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- Tasks: Lead architectural vision and design standards for residential developments across multiple regions.
- Company: Join a fast-growing, privately owned UK housebuilder focused on innovative residential design.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of residential design while ensuring quality and sustainability in a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Must have 10+ years in senior architectural leadership within volume housebuilding or large-scale development.
- Other info: Opportunity to manage a large in-house team and influence design across diverse projects.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are seeking an ambitious Design Director to step up and lead the architectural and design function across all regional operations for a privately owned, fast-growing UK housebuilder. With all design work managed in-house and a strong emphasis on architectural continuity, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of residential design at scale and ensure consistent quality across a diverse portfolio of residential developments, managing a large in-house team.
The ideal candidate will have a robust track record in residential development. They will bring at least 10 years of senior architectural leadership experience within a volume housebuilding or large-scale development environment. A deep technical understanding of UK housing design, planning policy, and modern construction methods is essential, along with demonstrable success in managing multi-site portfolios and leading cross-functional teams. This individual will possess exceptional communication skills and will operate with commercial acumen and a pragmatic, solution-focused mindset to balance design integrity with deliverability and business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the architectural vision and design standards across the group, ensuring consistency, innovation, and adherence to best practice in residential architecture.
- Oversee the preparation and delivery of masterplans, layout designs, and house type portfolios for use across multiple regions.
- Collaborate with Planning, Technical, Land and Commercial teams to guide developments from initial concept through to planning submission and build.
- Ensure design compliance with evolving building regulations, sustainability requirements, and customer expectations.
- Drive standardisation where appropriate while allowing flexibility for regional adaptation and planning nuances.
- Mentor and manage a team of in-house architects and technicians, as well as coordinate with external consultants as required.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, housing policy, and urban design principles.
- Represent the business in senior-level planning and design meetings.
Group Design Director employer: Thomas Gray
Contact Detail:
Thomas Gray Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Design Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the residential development sector. Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to connect with key players and learn about the latest trends and opportunities in architectural design.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership experience by discussing specific projects where you successfully managed teams and delivered results. Be prepared to share examples of how you've balanced design integrity with business objectives in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the company's portfolio and values. Understanding their approach to residential design will help you align your vision with theirs during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of UK housing design regulations and sustainability requirements. Being able to articulate your understanding of these areas will demonstrate your technical expertise and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Design Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in residential development and architectural leadership. Emphasise your 10+ years of experience and any specific projects that showcase your ability to manage multi-site portfolios.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for residential design and your vision for the role. Mention how your technical understanding of UK housing design and planning policy aligns with the company's goals.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams and mentored architects in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and ability to balance design integrity with business objectives.
Demonstrate Industry Knowledge: Include insights about current industry trends, sustainability requirements, and urban design principles in your application. This will show your commitment to staying informed and your readiness to represent the business in senior-level meetings.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Gray
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Group Design Director, you'll need to demonstrate your extensive leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led architectural teams and managed large-scale projects in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor and inspire others.
✨Understand the Company's Vision
Research the company's design philosophy and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Brush up on UK housing design, planning policies, and modern construction methods. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in relation to compliance with building regulations and sustainability requirements.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Since the role involves collaboration with various teams, think of examples where you've successfully worked cross-functionally. Be ready to discuss how you handle differing opinions and ensure that design integrity is maintained while meeting business objectives.
