Design Director

Overview

Direct multidisciplinary design, overseeing architecture, interiors, engineering and strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• design leadership
• design development
• design review
• client relations
• team mentoring
• regulatory compliance

Tasks

-Fosters a culture of creativity, accountability, and interdisciplinary cooperation throughout the organisation. -Proactively addresses project challenges, ensuring solutions uphold the practice's reputation for excellence. -Leads, mentors, and inspires a diverse team of design directors, managers, and senior designers. -Provides overall design leadership across architecture, interiors, engineering, and specialist disciplines within the practice. -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. -Oversees design development from concept through delivery, ensuring the highest standards of technical and creative output. -Represents the consultancy externally, strengthening client relationships and supporting business development initiatives. -Builds and maintains strong relationships with clients, developers, consultants, and authorities. -Leads the design function in alignment with business objectives, ensuring innovation, quality, and consistency across all projects. -Guides cross-disciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions that align with client briefs, regulatory requirements, and commercial goals. -Shapes and executes the firm's creative direction, design philosophy, and long-term strategic vision. -Ensures all project designs adhere to local regulations, sustainability principles, and best industry practices. -Provides expert design reviews at key project milestones, ensuring design integrity, feasibility, and constructability. -Provides design leadership during client presentations, workshops, and key project engagements.

Requirements

• 20+ years
• uae codes
• design management
• leadership
• architecture degree
• middle east

What You Bring

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. -Minimum 20 years of post-qualification experience, with at least 10 years working on complex, high-value projects in the Middle East. -Comprehensive understanding of UAE building codes, planning regulations, and regional market expectations. -Ability to balance creative ambition with technical practicality and commercial awareness. -Strong portfolio demonstrating leadership on landmark projects across multiple sectors (e.g., mixed-use, hospitality, commercial, masterplanning). -Exceptional communication, leadership, and client-facing skills. -Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture; additional qualifications in Design Management or related fields are advantageous. -Proven experience leading design teams within a multidisciplinary or large international design consultancy.

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About Blake Anderson Recruitment

-Grew from regional roots into a boutique global recruiter. -Operates across the Middle East, Asia, UK, and Ireland, matching specialized technical talent to landmark projects. -Known for high-profile ventures including Dubai and Doha metros. -Builds consultative connections with candidates, offering interview prep, relocation support, and industry insights. -Focus spans real estate, urbanism, structural engineering, building services, and project delivery. -Operates from UK headquarters with a satellite in Dubai, leveraging local and international candidate networks. -Adheres to strict ethical standards under REC accreditation, reinforcing trust in placements. -Maintains a database of thousands of vetted professionals in architecture, construction, and infrastructure.

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