Design Director

Blake Anderson; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious multidisciplinary design practice in Dubai is seeking a Design Director to lead the creative vision and overall project delivery standards. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 20 years' experience, including substantial work on high-profile projects in the Middle East. This role involves providing design leadership, managing diverse teams, and engaging clients effectively. Strong architectural knowledge and leadership skills are essential for this senior position.

Qualifications

• 20 years of post-qualification experience in design.
• 10 years of experience on high-profile projects in the Middle East.
• Proven leadership experience in a multidisciplinary design consultancy.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall design across various disciplines.
• Guide cross-disciplinary teams to deliver solutions.
• Build strong client relationships and address project challenges.

Skills

Leadership

Design Management

Client Engagement

Team Development

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture

Additional qualifications in Design Management or related fields

Job description

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.

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.