Design Director

At Alpago Design & Build, we believe in achieving the impossible with perfection. There are no shortcuts or compromises when crafting luxury—only one route: delivering the best of the best. This is why we're the trusted choice for those seeking exceptional quality and impeccable service.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly capable Design Director to lead our multidisciplinary design team across prestigious, high-end real estate and contracting projects. This role requires a seasoned design professional who can oversee the full design lifecycle, coordinate closely with internal teams, and confidently interface with elite clientele, including UHNWIs. The Design Manager will supervise teams across interior design, 2D drafting, 3D visualization, lighting, and technical design, while ensuring seamless project delivery and luxury-level design excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership

• Oversee the complete design lifecycle from initial concept to execution-ready drawings.
• Supervise the work of Interior Designers, 2D Draftsmen, 3D Visualizers, Lighting Designers, and the Technical Design Team.
• Ensure cohesive, high-quality output aligned with project vision and luxury standards.

Design Strategy & Innovation

• Stay informed on global design trends, materials, and high-end finishes relevant to luxury development.
• Bring fresh, innovative ideas to enhance the group's design direction and overall creative identity.
• Collaborate with the Group CEO or Marketing Team on select projects to ensure the design narrative reflects the brand's positioning.

Client-Facing Responsibilities

• Act as the main point of contact for elite clients during the design phase.
• Lead presentations, confidently communicate design intent, and integrate client feedback effectively.
• Maintain discretion and professionalism when managing UHNW client expectations.

Internal Coordination & Execution

• Liaise with Project Management, MEP, Procurement, and Civil teams to ensure all designs are executable and well-integrated.
• Manage submission and revision timelines, ensuring timely delivery of drawings, renders, and approval packages.

Authority Submissions & Approvals

• Prepare and coordinate design documentation for submissions to authorities such as Dubai Municipality, Trakhees, or DDA.
• Ensure compliance with all local regulations and building codes throughout the design process.

On-Site Coordination

• Conduct site visits during critical design implementation phases.
• Collaborate with execution teams to resolve design conflicts and maintain design integrity.
• Review mock-ups and material samples to ensure alignment with approved concepts.

Quality Control

Review and sign off on final design packages before execution or submission.

Ensure all outputs meet internal quality standards, aesthetic excellence, and technical accuracy.

Team Oversight

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of designers across disciplines.
• Assign tasks, monitor performance, and ensure efficient workflow and delivery.
• Promote collaboration, continuous learning, and a high-performance culture.

Required Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field. Master's preferred.
• Minimum 12+ years of experience in design, with at least 4 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in luxury residential or high-end hospitality projects.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Lumion, V-Ray, and Adobe Suite.
• Strong understanding of design coordination, authority approvals, and site execution in the UAE.

Preferred Experience

• Dynamic personality and highly presentable, as this role reflects the brand in all client-facing interactions.
• Confident communicator and polished presenter, especially in high-stakes meetings with UHNWIs.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate a cross-functional creative team.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and calm under pressure.
• Passionate about luxury design and innovation.