Design Manager

Overview

Design Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage the design process across multiple luxury residential Design & Build projects.
• Oversee the development of architectural, interior design, landscape, structural, and MEP design packages.
• Ensure design intent is maintained throughout all project stages, from concept design through construction and handover.
• Manage and coordinate external consultants, architects, interior designers, and specialist subcontractors.
• Review and approve design submissions, drawings, specifications, material selections, and technical documentation.
• Ensure all designs align with project objectives, client requirements, quality standards, and commercial considerations.

Project Coordination

• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective collaboration and project execution.
• Work closely with project managers, commercial teams, procurement teams, and site teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate design coordination meetings and technical workshops.
• Resolve design-related challenges and provide practical solutions to support project delivery.
• Support procurement activities through design reviews, material evaluations, and technical assessments.

Luxury Residential Expertise

• Lead the design delivery of bespoke luxury villas, high-end residential developments, and premium renovation projects.
• Ensure exceptional attention to detail in architecture, interior design, craftsmanship, materials, finishes, and FF&E selections.
• Review luxury material specifications, custom joinery details, specialist finishes, and bespoke design elements.
• Maintain awareness of global luxury residential trends, premium brands, and innovative design solutions.
• Support the delivery of projects that reflect the highest standards of luxury living and design excellence.

Design Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all designs comply with relevant regulations, authority requirements, building codes, and industry standards.
• Monitor design quality throughout project stages and ensure consistency with company standards.
• Conduct regular design reviews and quality assessments.
• Support value engineering initiatives while maintaining design integrity and client expectations.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for all design-related matters.
• Work closely with senior management and key stakeholders to support project objectives.
• Present design concepts, project updates, and recommendations to management when required.
• Manage relationships with consultants, suppliers, contractors, and specialist design partners.

Budget & Programme Management

• Monitor design schedules and consultant deliverables to ensure timely project progression.
• Support the management of design budgets and consultant costs.
• Identify potential project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure design milestones are achieved in line with project programmes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Architectural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8–12 years of experience within Design & Build, luxury residential development, architecture, or design management.
• Proven experience delivering high-end villas, luxury residences, bespoke homes, or premium renovation projects.
• Strong understanding of Design & Build project delivery and construction methodologies.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants.
• Excellent knowledge of luxury materials, finishes, joinery, FF&E, and bespoke residential detailing.
• Strong technical, commercial, and project coordination capabilities.
• Experience working within the UAE luxury residential market is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working within a luxury Design & Build firm.
• Experience delivering ultra-luxury villas, bespoke residences, and premium renovation projects.
• UAE/GCC market experience.
• Strong understanding of luxury residential construction, interiors, and client expectations.