Architectural & Fit-Out Designer

Role Overview

We are looking for an Architectural and Fit-Out Designer to contribute to the design and development of corporate offices and operational facilities in Dubai. This role involves creating practical workplace environments by translating business needs into effective design solutions on the client side. The position combines architectural and interior design skills with space planning, technical review, and coordination with stakeholders, consultants, and contractors.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and update detailed 2D AutoCAD drawings, office layouts, and space plans to align with business needs.
• Design functional workplace environments starting from shell-and-core or empty floor plans, integrating offices, workstations, meeting rooms, collaborative areas, receptions, server rooms, and employee amenities.
• Create or adjust 3D design concepts and visualizations to facilitate design discussions and aid management decisions.
• Offer creative and cost-effective design options balancing spatial efficiency, department adjacencies, circulation flows, accessibility, and employee experience.
• Evaluate external architectural and fit-out design proposals against operational needs and recommend technically sound alternatives.
• Coordinate architectural drawings with mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), HVAC, lighting, power, ceiling, partition, furniture, IT, and fire/life-safety specifications.
• Assist in compliance reviews and prepare documentation for approvals from Dubai and UAE authorities, including Civil Defence.
• Participate in design and project meetings, communicate design concepts, and coordinate amendments with management, consultants, and contractors.
• Conduct site inspections to verify measurements and site conditions, ensuring construction aligns with approved designs and resolving discrepancies.
• Support project lifecycle activities from initial concept through fit-out and final handover.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Interior Design, or related field.
• A strong background of 5 to 10 years in architectural or interior design, workplace planning, or fit-out projects within the UAE.
• Confirmed hands-on experience in designing corporate interiors and developing workplace layouts from empty shell spaces.
• Advanced skills in AutoCAD, with recent experience producing and editing DWG drawings personally.
• Proficiency in 3D design and visualization software tools relevant to architectural and interior design.
• Depth of knowledge in space planning, furniture layout, dimensional accuracy, and workplace ergonomics.
• Practical understanding of the fit-out process and ability to coordinate architectural plans with building services requirements.
• Familiarity with local Dubai/UAE building authority approval processes and fire and life safety regulations related to commercial fit-outs.
• Experience collaborating with consultants, contractors, and suppliers, including ability to assess and challenge design proposals constructively.
• Strong communication skills, stakeholder liaison capability, and problem-solving aptitude to manage tasks independently.
• Willingness and ability to perform site visits when necessary.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The preferred candidate is a technically skilled designer who thrives in translating requirements into practical and workable layouts. They should be capable of clearly articulating design decisions, flexible in adapting to feedback, and effective in collaborating with diverse teams. A pragmatic, budget-conscious approach to design is essential.