Associate Design Director

About the Company and Project

Mace merges construction expertise with consultancy services to unlock the potential in every project and individual, pushing the limits of ambition. The company values guide their consulting approach and the type of team members they seek.

The role is part of a landmark initiative focused on delivering high-end buildings and supporting infrastructure within a prestigious private estate. This project involves a varied portfolio of high-value developments demanding top-tier standards in design, planning, and execution.

Role Overview

We are looking for a seasoned Associate Design Director/Design Lead to provide strategic leadership and oversight throughout the design implementation of this discreet and high-profile development program.

Reporting directly to the Project Director and acting as the principal design authority, you will lead multi-disciplinary design teams, promote design excellence, enforce design governance, and ensure all design deliverables align with client expectations, operational needs, budgetary constraints, schedule, and quality goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive design strategy and execution across multiple building and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as the main design liaison among the client, project management consultants, external consultants, and other critical stakeholders.
• Develop and uphold strong design governance, review, and approval procedures.
• Guide multidisciplinary consultant teams to achieve design quality, integration, and consistency across the program.
• Provide leadership throughout all phases, from concept and design development through construction to project completion.
• Ensure design excellence while balancing scheduling, commercial factors, operational considerations, sustainability aims, and technical requirements.
• Facilitate design review sessions, technical workshops, and presentations to senior stakeholders.
• Manage design-related risks, critical interface issues, and technical challenges affecting timely project delivery.
• Ensure all design packages are coordinated, compliant with regulations, feasible to construct, and aligned with project objectives.
• Support procurement strategies and take part in selecting consultants and contractors.
• Review and approve key technical documents and major design decisions.
• Mentor and lead design management teams to foster high performance and professional growth.
• Provide clients with strategic design advice to inform decision-making.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in architecture, engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in senior design leadership roles within developers, project management consultancies, consultancies, or client organizations.
• Demonstrated success delivering prominent luxury residential, hospitality, mixed-use, estate, cultural, or landmark projects.
• Strong expertise in design management, quality assurance, technical governance, and project delivery methods.
• Experience leading large, multidisciplinary consultant teams across various project phases.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills suitable for engaging executive-level audiences.
• Sound commercial insight with knowledge of programming, procurement, construction, and operational requirements.
• Ability to influence and challenge to realize design goals while nurturing stakeholder relationships.
• Prior experience in Middle East projects is highly regarded.

Organizational Values and Culture

• Safety First: Commitment to a safe, diverse, and inclusive workplace emphasizing team well-being.
• Client Focus: Ownership of quality and strategic results, building enduring client partnerships.
• Integrity: Consistent ethical conduct aligned with industry compliance and positive influence.
• Create Opportunity: Encouraging continuous improvement and development for team members.

The company embraces diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals, including those who may not meet every requirement fully. Flexible working options including part-time, flexible hours, and hybrid arrangements are open for discussion where appropriate.