Design Director

2 weeks ago

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Black & Grey HR Full time

Our client, a leading organization is seeking an accomplished Director of Design & Architecture to lead and elevate its creative, technical, and commercial design capabilities. This role will be instrumental in shaping the firm's design vision, overseeing complex projects, and driving excellence across architecture, design, and multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will combine strong design sensibility with strategic leadership, client-facing expertise, and a proven track record of delivering landmark projects across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Leadership

  • Define and drive the overall design and architectural vision aligned with business objectives
  • Provide senior leadership to architecture, interior design, and technical teams
  • Act as a key contributor to organizational strategy, growth, and brand positioning

Design & Project Oversight

  • Oversee end-to-end design development from concept to construction delivery
  • Ensure design integrity, quality standards, and regulatory compliance across all projects
  • Review and approve design submissions, drawings, and specifications

Client & Stakeholder Management

  • Serve as the primary design authority and client-facing representative
  • Lead high-level client presentations, design reviews, and negotiations
  • Collaborate closely with developers, consultants, contractors, and authorities

Commercial & Business Development

  • Support business development initiatives, proposals, and design pitches
  • Contribute to project fee structuring, resource planning, and cost optimization
  • Identify opportunities to expand service offerings and market presence

Team Development

  • Mentor senior designers and architects, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation
  • Build, structure, and retain high-performing multidisciplinary teams
  • Promote continuous learning, design research, and thought leadership

Key Requirements:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related design discipline
  • Minimum 12–15 years of experience across architecture, interior design, and landscape design, with at least 5+ years in a senior leadership / director-level role
  • Proven track record of delivering large-scale, mix use, hospitality, residential, commercial, and landscape-led developments
  • Strong expertise in managing multidisciplinary design teams, including architecture, interiors, landscape, and technical functions
  • Demonstrated experience in design leadership within the Middle East, with a solid understanding of regional regulations and authorities
  • Ability to oversee and integrate design, public realm planning, and external works within overall master planning concepts
  • Excellent client-facing, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
  • Commercially astute with experience in design & build and consultancy environments
  • Proficiency in industry-standard design, visualization, and project management tools

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