Director of Architecture

An influential organisation within the creative and built-environment sectors is developing a new initiative focused on advancing the architecture and interior design profession across the region. The goal is to establish a dedicated platform that strengthens industry practice, elevates professional discourse, connects leading studios, and accelerates design-sector collaboration.

The Director of Architecture & Interior Design Initiatives will be responsible for shaping this platform from the conceptual stage into a structured, impactful, and future-oriented industry resource.

This mandate is suited to a seasoned architect or interior design leader who understands the realities of practice, the evolution of the built environment, and the importance of providing a shared space for dialogue, development, and innovation within the design community.

Position Overview

The Director will design and lead a regional initiative that brings together architects, interior designers, multidisciplinary studios, developers, suppliers, and design educators. The remit spans strategy creation, relationship cultivation, program development, research direction, commercial modelling, and industry engagement.

Rather than operating within a traditional project-delivery context, this role shifts into
industry-building
: creating opportunities, amplifying best practices, and enabling collaboration across the design professions.

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Sector Insight & Strategic Direction

• Conduct comprehensive mapping of the architectural and interior design landscape to identify sector needs, gaps, strengths, and opportunities.

• Define the long-term purpose and direction of the initiative, ensuring relevance to practitioners, firms, and industry partners.

• Develop a framework for how the initiative will contribute to professional development, innovation, and knowledge exchange.

• Establish priorities related to design education, sustainability, emerging technologies, industry standards, and future-of-practice trends.

2. Professional Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with architectural practices, interior design studios, urban development firms, suppliers, design tech companies, academic institutions, and professional groups.

• Initiate structured discussions, industry roundtables, and consultations to understand diverse viewpoints.

• Represent the initiative at key industry gatherings, maintaining clear communication with stakeholders across multiple markets.

• Develop platforms (digital and physical) where designers, firms, and partners can exchange ideas, collaborate, and participate actively.

3. Programs, Knowledge Development & Sector Innovation

• Shape a calendar of meaningful initiatives such as:

– professional education modules

– practice-management workshops

– materials and technology explorations

– industry research reports

– peer-to-peer knowledge exchange sessions

– design innovation forums

• Introduce practice-strengthening resources for small, medium, and large studios.

• Oversee content creation, ensuring information is relevant, actionable, and reflective of industry realities.

• Lead initiatives that highlight sustainability, digital transformation, design process innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

4. Partnership Development & Commercial Pathways

• Identify potential partners across the built environment who align with the initiative's mission.

• Develop commercial pathways such as sponsorships, educational partnerships, sector collaborations, and consultancy offerings.

• Explore revenue structures that support long-term growth without compromising the initiative's integrity or accessibility.

• Manage financial planning, cost structures, and resourcing linked to programs and partnerships.

5. Platform Establishment & Operational Framework

• Define the operational blueprint including systems, workflows, governance, and membership or participation models.

• Work closely with internal teams (communications, digital, events, research) to ensure coordinated execution.

• Oversee the development of branding principles, positioning statements, and communication style.

• Introduce evaluation tools to measure the initiative's relevance, effectiveness, and contribution to the profession.

6. Leadership & Organisational Development

• Assemble a small, focused team to deliver programs, partnerships, and operations.

• Foster a professional culture built on trust, transparency, collaboration, and design excellence.

• Create performance indicators and development plans for team members.

• Ensure all team activities reflect the initiative's mission and values.

Candidate Profile

Professional Background

We are seeking a senior individual with a credible track record in architecture or interior design, preferably with exposure to leadership, practice development, sector initiatives, or industry-wide programs.

Ideal candidates may have experience as:

• Design Directors

• Studio Heads

• Project Directors / Associate Directors

• Practice Managers / Strategy Leads

• Creative Directors in the built environment

• Leaders who have engaged with industry bodies, associations, or design education

Required Experience & Competencies

• Minimum 8 years within architecture, interior design, or built-environment leadership.

• Strong understanding of how studios operate: workflow, challenges, client dynamics, procurement, talent development, and industry pressures.

• Experience engaging with senior-level stakeholders across the design ecosystem.

• Ability to build strategic frameworks and long-term initiatives.

• Strong communication abilities, suited to industry-facing roles.

• Comfort operating in a non-traditional, entrepreneurial environment where structure is still emerging.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver programs, initiatives, or multi-stakeholder projects.

Preferred Qualities

• Deep curiosity about the evolution of the profession and the future of practice.

• Interest in design technology, sustainability, materials, education, or sector research.

• Ability to influence without authority and build trust across diverse groups.

• Regional experience is advantageous but not mandatory.