Senior Associate / Project Director – Lead Aviation Projects in the Middle East for a Top UK Design Practice
Central London | Hybrid Working (2+ days in-office) | Salary: £60,000–£70,000

A prestigious UK architecture practice, renowned for its innovative and sustainable design solutions across sectors including aviation, education, rail, hospitality, healthcare, leisure, and retail, is seeking a Senior Associate / Project Director to join its London studio. This is an excellent opportunity to lead and shape high-profile aviation projects across the Middle East, within a forward-thinking, collaborative environment that values both creativity and technical excellence.

Role Overview
This full-time, permanent position offers a senior leadership role encompassing design direction, project leadership, and client relationship management. Based in a vibrant Central London studio, the position operates under a flexible hybrid working policy, requiring a minimum of two office days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership:

Lead the development of creative, technically sound design solutions that meet ambitious client briefs and international aviation standards.
Oversee the integration of structural, MEP, and specialist design elements into cohesive, deliverable project strategies.
Guide internal design reviews and ensure the delivery of high-quality presentation and project materials.
Stay at the forefront of design innovation, international codes, and emerging trends within aviation architecture.

Project Direction:

Lead project teams across all RIBA Plan of Work stages (0–7), from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with project goals and regional requirements.
Oversee the management of project programmes, budgets, resources, and deliverables, including drawings, schedules, and technical documentation.
Represent the practice in key meetings, stakeholder engagements, and presentations—particularly with clients and consultants in the Middle East.

Technical & Strategic Input:

Provide senior oversight on documentation, risk mitigation, and compliance with international and regional regulations.
Champion BIM/CAD protocols and ensure best practices are maintained across project teams.
Support strategic growth within the aviation sector and contribute to broader business development goals.

Professional Leadership:

Mentor and develop junior and mid-level team members.
Actively engage in CPD and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
Play a central role in the practice’s leadership, strategy, and quality assurance processes.

Requirements

Proven track record delivering large-scale aviation projects, ideally in the Middle East region.
10+ years’ post-qualification experience, including team leadership and client-facing roles.
Strong design, technical, and project management expertise with an impressive portfolio of relevant work.
Proficiency in Revit and other industry-standard software (SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign).
Excellent leadership, communication, and coordination skills.
Deep understanding of international building codes and aviation-related design standards.

Benefits

Competitive salary of £60,000–£70,000, reflective of experience and seniority.
Comprehensive package including private medical insurance, eyecare vouchers, 10 paid sick days annually, and a 5% employer pension contribution within 90 days of joining.
Flexible hybrid working (minimum 2 office days/week) and up to 10 remote working days per year.
Generous leave: 20 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and additional days between Christmas and New Year.
Leadership and growth opportunities within a highly respected studio working on landmark international projects.
CPD sessions, Revit training, LinkedIn Learning, and senior professional development support.
Wellness and lifestyle perks: cycle-to-work scheme, fresh fruit in the office, group life insurance, and discretionary profit-sharing.
A supportive, inclusive workplace committed to equality and diversity.