Design Director

Design Director Master Planning, Architecture - Luxury Development

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Employment Type: Full-Time

This position is strictly open to candidates with a real estate developer background. Consultancy-only or contractor-only profiles will not be considered.

Position Overview

Our client is embarking on a landmark master-planned development a visionary mixed-use destination integrating ultra-luxury residential, hospitality, and lifestyle assets. The development aims to redefine waterfront living and elevate the region's position as a global leisure and investment hub.

We are seeking a highly accomplished Design Director to lead the design vision and governance of this transformative master plan.

Position Overview

The Design Director will provide executive leadership across the full master planning and asset design lifecycle, from concept creation through detailed design and delivery.

This role requires a strategic design leader with deep expertise in large-scale master planning, luxury residential communities, and high-end hospitality assets. The successful candidate will ensure design excellence, brand alignment, commercial viability, and regulatory compliance while coordinating international consultants, operators, and senior stakeholders.

The Design Director will play a critical role in shaping the architectural identity and long-term value of the Al Marjan Island development.

Key Responsibilities

Master Planning & Vision

Define and lead the overall design vision for the Al Marjan Island master plan

Establish design governance frameworks, guidelines, and development controls

Ensure cohesive integration of residential, hospitality, retail, and public realm components

Drive placemaking strategies that enhance lifestyle appeal and asset value

Design Leadership & Delivery

Oversee all design disciplines including master planning, architecture, interiors, landscape, infrastructure, and engineering coordination

Lead design from concept through authority approvals, tender, and construction completion

Implement design review protocols and executive-level approvals

Ensure BIM standards, interdisciplinary coordination, and quality control processes are upheld

Luxury Residential & Hospitality Integration

Lead the design integration of ultra-luxury residential and branded hospitality assets

Ensure full alignment with hospitality operator standards and brand requirements

Balance experiential design excellence with commercial and operational efficiency

Stakeholder & Authority Management

Act as primary design liaison with operators, international consultants, authorities, and senior executive leadership

Manage authority approval processes in Ras Al Khaimah and broader UAE

Present design strategies to board-level stakeholders and investment partners

Commercial & Strategic Alignment

Align design decisions with development strategy, budget targets, and value engineering objectives

Contribute to feasibility reviews and asset positioning strategies

Protect long-term asset value while maintaining design integrity

Team Leadership

Mentor and lead in-house design teams

Build and manage high-performing consultant teams

Foster a culture of design excellence and accountability

Required Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (Master's preferred)

1820years of experience in architecture and design management within real estate development

Minimum 810 years in senior leadership or director-level roles

Proven experience leading large-scale master-planned developments

Strong portfolio of delivered luxury residential and hospitality projects

Experience with branded residences and operator coordination

Strong track record within the UAE or GCC region

Deep understanding of UAE authority regulations and approval processes

Experience managing international design consultants

Core Competencies

Strategic master planning vision

Executive leadership and board-level presence

Strong commercial and financial acumen

Deep understanding of luxury asset positioning

High-level stakeholder management and negotiation skills

Ability to drive design excellence while maintaining budget discipline

Exceptional communication and presentation skills