international assignments.

Founded: Company founded in 2007. This indicates a relatively established firm with a proven track record in delivering complex projects over more than a decade.

Team Structure:

• The architectural team will likely be part of a larger project management and engineering department. This role involves leading a dedicated architectural design team for the Sharjah Airport project, which will include junior architects, designers, and potentially external consultants.

• Reporting structure will be to senior project leadership (e.g., Project Director, Head of Design) and involves close collaboration with other discipline leads (structural, MEP, civil engineers), project managers, contractors, and client representatives.

• Cross-functional collaboration is fundamental, requiring constant interaction with engineering disciplines, site teams, procurement, and client representatives to ensure design intent is translated accurately into built reality. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, complex projects necessitate data analysis for design optimization, performance simulation, and risk assessment.

• Integrated Project Delivery: The emphasis on coordination with multiple disciplines and stakeholders points towards an integrated approach to project execution, aiming for seamless collaboration.

• Quality-Centric Execution: A strong focus on delivering "architectural design excellence" and adhering to "highest standards" indicates a commitment to rigorous quality assurance and control processes throughout the design and construction phases.

Company Website: one-works.com

📝 Enhancement Note: One Works positions itself as a global player in delivering technically challenging and high-profile projects. The company culture likely emphasizes professionalism, technical excellence, and collaborative problem-solving, especially on large infrastructure projects like airports.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, a "Senior Architect / Design Manager." It signifies a move beyond individual contribution to team leadership, project oversight, and strategic input on design delivery. The role requires a blend of deep technical architectural expertise and robust project management capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Architect/Design Manager will report to higher-level project management or design directors within One Works. They will, in turn, manage a team of architects and designers and liaise extensively with client representatives, project stakeholders, and construction teams.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on the success of the Sharjah Airport project. The architectural design is fundamental to the functionality, aesthetics, passenger experience, and overall success of the airport. Effective design management ensures the project meets its objectives regarding budget, schedule, quality, and client satisfaction, ultimately contributing to One Works' reputation and future business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Head of Design, Technical Director, or Project Director for future large-scale infrastructure projects, both within the UAE and internationally.

• Specialization Development: Deepen expertise in aviation architecture or specific project management methodologies, becoming a recognized specialist within the firm.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on diverse projects across One Works' international portfolio, gaining exposure to different markets and project typologies.

• Mentorship and Training: Opportunity to mentor junior staff, contributing to the development of future talent within the organization and potentially leading internal training initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step up in responsibility, offering a clear path for career advancement into top-tier design leadership and project management roles within the international infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based "full-time at our site office for the Sharjah Airport project." This indicates a dynamic, on-site environment directly connected to the construction activities. While a site office may be more functional than a corporate office, it offers direct engagement with the project's physical development. Travel to the Dubai head office and other project locations may be required.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: Sharjah Airport Project Site Office, Sharjah, UAE.

• Secondary: One Works Dubai Head Office, UAE.

• Occasional travel to other project locations as needed. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The site office environment will necessitate close, daily interaction with site engineers, construction managers, contractors, and other discipline leads, fostering a highly collaborative and fast-paced atmosphere.

• Tools & Technology: Access to project management software, design collaboration platforms, and potentially on-site visualization tools will be available to support design coordination and problem-solving.

• Team Interaction: Direct daily interaction with the architectural design team, project management, and construction personnel, promoting rapid communication and decision-making.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours per week, the site office nature of the role and the demands of a major airport project imply that flexibility and a willingness to work beyond standard hours, including occasional weekends, may be necessary to meet critical project milestones and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is a key characteristic, emphasizing hands-on involvement in a live project environment. This is different from a typical corporate office setting and requires adaptability to project site conditions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio by the recruitment team to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly aviation experience and UAE/GCC background.

• Technical Interview (Stage 1): An interview with a senior member of the design or project management team. This will focus on your architectural expertise, experience with large-scale projects, understanding of design management principles, and familiarity with aviation projects. Be prepared to discuss your approach to design challenges and team leadership.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Deep Dive (Stage 2): A more in-depth session where you will be expected to present key projects from your portfolio, elaborating on your role, methodologies, and outcomes. Expect detailed questions on design decision-making, risk mitigation, stakeholder management, and technical coordination.

• Cultural Fit & Management Interview (Stage 3): An interview with higher management to assess your leadership style, problem-solving approach, communication skills, and suitability for One Works' company culture and values. Discussions may cover your experience in managing diverse teams and client relationships.

• Final Offer: Subject to successful completion of all interview stages and reference checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in aviation architecture, large-scale infrastructure, and design management. Prioritize projects where you held a leadership role.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, responsibilities, and decision-making authority on each presented project. Use "I" statements for your direct actions and "we" for team efforts.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, explain your design process, how you managed the team, coordinated with other disciplines, mitigated risks, and ensured quality. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "reduced design review cycles by 15%," "successfully managed a design team of 10").

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be ready to discuss technical details, code compliance, material selection, and problem-solving related to architectural challenges encountered.

• Showcase Leadership: Emphasize your ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your experience with specific project phases, challenges, and your management style.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: You might be given a hypothetical design challenge or asked to critique an existing design element relevant to airport architecture. Focus on your thought process, adherence to constraints (budget, program, codes), and innovative solutions.

• Stakeholder Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a complex stakeholder disagreement or a significant design change request from the client.

• Team Management Scenario: Questions may arise about managing underperforming team members or resolving conflicts within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to rigorously assess both technical architectural competence and leadership/management capabilities. A well-prepared, targeted portfolio presentation is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & BIM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk AutoCAD, Revit, and potentially other BIM authoring tools (e.g., ArchiCAD, Bentley Architecture). Experience with BIM workflows for large-scale projects is essential.

• 3D Modeling & Visualization: Tools like SketchUp, 3ds Max, Lumion, or similar for concept development and client presentations.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms like MS Project, Primavera P6, or Asana for program tracking and task management.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or dedicated project collaboration software for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Analysis Tools: Software for building performance analysis (e.g., energy simulation, daylight analysis) might be utilized, though specific tools depend on the project's technical requirements.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for presentations, is standard.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing in a CRM sense, experience with systems that manage project documentation, approvals, and communication workflows is implied. This could include document management systems (DMS) or project-specific portals.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different design and project management tools integrate to create a cohesive workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong technical proficiency in BIM and CAD software is non-negotiable. Experience with project management and collaboration tools is essential for managing complex, multidisciplinary projects effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and functional architectural solutions that meet and exceed client expectations.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, stakeholders, and team members.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where diverse talents can work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Innovation and Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative thinking and proactive approaches to overcome complex design and construction challenges.

• Accountability and Ownership: Taking responsibility for project outcomes, from design conception through to successful delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A culture that actively promotes seamless collaboration between architectural design, engineering disciplines, project management, and construction teams to ensure holistic project execution.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and direct communication channels to facilitate swift problem-solving and decision-making.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are shared freely among team members to enhance overall project quality and team development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values a strong work ethic, technical mastery, collaborative spirit, and a results-oriented approach, particularly given the high-stakes nature of airport projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Airport Design: Navigating the intricate functional requirements, security protocols, passenger flow dynamics, and vast scale of an international airport project.

• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including the client, regulatory bodies, airlines, and the public.

• Coordination with Multiple Disciplines: Ensuring seamless integration of architectural design with structural, MEP, IT, security, and other specialized airport systems, often involving complex interfaces.

• Adherence to Strict Codes and Regulations: Complying with stringent aviation-specific codes, international building standards, and local UAE regulations, which can be highly demanding.

• On-Site Management Demands: Adapting to the fast-paced, often demanding environment of a construction site office, requiring constant vigilance and rapid decision-making.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Aviation Sector Specialization: Deepening expertise in airport design principles, passenger terminal planning, and related infrastructure through hands-on project experience.

• Advanced Design Management: Refining skills in managing large, complex design teams, complex contractual matters, and high-stakes stakeholder negotiations.

• Cross-Disciplinary Understanding: Gaining a more profound understanding of various engineering disciplines and their integration within major infrastructure projects.

• International Project Exposure: Broadening experience by working on projects in different cultural and regulatory contexts, leveraging One Works' global presence.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership, mentoring, and strategic decision-making skills within a challenging project environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are directly tied to high-level professional growth. Successfully navigating these challenges will equip the candidate with invaluable experience in one of the most complex sectors of the AEC industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a significant design challenge on a large-scale infrastructure project. What was the challenge, how did you approach it, what was the outcome, and what did you learn?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical decisions, and lessons learned.)

• "How do you ensure effective coordination between architectural design and other engineering disciplines on complex projects like airports?" (Highlight your process for integration, communication, and conflict resolution.)

• "Imagine a situation where the client requests a major design change late in the project. How would you assess its impact and manage the process?" (Demonstrate your understanding of change management, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about One Works and our approach to delivering landmark projects?" (Research the company website, recent projects, and news.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within your design team and with external stakeholders?" (Relate your experiences to the company's values of teamwork and integration.)

• "How do you ensure architectural design quality and compliance with international and local standards on a project of this magnitude?" (Connect your quality assurance processes to the company's commitment to excellence.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, guiding the interviewer through the project's lifecycle and your role within it.

• Visuals: Use high-quality architectural drawings, renderings, and site photos to illustrate your points. Keep text on slides concise.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your contributions (e.g., budget adherence, schedule milestones met, efficiency gains).

• Focus on Leadership: Clearly articulate your leadership style, how you motivated your team, and how you managed relationships with clients and other parties.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific design decisions, material choices, code compliance, and construction methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your experience through the lens of leadership, complex problem-solving, and successful project delivery within the specific context of large-scale infrastructure and aviation projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Architect / Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the One Works recruitment portal (https://oneworks.recruitee.com/o/senior-architect-design-manager).

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 8-15 years of experience, with a specific emphasis on aviation project experience and your tenure in the UAE/GCC region. Use keywords from the job description such as "Architectural Design," "Design Management," "Aviation Projects," "Stakeholder Management," and "Project Delivery."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects, focusing on large-scale infrastructure and aviation. Be ready to present case studies demonstrating your leadership, technical expertise, and process management skills.

• Research One Works: Familiarize yourself with One Works' portfolio, company values, and recent projects to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during interviews.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation and anticipate potential interview questions, focusing on articulating your experience and problem-solving approach clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.