Director - Architecture - Hospitality - 20013111 HS8

Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural definition of hotel concepts from development brief to approved design direction, curating distinctive, emotive and commercially viable responses aligned with Qiddiya, district and Operator visions
• Articulate and position architectural design proposals to secure alignment and timely outcomes through key governance stages
• Define architectural design principles, typologies and performance benchmarks for each hotel tier, establishing consistent and validated design baselines across the portfolio
• Oversee consultant briefing and scope definition, validating architectural scope and specialist inputs to ensure alignment with development briefs, asset positioning, Operator requirements and governance approvals
• Oversee visualisation and design communication (including CGI strategy), ensuring concepts are clearly articulated and aligned with design narratives and stakeholder expectations
• Lead and govern architecture and specialist consultants, driving strategic approaches on appointment, scope and deliverables and overseeing performance, quality and creative alignment
• Provide functional governance to project-embedded design management teams, reviewing and endorsing architectural deliverables to ensure approved design intent is maintained through delivery
• Lead technical input to development briefs, shaping planning efficiency, gross-to-net ratios, spatial configuration and system integration for hospitality assets
• Drive integrated coordination across architecture, interiors, landscape and technical disciplines, resolving interfaces and ensuring cohesive design outcomes
• Lead structured review of design submissions across key milestones, providing clear feedback and endorsement to support design progression
• Provide creative and technical design oversight through design and construction, resolving interfaces and deviations to maintain design quality and intent
• Guide value engineering and design optimisation, balancing design intent, guest experience and asset performance
• Champion sustainability and climate-responsive design, embedding ESG and Vision 2030 priorities
• Mentor teams and drive continuous improvement of design processes, standards and best practices

Skills & Attributes Required

• Strong architectural design literacy, judgement and technical review capability across all project stages
• Fluent understanding of hospitality planning (areas, efficiencies etc.) and building systems (structural, MEP integration etc.)
• Ability to manage consultants and influence design outcomes
• Commercial awareness of cost and programme impacts
• Strong stakeholder management skills, articulating design intent to secure alignment and drive decision-making
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced environments, managing ambiguity and shifting priorities
• Proficiency in design management and coordination tools (e.g. Revit, BIM, CDE platforms, Aconex, Autodesk Construction Cloud etc.)

Preferred Background & Experience

• Experience in a senior design leadership role (Design Director, Principal or similar) within a major architecture practice or developer environment
• Proven track record of managing architect and multi-disciplinary consultant environments across multiple projects
• Strong experience presenting architectural concepts to senior stakeholders and Operators
• Experience working with international hotel Operators and brand standards
• Experience in KSA / GCC or similar large-scale development environments preferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related discipline

Professional Certifications (If Required)

• Professional membership or recognised certification preferred (e.g. RIBA, AIA, RICS or equivalent)

Years Of Experience

• 15+ years' experience in architectural design with a strong hospitality focus across luxury and mixed-tier projects