Director - Interior Design | Real Estate | Asset Development

Robinson & Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading real estate developer in the UAE is seeking an experienced individual to oversee the creative direction of interior design across diverse projects. The ideal candidate should have over 20 years of experience in interior design, a strong portfolio, and the ability to manage multiple projects while adhering to brand standards. Exceptional communication skills are essential for engaging with various stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in interior design for hospitality, residential, and retail sectors.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating extensive design knowledge.
• In-depth knowledge of FF&E, materials, finishes, and space planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the interior design function and projects from concept development to completion.
• Develop the Interior Design brand standards and guidelines.
• Monitor compliance with design plans during construction.

Skills

Interior design experience

Client-side role experience

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or relevant subject

Job description

Overview

Oversees the creative direction and delivery of interior design across Al-Futtaim Real Estate’s diverse portfolio, including retail, residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Leads internal teams and external consultants through all design phases from concept development to final execution, ensuring innovation, functionality, and alignment with the company’s brand and quality standards. Drives design excellence, cost efficiency, and sustainability while enhancing the overall user experience and aesthetic value of each project.

What you will do

• Lead the interior design function and projects from concept development to completion, handle the different design phases and manage multiple projects while putting in place a clear and coherent design process.
• Work on developing the Interior Design brand standards and guidelines in line with Al-Futtaim Real Estate's vision.
• Contribute to creating guidelines, design & technical standards, specifications of FF&E and OS&E, and technical services guidelines.
• Lead interior design projects from layouts to detailed drawings and FF&E specifications. Check and review if standards and requirements are integrated into one unified scheme according to the program.
• Maintain current knowledge of trends and materials, techniques, and other developments in interior design. Identify trends in the market concerning the interior design.
• Assess the market, define and assess specific requirements, define qualification / evaluation criteria, review available candidate consultants, develop relevant interview process and questionnaires, assess, and compare presentations, make recommendations for selection of designers.
• Define Design Scope and other relevant contribution to the creation / running / closeout of good design agreements / contracts and control of design costs.
• Procurement and verification of acceptable design packages of design documentation for each design stage.
• Lead periodic on-site observation of work during construction to monitor compliance with plans and requirements and ensure that the final product is as per the original request, review design drawings, submittals and samples.
• Represent Al-Futtaim Real Estate in meetings for the purpose of reviewing interior design proposals, contracts, and mock-ups.
• Monitor the implementation of department's KPIs.
• Direct and motivate teams of interior designers, draftsmen, etc. to help them use their talents effectively.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills to be successful

• Minimum of 20+ years of experience in interior design, with a proven track record and strong portfolio across hospitality, residential, and retail sectors across the Middle East.
• Extensive experience in interior design, with in-depth knowledge of FF&E, materials, finishes, and space planning.
• Experience working in a client-side role or with leading interior design consultancies, overseeing the full design lifecycle from concept development through to project completion is essential.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to effectively engage and manage a wide range of stakeholders.

What equips you for the role

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or relevant subject.
• Strong knowledge of applicable standards, regulations, and procedures.

About Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate

The real estate development and operations arm of Al-Futtaim, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is responsible for a multi-billion-dollar portfolio across MENA. With high-quality residential, business, retail, tourism, educational and healthcare developments, the master developer caters to the diverse needs of cities and communities in the region. From origination, conception, development, sales, procurement and construction of mega-projects and the leasing, operation and management of these projects after completion, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate (AFGRE) has been developing and managing owned landbanks, unlocking the economic potential of the region and contributing to future development for more than 40 years. Our focus is to enable and invest in meaningful relationships to make our properties the best places to live and work, build additional products and services and enable partnerships to create true value to our customers throughout their entire experience with us. AFGRE is responsible for master planning of all projects in its portfolio, including two large scale mixed use destinations: Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City.