Director – Design and Planning

About the role

The Director of Design and Planning provides overall design leadership for the Development function, ensuring that all technical and design disciplines deliver high‑quality, code‑compliant solutions that align with the Master Plan and business strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Establish design management governance and conduct robust design reviews at each development stage gate.
• Ensure compliance with local and international codes and oversee planning and construction submissions to authorities.
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary consultants and internal teams across urban planning, architecture, landscape, interior design, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and ICT.
• Own the evolution of the Development Masterplan, making revisions to meet business objectives.
• Embed sustainability in design decisions and pursue sustainability certifications for assets.
• Provide design ideation in early development stages to support robust business plans.
• Monitor consultant progress, manage budgets, and conduct value engineering when needed.
• Identify design‑related risks early and prepare periodic project progress reports.
• Approve consultant deliverables, contractor submittals, and sub‑developer plans for compliance and quality.
• Support procurement of consultants and oversee the creation of an in‑house design function.
• Coach and mentor reporting staff to build a high‑performance culture.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Master’s degree preferred (Architecture or Urban Design).
• Proven experience with large‑scale master‑planned communities (residential, commercial, retail, entertainment, hospital, etc.).

Required skills

• Urban planning
• Architecture
• Landscape design
• Interior design
• Structural engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Plumbing design
• ICT design
• Sustainability certification processes
• Design governance
• Value engineering
• Code compliance