Experienced Lead Architect

My client, based in Kuwait, is looking for an experienced Lead Architect to join their construction supervision department. Your mission will be to advice and assist the Resident Engineer in supervising on site construction activities to ensure quality assurance and quality control from start to completion of the construction project.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Assist the Project RE & ARE and top management in formulating plans to guide the architectural tasks in the respective project

Conduct supervision responsibilities in adherence to guidelines as indicated in the PACE Supervision Manual; ensure that supervision guidelines are being adhered to by site architects at all times

Review and assess contractors’ and sub contractors’ pre-qualifications, inspect their showrooms, workshop/factory as and when required

Make recommendations to the Resident Engineer regarding the selection and approval of sub-contractors in coordination with and through consultations with owner/client representatives

Review and understand all project contract documents (drawings, shop drawings, composite coordinate service shop drawings, specifications, contract documents etc.); coordinate with other site architects and engineers before construction activities commence

Notify the Resident Engineer of any discrepancies identified against contract documents in order for corrective action to be taken

Assist in resolving any issues raised by contractors (e.g. requirements for time extensions, change order requests, variations etc); make recommendations to the Resident Engineer as appropriate

Review related items within the contractor’s construction schedule (CCS) in coordination with the Planning Engineer (e.g. shop drawing submittal log, procurement schedule, and material submittal log etc.) prior to its approval by the Resident Engineer

Review related construction materials, technical data and material and finishes samples submitted by contractors; ensure compliance against ministerial requirements and technical specifications.

Attend various off site inspections including out of country inspection for review of specific material/samples, mock-ups, testing, etc. as per the contract document

Inspect related procured construction materials delivered to the site, to ensure compliance against ministerial requirements and specifications/contract documents/approvals

Ensure that all materials delivered on site are being adequately stored and protected as per manufacturer’s recommendations in order to avoid damage of materials

Ensure that related works non compliance to the CCS is communicated to the Resident Engineer on a timely basis in order to avoid any delays in construction

Ensure the maintaining of onsite quality control (e.g. through thorough testing of materials and verifying of materials, adequate storage of materials, contractor’s submittal of written undertakings, warranty and protection of installed systems etc.)

Review “mock ups” and “progress work” against contract documents; make commentaries and recommendations to the Resident Engineer as required

Contribute to managing the health and safety of all on-site personnel; report any observed safety violations to the Resident Engineer and/or Safety Inspector (if available)

Attend meetings (e.g. progress meetings, coordination and specially called meetings with clients etc.) as and when required.

Lead in resolving design and technical coordination issues with Finishes, Structure, Electro-mechanical, landscape, etc. on the project.

Approve Minutes of Meetings prepared by the Contract Administrator for comments made by self

Participate in preparing progress reports and in verifying costs related matters in order to finalize monthly payment certificates

Ensure that the contractors submittals to local ministries are carried out in a timely manner as specified in contract documents

Note: The job holder may be required to undertake additional duties, which may be reasonably expected and form part of the function of the job.

Education/Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree in Architecture – From an accredited educational institution

Masters Degree in Architecture is preferred

Certification/Membership of Kuwait Society of Engineers

Membership of American Institute of Architects

Membership of Royal Institutes of British Architects

Skills and Requirements:

10-16 years and as an Architect, 5-7 of which should be as a Senior Site Architect, and 2-4 years as Lead Architect.

Knowledge of Construction Industries/Building including Health and Safety related International Standards and Codes, plus those applicable and adopted by government of Kuwait

Knowledge of national/local ministerial regulations, standards and performance criteria

Knowledge of PACE Supervision Manual

CADD – practice and knowledge of major CAD applications

knowledge of Contract Documents, Architectural and Supervision agreements, fundamental understanding of the principles of contract and administration

Leadership skills

Team player

Creative

Innovative

Information Seeking

Time management skills

Effective coordination skills

Results oriented

Communication & interpersonal effectiveness Leadership skills