Lead Architect

Parsons Corporation

Parsons is seeking a highly experienced Lead Architect to join our multidisciplinary design and delivery team on iconic projects across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The successful candidate will lead the architectural design process from concept to construction, ensuring design excellence, regulatory compliance, and alignment with client vision and project goals. This role requires strong leadership skills, deep technical expertise, and the ability to coordinate across multiple disciplines in complex, large-scale developments.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead the architectural design of major projects across all stages from concept and schematic design through detailed design, IFC, and construction support.

• Establish and maintain the architectural design vision, ensuring it aligns with project objectives, cultural identity (e.g., Salmani, Hejazi), sustainability goals, and client requirements.

• Direct the development of design guidelines, masterplans, and building typologies with a focus on innovation, functionality, and contextual sensitivity.

• Oversee and coordinate multidisciplinary teams (structure, MEP, infrastructure, fa ade, interiors, landscape, and sustainability) to deliver fully integrated design solutions.

• Manage project schedules, design milestones, and deliverables, ensuring on-time and high-quality submissions at all RIBA stages.

• Participate in project phasing, design reviews, peer reviews, and value engineering workshops to optimize solutions and control costs.

• Ensure all designs comply with Saudi Building Code (SBC 2024), authority regulations (MOMRA, RCRC, DGDA, etc.), and international standards.

• Guide the preparation of technical documentation including design briefs, specifications, and construction packages.

• Review and approve drawings, BIM models (LOD PHONE_NUMBER), and submittals for quality, accuracy, and constructability.

• Serve as the primary architectural interface with clients, government authorities, and key stakeholders, presenting design solutions and resolving design-related issues.

• Support permitting, NOC coordination, and authority approval processes.

• Lead presentations, workshops, and coordination meetings with clients, sub-consultants, and internal teams.

• Act as the Design Guardian during downstream design and construction stages, reviewing contractor submissions and ensuring adherence to the approved design intent.

• Implement Parsons QA/QC procedures, design review protocols, and peer review strategies to guarantee project quality and mitigate risks.

What's required for the role:

• Bachelor s or Master s degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.

• 15+ years of professional experience in architectural design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role on large-scale mixed-use, residential, public realm, or infrastructure projects.

• Proven track record delivering projects in the Middle East, preferably in Saudi Arabia.

• Strong understanding of SBC 2024, Salmani design principles, sustainability standards (Mostadam, LEED), and authority approval processes.

• Proficiency in Revit, BIM workflows, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, and related design tools.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously within tight deadlines.

• Chartership / professional registration (e.g., RIBA, AIA, COAC) is highly desirable.

• Experience working in international multidisciplinary firms or with major developers/government clients.

• Familiarity with digital design delivery platforms (BIM 360, Aconex, ACC) and collaborative workflows.