Design Director

Design Director | Dubai, UAE

Salary: Up to AED 80,000 + Package

We are partnering with a leading Dubai-based developer to appoint a Design Director to lead the design strategy for a major residential development currently at masterplanning stage.

This is a critical leadership role requiring someone with strong masterplanning expertise who can set the vision from the outset and successfully carry that design intent through all subsequent stages - concept, schematic, detailed design, authority approvals, and construction.

The Role

The project is at the early masterplanning phase, and we require a Design Director who can take ownership of the overall design framework, land use strategy, massing studies, unit mix optimisation, infrastructure coordination, and public realm integration.

From there, you will lead the project through the full design lifecycle, ensuring consistency, quality, and commercial alignment across mid to high-rise residential components.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and shape the masterplanning strategy, including land optimisation, GFA efficiency, and development phasing.
• Translate commercial objectives into a strong, deliverable design vision.
• Appoint, manage, and coordinate masterplanners, architects, and engineering consultants.
• Oversee concept, schematic, detailed design, and IFC stages.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant Dubai authorities and regulatory bodies.
• Drive value engineering while protecting design integrity.
• Collaborate closely with Development, Projects, Sales, and Marketing teams.
• Monitor design budgets, timelines, and consultant performance.
• Maintain design quality through construction to ensure the original vision is delivered.

Requirements

• Proven developer-side experience in UAE.
• Strong background in masterplanning large-scale residential developments.
• Track record delivering mid to high-rise residential towers (G+10+) from inception to completion.
• In-depth knowledge of Dubai planning regulations and authority approvals.
• Degree in Architecture, Urban Design, or related field.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capability.

This is a rare opportunity to influence a major project from its earliest planning stages and see it through to delivery.

If you meet the above criteria and would like a confidential discussion, please get in touch.