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.​