Senior Architect
AtkinsRéalis · Abu Dhabi
Job Description
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Architect – Data Centre to lead the design, planning, and development of large-scale, mission-critical data centre facilities. The role requires expertise in data centre architecture, capacity planning, and infrastructure design to deliver scalable, resilient, energy-efficient, and compliant data centre solutions.
Your role
Lead the end-to-end architectural design and planning of data centre facilities.
Develop conceptual, schematic, detailed, and construction-ready designs for greenfield and brownfield data centre projects.
Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and ICT requirements.
Ensure designs meet operational, scalability, sustainability, and reliability objectives.
Develop layouts for white space, technical rooms, support facilities, and ancillary infrastructure.
Incorporate Tier III/Tier IV design principles and industry best practices into all projects.
Ensure compliance with local building regulations, fire and life safety codes, and data centre standards.
Coordinate with clients, consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Conduct design reviews, feasibility studies, and space utilization assessments.
Support site selection, due diligence activities, and capacity planning exercises.
Review and approve architectural drawings, technical specifications, and design documentation.
Drive sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency and green building practices.
Manage design risks and recommend innovative solutions to complex architectural challenges.
Support commissioning, operational readiness, and project handover activities.
Stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in data centre design and construction.
About you
Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture or a related discipline.
Registered Architect or equivalent professional qualification preferred.
10+ years of architectural design experience, including significant experience in data centre projects.
Proven experience designing hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, or mission-critical data centre facilities.
Strong knowledge of:
Data centre planning and design principles
Tier III and Tier IV standards
Building codes and regulatory compliance
Fire and life safety design
Sustainable and energy-efficient design practices
Space planning and capacity management
BIM and 3D modelling tools
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360, and other architectural design software.
Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.
Strong understanding of data centre operational requirements and resilience strategies.
Knowledge of Uptime Institute, TIA-942, ASHRAE, NFPA, and related industry standards.
Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities.
Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in fast-paced environments.
Rewards & benefits
Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career.
This includes:
Tax-free salary.
Life insurance coverage.
Medical insurance.
Annual leave balance.
Company gratuity scheme.
Discretionary bonus program.
Annual flight contribution.
Transportation & housing allowances.
Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.
Seize every opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your expertise, and be recognized for the impact you make.
About AtkinsRéalis
We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.
Worker Type
EmployeeJob Type
RegularAt AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.