Design Manager

About the job

The Design Manager represents the Developer/Investor in leading and controlling the design of high-end real estate developments. The role ensures that architectural and engineering designs meet luxury brand standards, market positioning, operational requirements, and long-term asset value, while remaining aligned with budget, program, statutory compliance, stakeholder expectations and investment objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Design Leadership & Vision Control:

• Act as the developer’s design authority across luxury residential, hospitality, mixed-use, and commercial projects.
• Translate the developer’s vision, brand positioning, and market strategy into clear design briefs and guidelines.
• Protect and enhance design quality, guest/user experience, and market differentiation.

Consultant & Specialist Management:

• Appoint, manage, and coordinate architects, interior designers, engineers, façade consultants, lighting designers, and other specialists.
• Review and challenge consultant proposals to ensure alignment with luxury standards, functionality, and commercial objectives.
• Lead multi-disciplinary design coordination to ensure seamless integration across all components.

Design Quality, Technical & Regulatory Control:

• Oversee design development from concept to detailed design and construction documentation.
• Ensure compliance with local authority requirements, international codes, and brand/operator standards (especially for hospitality).
• Manage design risks related to buildability, performance, sustainability, and operations.

Cost, Value & Program Management:

• Collaborate with development and cost teams to manage design within approved budgets.
• Lead value engineering without compromising luxury quality, guest experience, or brand intent.
• Ensure design deliverables meet project schedules and investment milestones.

Construction Phase Support:

• Support construction teams through design clarifications, shop drawing reviews, and site coordination.
• Ensure design intent and quality are maintained throughout construction.
• Address design-related issues that could impact quality, cost, or timeline.

Handover, Operations & Asset Performance:

• Coordinate with FM, asset management, and hotel operators (where applicable) to ensure designs support efficient operation and maintenance.
• Ensure smooth handover with complete as-built documentation, specifications, and O&M manuals.
• Capture lessons learned to improve future high-end developments.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, or related discipline.
• Typically, minimum 15 years of experience in design management for luxury residential, hospitality, mixed-use, or commercial projects.
• Strong exposure to premium finishes, high-quality detailing, and brand-driven developments.
• Experience working with international consultants and operators is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong design judgment with a commercial and investor mindset
• Ability to manage luxury standards while controlling cost and program
• Excellent stakeholder, consultant, and operator coordination, communication, management skills
• High attention to detail and design quality
• Confident decision-maker capable of protecting design intent
• Strong understanding of Architectural, ID, Landscaping design principles, codes, and construction processes.
• Strong coordination and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• High level of responsibility, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure.