16-Building architects

Job Title: 

Building architects

Job Description: 

Architects work in the construction industry and are involved with designing new buildings, extensions or alterations to existing buildings, or advising on the restoration and conservation of old properties.

Summary: 

Building architects design commercial, industrial, institutional, residential and recreational buildings and plan and monitor their construction, maintenance and rehabilitation. They also, apply creativity and a practical understanding of structures and materials to develop concepts, plans, specifications and detailed drawings for buildings and other structures, as well negotiate with builders and planning authorities, administer building contracts and inspect the work carried out. In some instances they may be required to be registered or certified by a government authority or agency.

Tasks: 

Job activities and tasks include:

  • developing new or improved architectural theories and methods
  • inspecting sites and consulting clients, management and other stakeholders to determine type, style and size of proposed buildings and alterations to existing buildings
  • providing information regarding designs, materials and estimated building times
  • preparing project documentation, including sketches and scale drawings, and integrating structural, mechanical and aesthetic elements in final designs
  • writing specifications and contract documents for use by builders and calling tenders on behalf of clients
  • making necessary contacts to ensure feasibility of projects regarding style, cost, timing, and compliance with regulations
  • identifying and finding best solutions for problems regarding function and quality of interior environments of buildings and making necessary designs, drawings and plans
  • monitoring construction or rehabilitation work to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards
  • maintaining technical liaison and consultancy with other relevant specialists
Knowledge: 

Advanced specialized knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in field of work, discipline and/or professional practice

  • Specialized knowledge of analyzing, planning, managing and establishing ideas, policies, strategies, projections and/or conditions in the field of work, discipline and/or professional practice
  • Advanced knowledge of research principles and methods
  • Advanced knowledge of high level governance of systems, processes and procedures including legislative, regulatory, standards, codes and conventions
  • Higher knowledge of recent developments in the field of work, discipline and/or professional practice
  • Higher knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in management, economics, finance, statistics and fiscal disciplines related to the field of work and/or professional practice
  • Higher knowledge of political, government, legislative and regulatory systems related to the field of work
  • Higher knowledge of laws, regulations, standards codes and conventions of the UAE and specific Emirates related to the field of work, discipline and/or professional practice and more general subjects including OHSE and cultural understanding and awareness
  • Higher knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in sensitively recognizing and responding to the management of highly complex ethical issues
  • Leverage information technology, executive information systems, management techniques and tools for optimal field of work performance and/or professional practice
  • Higher skills in research, analysis, consultation and synthesis of information to evaluate ideas, policies, strategies, projections and/or conditions and generate recommendations and/or relevant alternatives
  • Manage advanced relationships and coordinate related activities of respective stakeholders
  • Advanced skills and experience in high level policy analysis, formulation and research, plus strategic planning in sensitive and confidential environment
  • Develop abstract concepts and convey strategic indications from the spectrum of development experience
  • Higher negotiation cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills
  • Use of information, tools, resources to support high-level and complex work achievement
  • Work sensitively and effectively in a multi-cultural environment
  • Work with others to develop creative solutions to complex unpredictable and/or abstract problems
  • Communicate with influence, and a proven record of developing and maintaining effective partnerships across an organization and with diverse external clients and other key stakeholders
  • Highly developed advanced oral and written communication, interpersonal and representational skills, and a proven ability to use these skills to prepare and present clear, concise, high quality advice
  • Highly developed leadership and effective management skills, with capacity to initiate, implement and sustain improvements within a team environment, as well as the ability to work flexibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
  • Personal drive and integrity, the ability to self-manage and the capacity to identify and effectively manage risks associated with change, as well recognize and implement ethical standards to highly complex ethical issues
  • Achieving results within tight timelines, and capacity to set and implement new policy directions
  • Highly developed higher organizational skills, including the ability to manage priorities and meet tight deadlines.
    • Work Context: 

    May be involved in project feasibility studies, strategic asset investigations, heritage studies, urban planning, interior design or landscape design. Government authorities or agencies may require Practising Architects to provide proof of compliant Professional Indemnity insurance cover to protect the public and the public interest. Usually work regular business hours, but may need to work evenings and weekends or be on call and attend sites, which may be remote or isolated. May also, travel overseas to work or to attend conferences and seminars.

    Education: 

    Bachelor degree in design architecture, sustainable design or relevant discipline, higher qualification or equivalent.

    Required Work Experience: 

    5 - 7 years and above

    Probable Employers: 

    Municipality of Abu Dhabi, Urban Planning Council, TDIC

    Occupational Size: 
    Less than 5,000
    Expected Earnings: 

    Higher than the industry average

    Projected Growth: 
    Excellent
    Alternate Titles: 

    Examples of job titles:
    Building architect - Interior architect - Landscape architect
    Examples of some related occupations:
    Architectural technician - Building contractor - Building surveyor - Construction project manager - Interior designer - Property developer - Quantity surveyor - Surveyor - Urban and regional planner

    UAE Industry Groups: 
    Industrial
    International Careers(ISCO): 
    Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
    Source Of Info: 
    Occupations and Careers Handbook for UAE Nationals(Copyright NQA ). Referenced from New York University, Abu Dhabhi