The main duties of the Director include, but are not limited to:
Leadership and Studio Management
- Provide overall leadership and direction for the architectural studio’s daily operations, ensuring a seamless workflow across all architectural projects.
- Mentor and inspire a team of architects, designers, and support staff, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation and excellence.
- Establish and implement studio processes, procedures and best practices to ensure efficient project execution.
- Provide strategic direction for the studio’s design vision, ensuring alignment with company goals and industry trends.
- Manage resource allocation, ensuring the right talent is assigned to projects based on their skills and project requirements.
- Oversee recruitment, training and professional development of studio staff.
- Foster a collaborative team environment, providing guidance and support to project teams.
- Guide architects, senior architects, design managers, associates & directors in achieving KPIs, quality objectives, and performance review.
Strategic Planning
- Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve the studio's business objectives, including growth, profitability, and market positioning.
- Manage the studio’s finances, including budgeting, forecasting and ensuring projects are delivered within financial constraints.
- Help develop pricing strategies for architectural services and ensure competitive pricing while maintaining profitability.
Client Relations & Business Development
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, consultants and contractors, understanding their needs and ensuring their expectations are met or exceeded.
- Act as the primary point of contact for major projects, ensuring client satisfaction and managing expectations.
- Lead client presentations and design workshops to effectively communicate design concepts and project progress.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including networking, proposal development, and presentations to potential clients.
- Support the acquisition of new projects by cultivating relationships within the UAE’s architectural and real estate sectors.
Design Oversight
- Ensure the highest standards of design quality and innovation across all projects, providing creative direction and guidance to the design team.
- Supervise the design process from conceptual development through to final implementation, ensuring high-quality, innovative and practical design solutions.
- Ensure that designs comply with local regulations, building codes, sustainability requirements, and client expectations.
- Review and approve design documentation, including drawings, models, presentations and specifications, to maintain design consistency and quality.
- Conduct regular design reviews and site visits to monitor project progress and resolve any design-related issues or challenges.
- Promote sustainable design practices and ensure the studio adheres to green building standards (e.g., LEED, Estidama).
Project Oversight and Delivery
- Oversee the management of multiple projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.
- Manage project delivery timelines, milestones, and budget forecasts in coordination with project managers and other departments.
- Track the performance and financial health of projects, ensuring that all deliverables are met, and resources are used efficiently.
- Implement risk management strategies to address potential issues that could impact project delivery.
- Provide guidance on the coordination of technical and design teams to ensure the successful execution of complex projects.
- Ensure all projects comply with local building codes, regulations, and standards, managing the submission of necessary documentation for approvals.
- Implement and maintain quality control processes to ensure the consistency and excellence of design and project delivery.
Financial Management
- Oversee the financial performance of the studio, including budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting, ensuring projects are delivered within budget and profitability targets are met.
- Approve studio expenditures and monitor costs associated with project delivery, ensuring that projects stay within budget.
Industry Networking
- Stay abreast of the latest design trends, technological advancements and market opportunities within the architecture industry.
- Represent the firm at industry events, conferences and forums, enhancing the firm’s visibility and reputation.
- Promote the studio’s work through award submissions, publications and design exhibitions.
- Foster relationships with industry influencers, potential partners and collaborators.
