Project Associate JD:

Introduction:

The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is seeking to appoint an Associate Architect within The Architecture Section of its Project Management & Engineering Department (DCT PM&E).

DCT PM&E is responsible for the project development, design management and overall delivery of DCT Abu Dhabi’s Capital Projects, which comprise of large scale contemporary museums, the adaptive reuse and conservation of modern and traditional heritage, creative masterplans and feasibility studies for new cultural and tourism initiatives. 

The appointed candidate will directly report to the Department’s Architecture Section Head with an indirect upward line of communication to the Departments Director of Project Management & Engineering. 

Overview:

The DCT PM&E Department is a collaborative team which comprises of Senior Project Managers, Senior Architects, MEP Engineering Managers, Design Managers, Project Controls, Analysts and Specialist support services. 

The appointed ‘Associate Architectural’ will support both the Head of Architecture and Senior Architects across all Capital Projects, Feasibility Studies, Master planning, Design Competitions and other related Architectural initiatives.

The key attributes, qualifications, and technical qualities required to undertake this role comprehensively are deemed by The Department as follows:

The Qualities We Seek:

• A confident, can-do attitude, highly driven and motivated individual who is extremely passionate about Architecture, Urban Design, Master-planning, Heritage Conservation, Tourism and Cultural Projects.

• A friendly and personable character who strives to be a part of the ‘One DCT’ family and is willing to learn, undertake site visits to all projects and initiatives within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

• An individual than can work collaboratively, individually and use their initiative to recognise key opportunities for the benefit of the project, the built environment, DCT and Abu Dhabi. 

• An understanding for when hard work is required beyond the call of duty and able to use their own initiative to see and deliver more than the required deliverables.

• Confidence to handle challenging situations.

• An awareness of when to ask for assistance or questions for the benefit of the team.

Technical Qualifications & Role Responsibilities:

• Degree in Architecture. (BA Arch, BSC or similar equivalent) to a minimum Upper Second Hons qualification.


• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Professional Practice within the UAE. 


• Proficient in English, written and verbal.  Proficiency in Arabic is preferred.


• Able to voice opinions in large group meetings with excellent client communication and presentation skills. 


• A CV & Project Portfolio which demonstrates good presentational and design work in 2D and 3D (experience in Cultural, Heritage or Tourism Project work successfully undertaken from concept to completion in the last 5 years is also beneficial).


• Knowledge of both International (IBC), Abu Dhabi Design Codes, Abu Dhabi Development Guidelines and DMAT / UPC Plan 2030. 


• Knowledge of design & construction sustainability best practices, such as LEAD and Estidama is preferred.


• Ability to produce hand drawn sketches and illustrations to quickly communicate ideas, concepts and construction details in meetings or on site.


• Master-planning and Urban design skills and experience.


• Experience in the suitability of construction materials and the appropriateness of their use in the UAE (visa vie climate and context).


• Provide examples of ‘Working Drawings’/ Construction Stage (IFC) detailing.


• An understanding of Abu Dhabi Fire & Life Safety Standards and Codes.


• An understanding of Authority approvals procedures and the MEPS system.


• Demonstrate an ability to review design and construction drawings, details, specifications and design proposals at all stages of a project from feasibility to completion.


• Ability to write reports, project briefs, development guidelines and prepare high quality presentations for ‘Board Level’ review.


• To seek and develop new ideas and possibilities through their own initiative and present their findings in a clear and concise manner (presentation, models, or report) for ‘Board Level’ review. 


• Ability to make scratch physical models using card, glue and other craft materials.

Software Knowledge & Proficiency:

• 2D software skills: AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite (i.e. Photoshop, InDesign etc.) is essential.


• 3D design software skills are beneficial (i.e. Rhinoceros, V-Ray).


• Knowledge of BIM Software packages such as Autodesk Revit, Trimble, Navisworks, Tekla is beneficial but not essential.


• Knowledge of A.I. Design platforms such as Midjourney is beneficial but not essential.


• Microsoft Office is essential.


• Knowledge of Aconex or another similar platform is beneficial.

Application:

Applicants should send their CV, Portfolio (under 5mb) with a covering letter and personal statement identifying their relevant experience and reasons why they believe that they would be suited to this role.

If successful, the applicants will be invited to interview where they will be required to undertake a 30min presentation prior to Q & A.

Further details on the structure of this presentation and interview stage will be provided in due course.