diff --git a/docs/build.gradle b/docs/build.gradle
index 423dc96cb2..0e562b4f84 100644
--- a/docs/build.gradle
+++ b/docs/build.gradle
@@ -52,12 +52,16 @@ doxygen {
     // See below maven and https://doxygen.nl/download.html for provided binaries
     // Ensure theme.css (from https://github.com/jothepro/doxygen-awesome-css) is compatible with
     // doxygen version when updating
+    executables {
+        doxygen {
+            // Note: has no effect if not on an x86_64 platform - you need to have a global install available on your
+            // PATH for the doxygen plugin to run
+            executableByVersion('1.12.0')
 
-    String arch = System.getProperty("os.arch");
-    if (arch.equals("x86_64") || arch.equals("amd64")) {
-        executables {
-            doxygen {
-                executableByVersion('1.12.0')
+            String arch = System.getProperty("os.arch");
+            if (!(arch.equals("x86_64") || arch.equals("amd64"))) {
+                // Search for a local doxygen install
+                executableBySearchPath('doxygen')
             }
         }
     }