Role Summary
A leading international engineering and design consultancy seeks an experienced Principal Architect to spearhead the design and delivery of data center and mission critical facilities. Based in Doha, Qatar with a remote working model and periodic travel across the GCC region, this senior leadership role demands deep technical expertise in high-availability infrastructure, architectural excellence, and the ability to drive complex projects from concept through construction administration.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the architectural design strategy for data center, mission critical, and high-security facility projects across the GCC.
- Define project scope, design criteria, and technical standards aligned with Tier III/IV Uptime Institute and TIA-942 requirements.
- Direct multidisciplinary design teams including structural, MEP, fire protection, and security consultants.
- Oversee design development, construction documentation, and construction administration phases.
- Coordinate with clients, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and stakeholders to secure approvals and permits.
- Perform design reviews, value engineering, and risk assessments to optimize performance, cost, and schedule.
- Mentor senior architects and engineers, fostering technical excellence and knowledge transfer.
- Contribute to business development, proposal preparation, and client presentations for mission critical pursuits.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
- Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in architectural design, with 8+ years focused on data centers, mission critical facilities, or high-security government projects.
- Proven track record as Lead Architect or Principal Architect on large-scale (>50MW) data center campuses.
- Professional registration/licensure as an Architect; GCC registration or eligibility strongly preferred.
- Deep knowledge of ASHRAE 90.4, NFPA 75/76, PCI DSS, and relevant local codes (Qatar Civil Defense, KSA SBC, UAE Fire & Life Safety).
- Extensive experience with BIM (Revit, Navisworks), integrated project delivery (IPD), and digital design workflows.
Core Competencies & Skills
- Mission Critical Architecture: Raised floor, slab-on-grade, modular/prefab, and high-density liquid-cooled designs.
- Technical Leadership: Design governance, interdisciplinary coordination, and design assurance processes.
- Client & Stakeholder Management: Executive-level communication, design workshops, and technical negotiations.
- Sustainability & Resilience: PUE optimization, renewable integration, water conservation, and climate adaptation strategies.
- Project Delivery: Fast-track, design-build, EPC, and CM-at-risk delivery models across GCC jurisdictions.
- Tools: Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, and common data environments (CDE).