Design Director

Chedi Hospitality; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Chedi Hospitality seeks a Design Director to lead the aesthetic vision for new developments, renovations, and brand extensions globally. You will align architecture, interiors, and guest experience with the brand’s DNA while partnering with owners, developers, and consultants.

You will oversee global projects from feasibility to opening, ensuring excellence and brand alignment across multiple venues, with frequent travel and collaboration across corporate offices and external design teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture or interior design from a globally recognized institution.
• Internationally minded with cross-cultural fluency and sensitivity to regional design nuances.
• Passion for innovation, guest-centric experiences, and contemporary interpretations of heritage.
• Multi-lingual and fluent in spoken and written English

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the visual language, spatial philosophy, and experiential identity of the brand across all property types (city hotels, resort destinations, branded residences).
• Review and approve design team proposals, concepts, and documentation from third-party consultants.
• Lead internal design direction workshops and aesthetic reviews with project teams, ownership groups, and design consultants.
• Provide design oversight for all global projects from feasibility through opening, ensuring alignment with brand standards and design excellence.
• Act as primary liaison between corporate office and third-party design teams for all design-related matters.
• Evaluate design consultants, provide recommendations, and lead shortlisting processes.
• Contribute to master planning and spatial programming during early feasibility studies.
• Collaborate with Development and Technical Services teams to ensure seamless integration of brand identity and operational functionality.
• Assist in innovating wellness, sustainability, F&B, and luxury experiences through spatial storytelling and design expression.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with marketing, operations, procurement, and brand teams to support a holistic design approach.
• Represent the brand at design conferences, press engagements, and industry events.

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture or interior design

Tools

MS Software

AutoCAD

BIM/REVIT

InDesign

Canva

Job description

Technical Services Department

Job description

Title: Design Director

As a world-leading ultra-luxury hospitality brand known for its visionary architecture, iconic interiors, and unforgettable guest experiences. We are redefining the future of hospitality with an unwavering commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and cultural resonance.

The Design Director will lead the aesthetic vision and design standards for designated new developments, renovations, and brand extensions globally. This strategic role sits within the corporate development and technical services team reporting directly to the Chief Design and Construction Officer.

As a brand guardian across architecture, interior design, and guest experience environments the successful candidate shall collaborate closely with owners, developers, interior designers, architects, and internal teams to ensure each project embodies the brand’s DNA while remaining globally relevant and locally authentic.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and evolve the visual language, spatial philosophy, and experiential identity of the brand across all property types (city hotels, resort destinations, branded residences).
• Review and approve design team design proposals, concepts, and documentation from third-party consultants.
• Lead internal design direction workshops and aesthetic reviews with project teams, ownership groups, and design consultants.
• Provide design oversight for all global projects from feasibility through opening, ensuring alignment with brand standards and design excellence.
• Act as primary liaison between corporate office and third-party design teams for all design-related matters.
• Evaluate design consultants, provide recommendations, and lead shortlisting processes.
• Contribute to master planning and spatial programming during early feasibility studies.
• Collaborate with the Development and Technical Services teams to ensure seamless integration of brand identity and operational functionality.
• Assist in the development of innovation in areas such as wellness, sustainability, F&B, and luxury experiences through spatial storytelling and design expression.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with marketing, operations, procurement, and brand teams to support a holistic design approach.
• Represent the brand at design conferences, press engagements, and industry events.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong design sensibility with an impeccable eye for detail and luxury aesthetics.
• Ability to manage complex global projects with multiple stakeholders and fast-paced timelines.
• Deep knowledge of luxury hospitality trends, materials, FF&E, and spatial programming.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and presentation skills.
• Ability to inspire, direct, and align multidisciplinary teams.
• Comprehensive ability in the operation of all MS Software, Autocad (2D & 3D), BIM/REVIT (Review and comment), On Line document control systems, In Design/Canva etc

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture or interior design, or related field from a globally recognized institution.
• Internationally minded with cross-cultural fluency and sensitivity to regional design nuances.
• Passion for innovation, guest-centrisk experiences, and contemporary interpretations of heritage.
• Multi Lingual and fluent in spoken and written English
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently.