Design Director

My client a prestigious multidisciplinary design practice in Dubai requires a Design Director to lead a talented team, steering its creative vision, design excellence, and overall project delivery standards. With a strong architectural background and extensive international exposure, the Design Director will oversee all design disciplines, mentor senior teams, and drive the strategic growth of the consultancy. Candidates must bring a minimum of 20 years' experience, including at least 10 years working on high-profile projects in the Middle East.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides overall design leadership across architecture, interiors, engineering, and specialist disciplines within the practice.
• Shapes and executes the firm's creative direction, design philosophy, and long-term strategic vision.
• Leads the design function in alignment with business objectives, ensuring innovation, quality, and consistency across all projects.
• Represents the consultancy externally, strengthening client relationships and supporting business development initiatives.

Design Management

• Oversees design development from concept through delivery, ensuring the highest standards of technical and creative output.
• Guides cross-disciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions that align with client briefs, regulatory requirements, and commercial goals.
• Provides expert design reviews at key project milestones, ensuring design integrity, feasibility, and constructability.
• Ensures all project designs adhere to local regulations, sustainability principles, and best industry practices.

Operational Oversight & Team Development

• Leads, mentors, and inspires a diverse team of design directors, managers, and senior designers.
• Establishes design processes, quality control standards, and workflows to optimise productivity and collaboration.
• Works closely with executive leadership on resource planning, recruitment, and talent development.
• Fosters a culture of creativity, accountability, and interdisciplinary cooperation throughout the organisation.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with clients, developers, consultants, and authorities.
• Provides design leadership during client presentations, workshops, and key project engagements.
• Proactively addresses project challenges, ensuring solutions uphold the practice's reputation for excellence.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture; additional qualifications in Design Management or related fields are advantageous.
• Minimum 20 years of post-qualification experience, with at least 10 years working on complex, high-value projects in the Middle East.
• Proven experience leading design teams within a multidisciplinary or large international design consultancy.
• Comprehensive understanding of UAE building codes, planning regulations, and regional market expectations.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and client-facing skills.
• Ability to balance creative ambition with technical practicality and commercial awareness.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Design and Engineering

Industries

Architecture and Planning, Design Services, and Engineering Services

Ajman, Ajman Emirate, United Arab Emirates 2 months ago