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- Tasks: Lead creative vision and oversee major architectural projects across the Middle East.
- Company: 10 Design, a global architecture practice with a dynamic team of 300.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape iconic spaces and mentor future design leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative designs that inspire communities worldwide.
- Qualifications: Significant experience as a Design Director with a strong portfolio in hospitality and master planning.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
10 Design is a global architecture and master planning practice. Headquartered in London, a dynamic team of 300 architects and designers is located across nine global studios - London, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Dubai, Edinburgh, Miami, Dallas, Shenzhen, and Singapore. 10 Design shapes spaces at every scale, from individual buildings to entire cityscapes. Our work spans master planning, mixed-use developments, retail, hospitality, residential, research and science facilities, as well as civic and cultural projects. We take pride in creating designs that inspire, engage, and respond thoughtfully to the unique character of the communities we serve.
As part of our team, you will contribute to a broad range of UK and international projects, from large-scale masterplans to individual buildings, within a creative and collaborative studio. Experience working in a design-led practice on UK or international projects is required, and work on projects in the Middle East is essential for the role. Experience of Technical Design and Construction work stages will also be an advantage for the role.
Role summary
A senior leadership role responsible for setting and safeguarding the design vision of the practice regionally and across the Middle East, representing the studio at the highest level, and delivering world-class design across multiple sectors.
Purpose
The Director is responsible for always achieving excellence in design while representing 10 Design and its design philosophy to the highest quality standard. They are required to act as a primary point of contact to clients and external consultants for all design-related issues. The role also involves driving the creative direction of the architecture teams, sponsoring a collaborative and iterative review-based design culture, and overseeing the coordination with other consultants to ensure an appropriate, high-quality architectural product is delivered on time and within defined budgets.
Role requirements
- Creative Leadership
- Define and lead the creative vision for key projects, pursuits, and competitions.
- Act as a design leader, ensuring consistency and excellence across the regional portfolio.
- Shape architectural language, innovation, sustainability, and client-focused design strategies.
- Represent the practice publicly through client presentations, design reviews, and industry forums.
- Project Oversight
- Provide strategic oversight across major projects and key client accounts.
- Lead design governance, review processes, and critical decision-making points.
- Guide teams through complex stakeholder environments typical of large-scale International and Middle East developments.
- Support business development through design leadership in bids and interviews.
- Team Mentorship
- Inspire, mentor, and develop senior design leaders and future directors.
- Build and sustain a high-performance, design-led collaborative studio culture.
- Support succession planning and long-term capability building within the practice.
- Quality & Delivery
- Ensure design excellence is maintained from concept through delivery across all project stages.
- Oversee design risk management, authority engagement, and design integrity during construction.
- Set benchmarks for quality, innovation, and best practice across the region.
Qualifications
Essential experience
- Significant experience as a Design Director within an international consultancy.
- Middle East experience essential, with a strong regional network.
- Proven portfolio across multiple building types, including large-scale and complex developments.
- Experience in Hospitality and Master planning projects.
- Recognised design leadership with built work and/or award-winning projects.
Director in City of London employer: 10 Design
Contact Detail:
10 Design Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to meet people in the architecture and design field. You never know who might be looking for someone with your skills or who can refer you to a great opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work, especially projects relevant to the Middle East. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your designs do the talking.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their creative direction. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design: When you're writing your application, let your love for architecture and design shine through. We want to see how you connect with our mission at 10 Design and how your vision aligns with ours. Make it personal and engaging!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send a generic CV! Take the time to tailor your application to highlight your experience in international projects, especially in the Middle East. We’re looking for specific examples that showcase your leadership and design excellence.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and make sure to highlight your key achievements and skills relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at 10 Design
✨Know Your Design Philosophy
Before the interview, take some time to really understand 10 Design's approach and philosophy. Familiarise yourself with their past projects, especially those in the Middle East, and think about how your own design vision aligns with theirs. This will help you articulate your ideas and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their creative culture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to lead teams and inspire creativity. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided design teams in the past, particularly in complex stakeholder environments. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentorship and how you foster a collaborative studio culture.
✨Prepare for Project Oversight Questions
Expect questions about your experience with project oversight and governance. Think of specific instances where you've managed large-scale projects or key client accounts. Highlight your strategic decision-making skills and how you've ensured design excellence from concept through delivery.
✨Engage with Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in architecture and design, especially those relevant to the Middle East. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence your work at 10 Design. Showing that you're not only aware of current practices but also thinking ahead will impress your interviewers.
