Design Directors

Design Directors

Full-Time 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • 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 designers.
  • Benefits: Join a collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse organisation that values equality and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Shape inspiring spaces and make a real impact on diverse international projects.
  • Qualifications: Significant experience in design leadership and proven portfolio in large-scale developments.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ 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, overseeing the coordination with other consultants to ensure an appropriate, high quality architectural product is delivered on time and within defined budgets.

Job Description 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 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.

Additional Information

We at EGIS are an Equal Opportunities employer and we recognise the value of a Diverse Organisation. EGIS appreciates all job applications. If you decide to apply for an opportunity at EGIS, your application will be assessed based purely on your experience, the essential and desirable criteria, and your suitability for the role. We value each and everyone’s contribution as this builds our culture and means, if you work for EGIS, you will be included, listened to, and respected.

Design Directors employer: 10Designvn

10 Design is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters creativity and innovation across its global studios. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow through mentorship and exposure to diverse international projects, particularly in the dynamic Middle East region. The company's commitment to design excellence and community engagement ensures that every team member contributes to meaningful and impactful architectural solutions.
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Contact Detail:

10Designvn Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Directors

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially those in the Middle East. Attend design events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work, especially projects that align with what 10 Design is doing. When you get the chance, bring it along to interviews or share it during networking chats to really impress.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your design philosophy and how you can contribute to 10 Design’s vision. Think about how your experience in the Middle East can add value and be prepared to discuss specific projects that showcase your skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying – a little persistence goes a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Design Directors

Creative Leadership
Design Governance
Project Oversight
Stakeholder Management
Team Mentorship
Quality Assurance
Risk Management
Client Engagement
Architectural Innovation
Sustainability Strategies
Business Development
International Project Experience
Middle East Market Knowledge
Collaboration Skills
Presentation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Creative Side: When you're putting together your application, make sure to highlight your creative vision and design philosophy. We want to see how you can shape architectural language and innovate in your projects, so don’t hold back!

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect your experience with international projects, especially in the Middle East. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges and opportunities in that region, so let us know how you've tackled similar projects.

Be a Team Player: We value collaboration, so be sure to mention any experience you have in mentoring or leading design teams. Show us how you inspire others and build a high-performance studio culture – it’s all about teamwork here!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our practice and what we stand for.

How to prepare for a job interview at 10Designvn

✨Know Your Design Philosophy

Before the interview, take some time to really understand 10 Design's approach to architecture and master planning. Familiarise yourself with their past projects, especially those in the Middle East, and be ready to discuss how your design vision aligns with theirs.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Design Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided design processes in previous roles, particularly in complex stakeholder environments. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing future leaders.

✨Prepare for Client Interactions

Since you'll be acting as a primary point of contact for clients, practice articulating your design ideas clearly and confidently. Think about how you can effectively communicate your vision while also being receptive to client feedback during the interview.

✨Discuss Quality and Innovation

Be ready to talk about how you ensure design excellence from concept through delivery. Share specific examples of how you've managed design risk and maintained high standards in your previous projects, especially in hospitality and large-scale developments.

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