Design Director – Multi-Discipline Consultancy

One95 Global; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 149,981 - 262,467; Full time

Job summary

One95 Global is seeking an experienced Design Director in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to lead a multi-discipline design studio. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture and at least 15 years of experience in architectural design, including senior leadership roles. Responsibilities include providing design leadership, overseeing project stages, and ensuring design excellence while managing commercial pressures. This role requires strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in architectural design environments, with time in senior leadership roles.
• Proven experience leading a multi-discipline design studio or large architectural practice.
• Strong portfolio of delivering large-scale, complex developments.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall design leadership across the design studio.
• Act as the design authority and set quality benchmarks.
• Lead teams through all project stages from concept to delivery.
• Oversee design reviews and quality control processes.
• Collaborate with clients and stakeholders for successful outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

Job description

An exciting opportunity to join a leading, well‑established multi‑discipline design studio in Saudi Arabia, delivering some of the Kingdom’s most ambitious and high‑profile developments. Our client is seeking an experienced Design Director from an architectural background to lead, inspire, and strategically manage a large, integrated design studio operating across multiple sectors.

• Provide overall design leadership and creative direction across a multi‑discipline design studio, including Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Design, Landscape, and Engineering coordination.
• Act as the design authority, setting design standards, vision, and quality benchmarks across all projects.
• Lead teams through all project stages, from concept design through to detailed design and delivery.
• Oversee design reviews, governance processes, and quality control to ensure projects meet client expectations, statutory requirements, and international best practice.
• Collaborate closely with clients, authorities, consultants, and internal stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Drive cross-discipline integration, ensuring cohesive, coordinated, and buildable design solutions.
• Support business growth by contributing to bids, proposals, competitions, and client presentations.
• Mentor, manage, and develop senior design leaders and studio teams, fostering a culture of design excellence and collaboration.
• Ensure projects are delivered in line with programme, commercial objectives, and design intent.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture (essential).
• 15+ years’ experience within architectural design environments, with significant time in senior leadership roles.
• Proven experience leading a multi‑discipline design studio or large architectural practice.
• Strong portfolio of delivering large‑scale, complex developments, such as mixed‑use, commercial, residential, hospitality, or leisure projects.
• Demonstrated experience working in Saudi Arabia, with a strong understanding of local regulations, authorities, and approval processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Track record of maintaining design excellence while managing commercial and delivery pressures.
• Experience engaging directly with clients at a senior level and representing the studio externally.