The Design Director is a senior leadership role responsible for setting and driving the company's design vision, creative excellence, and commercial outcomes across all interior design & build projects.
This role leads the design studio, ensures design quality and consistency, and partners closely with Project, Construction, and Business Development teams to deliver integrated, buildable, and commercially viable interior solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Creative Direction
- Define, own, and consistently champion design philosophy and creative standards
- Lead the development of strong, innovative, and practical design concepts aligned with client briefs and commercial objectives
- Provide strategic design direction across workplace, commercial, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use interior projects
- Review and approve all key design deliverables, including:
- Test fits and space planning
- Concept and schematic designs
- Material and finishes palettes
- 3D visualisations and presentations
- Detailed design and construction documentation
- Ensure designs are functional, cost-effective, buildable, and aligned with design-and-build capabilities
Project Oversight & Delivery
- Provide design leadership from concept stage through construction and project completion
- Work closely with Project Managers, QS, and Construction teams to ensure design intent is maintained on site
- Anticipate and resolve design, technical, and coordination challenges proactively
- Ensure projects meet agreed design quality, timelines, and budget parameters
- Conduct regular design reviews and quality audits across active projects
Client & Stakeholder Management
- As the senior design representative in client meetings, pitches, and presentations
- Build strong, trusted relationships with key clients, developers, landlords, and corporate occupiers
- Translate client business needs into compelling and differentiated design solutions
- Support business development efforts, including:
- Design proposals and tenders
- Fee and scope input from a design perspective
- Design storytelling and pitch presentations
- Contribute to client retention and repeat business through design excellence and leadership
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and inspire the design team across multiple levels (Design Managers, Senior Designers, Designers)
- Set clear design standards, workflows, and expectations for the studio
- Provide constructive design critique, guidance, and performance feedback
- Identify training needs and support professional development and career progression
- Support recruitment of high-quality design talent
- Stay informed on global and regional design trends, workplace strategy, materials, and technologies
- Champion innovation in design solutions, construction methods, and client experience
- Represent the company at industry networking opportunities where required
- Minimum 12-15 years of experience in commercial interior design
- At least 5 years in a senior leadership role within a design or design-and-build firm
- Strong portfolio of delivered commercial interior projects in Singapore or the region
- Proven experience working within design & build environments
- Strong conceptual and design thinking with high attention to detail
- Deep understanding of space planning, workplace strategy, materials, and detailing
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder management skills
- Commercial awareness with ability to balance design ambition and cost realities
- Excellent presentation and communication skills
- Proficiency in industry tools (e.g. AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp/Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite)