Architect Of Record (AOR) - Riyadh

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Architect of Record (AOR) to join a leading international multidisciplinary consultancy based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This pivotal role requires an architect with deep expertise in the local regulatory landscape, particularly in authority approvals, Saudi Building Code (SBC) compliance, permitting, and the meticulous review of architectural documentation. The successful candidate will serve as the primary technical and regulatory liaison between the design team, clients, consultants, and Saudi authorities, ensuring that all projects adhere to local regulations and professional standards while maintaining the highest level of quality and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect of Record Leadership: Oversee and manage the AOR role across major architectural projects in Saudi Arabia, ensuring seamless integration of regulatory requirements into the design and execution phases.
• Regulatory Compliance & Documentation Review: Conduct thorough reviews of architectural designs and documentation to verify compliance with the Saudi Building Code (SBC) and municipal regulations. Prepare comprehensive AOR reports at critical project milestones to document compliance and approvals.
• Authority Submissions & Permitting: Lead the preparation, submission, and management of authority submissions, building permits, and approvals, ensuring timely and accurate processing in alignment with local government requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary point of contact for municipalities, regulatory authorities, government entities, and other stakeholders, fostering strong professional relationships to facilitate smooth project progression.
• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Collaborate closely with internal design teams and external consultants, including structural, MEP, and other engineering disciplines, to ensure that all architectural deliverables meet technical and regulatory standards.
• Client & Contractor Liaison: Work in tandem with clients, consultants, and contractors throughout the project lifecycle, providing expert guidance on regulatory matters and ensuring alignment with project objectives and compliance requirements.
• Technical Guidance & Support: Offer strategic technical and regulatory advice to project and design teams, supporting proposal development, prequalification processes, and tender activities where knowledge of Saudi regulations is essential.

Candidate Requirements

• Education & Licensing: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, with a minimum of 6 years of relevant architectural experience. Must be registered or licensed to practice in Saudi Arabia, holding the appropriate professional accreditation to fulfill AOR responsibilities.
• Local Market Experience: Proven experience working within the Saudi Arabian architectural and regulatory landscape, with a strong understanding of authority submissions and approval processes.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth familiarity with the Saudi Building Code (SBC), municipal regulations, and local approval processes, ensuring projects meet all legal and technical standards.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in Revit, AutoCAD, and BIM environments, with the ability to review and approve architectural deliverables efficiently.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, coupled with strong stakeholder management abilities to navigate complex regulatory and client interactions. Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in Arabic is highly advantageous.
• Location & Availability: Must be based in Saudi Arabia and possess hands-on experience in the local market to ensure immediate and effective contribution to projects.

Why Join Us?

This is an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with a top-tier international consultancy renowned for its significant regional presence and expertise in the built environment. As an Architect of Record, you will play a critical role in shaping iconic projects while contributing to the development of Saudi Arabia’s architectural and regulatory landscape. If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for regulatory excellence and a commitment to delivering high-quality architectural solutions, we invite you to apply and become part of our dynamic team.