At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of a luxury £20 million private residence from concept to completion.
- Company: Join a prestigious firm known for high-end bespoke residential projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Work in a blend of office, site, and client meetings with high confidentiality.
- Why this job: Make your mark on exclusive projects and elevate your design career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Architecture or related field with extensive design management experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead the design delivery of a high‑value, one‑off luxury private residence valued at approximately £20 million. This role will manage the full design lifecycle from concept through to completion, ensuring the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest levels of quality and specification.
Key Responsibilities- Design Leadership & Coordination
- Lead and manage the design process across all project stages (RIBA Stages 1–7).
- Act as the primary point of contact between client, architects, consultants, and contractor teams.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring integration across architecture, structural, MEP, and specialist packages.
- Drive design quality consistent with a high‑end bespoke residential specification.
- Programme & Deliverables Management
- Develop, monitor, and manage the design programme in alignment with the overall project schedule.
- Ensure timely production and review of design deliverables.
- Identify design risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
- Manage design changes and ensure proper documentation and approvals.
- Technical Oversight
- Review design information for buildability, compliance, and completeness.
- Ensure designs meet planning conditions, building regulations, and client requirements.
- Coordinate technical submissions, RFIs, and design approvals.
- Support value engineering exercises without compromising design intent or quality.
- Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with private client(s), often involving high levels of discretion and professionalism.
- Liaise with local authorities, planning consultants, and statutory bodies where required.
- Manage expectations of demanding stakeholders typical of ultra‑prime residential projects.
- Procurement & Construction Support
- Support procurement of design packages and specialist subcontractors.
- Ensure design information is aligned with procurement strategies and construction sequencing.
- Provide ongoing design support during construction, including site visits and coordination meetings.
- Oversee resolution of design issues arising on site.
- Quality Assurance
- Ensure the highest standards of design quality, detailing, and finish commensurate with a £20m private home.
- Monitor compliance with employer’s requirements and design standards.
- Coordinate mock‑ups, samples, and approvals for bespoke elements.
- Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction‑related discipline.
- Extensive experience in design management within high‑end residential or luxury projects.
- Proven track record delivering bespoke, one‑off projects (ideally £10m+ value).
- Strong understanding of RIBA Plan of Work and UK construction regulations.
- Technical Skills
- Excellent knowledge of architectural detailing, materials, and construction techniques.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary consultant teams.
- Strong understanding of design coordination tools and document control systems.
- Commercial awareness, including cost implications of design decisions.
- Soft Skills
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to manage high expectations from private clients and design teams.
- Strong leadership, organisational, and problem‑solving abilities.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Experience working on ultra‑prime residential, listed buildings, or heritage projects.
- Knowledge of bespoke interiors, artisan finishes, and specialist suppliers.
- Familiarity with BIM processes and digital coordination tools.
- Experience working in client‑side or developer‑led environments.
- Reports to: Project Director / Client Representative
- Direct Reports: Design Coordinators / Assistant Design Managers (if applicable)
- Delivery of design packages in line with programme milestones
- Quality and accuracy of coordinated design information
- Minimal design‑related delays or cost overruns
- Client satisfaction and adherence to brief
- Successful integration of bespoke and high‑spec elements
Combination of office, site‑based, and client‑facing meetings. High level of confidentiality due to the nature of private residential work.
Senior Design Manager in Maidenhead employer: Sphere Solutions
As a Senior Design Manager at our prestigious firm, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to delivering exceptional luxury residential projects. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values creativity and excellence, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment. Located in the heart of the industry, our office provides a stimulating atmosphere where your expertise will be recognised and rewarded, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager in Maidenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend design events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio! Make sure it’s up to date and highlights your best work, especially those high-end projects. 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. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in luxury residential design. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing high-end residential projects and your understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past projects, especially those valued at £10m or more. Show us your passion for luxury design and how you can lead our team to success.
Showcase Your Design Leadership:In your application, emphasise your leadership skills and experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams. We’re looking for someone who can manage expectations and deliver quality, so make sure to highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate these abilities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sphere Solutions
✨Know Your Design Lifecycle
Make sure you’re well-versed in the RIBA Stages 1–7. Be ready to discuss how you've managed design processes in previous projects, especially in high-end residential settings. This shows you understand the full design lifecycle and can lead effectively.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships with clients and managed their expectations. Highlight any experience dealing with demanding stakeholders, as this role requires a high level of discretion and professionalism.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Brush up on your understanding of architectural detailing, materials, and construction techniques. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance with building regulations and planning conditions, as well as how you handle design changes.
✨Emphasise Quality Assurance
Talk about your commitment to maintaining high standards of design quality and detailing. Share specific instances where you’ve monitored compliance with employer’s requirements and how you’ve handled mock-ups and approvals for bespoke elements.
