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:
Leadership & Strategy
- 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.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating leadership on landmark projects across multiple sectors (e.g., mixed-use, hospitality, commercial, masterplanning).
- 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.
