Director - Design - Mixed-Use Public Realm

Role Overview

The Director of Public Realm Design will spearhead the planning, design governance, and supervision of public realm projects across various districts within Qiddiya. This leadership role ensures that parks, open public spaces, streetscapes, and related assets are executed in alignment with approved masterplans, citywide standards, and project milestones.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and design management for public realm components in designated districts and strategic initiatives.
• Provide oversight and technical assurance throughout all project design phases, including Conceptual Master Planning, Detailed Master Planning, Land Servicing, and detailed design.
• Manage consultant performance, conduct design reviews, and ensure the delivery of public realm design packages on schedule and to quality standards.
• Ensure all designs comply with Qiddiya's Vision, City Framework Plan, Public Realm Design Manual (PRDM), development controls, and established public realm standards.
• Coordinate the integration of public realm elements with infrastructure, mobility systems, utilities, irrigation, sustainability practices, and operational needs.
• Support the preparation and submission of Stage Gate approvals, offering executive-level advice on design integrity, scheduling, risk management, and delivery strategies.
• Mentor and guide multidisciplinary public realm teams, fostering skill development and preparing succession plans.
• Lead engagement with District Development Teams, Delivery Partners, consultants, and subject matter experts to ensure cohesive project delivery.
• Contribute actively to the establishment of citywide public realm policies, standards, phasing plans, and operational preparedness efforts.

Key Accountabilities

• Successful delivery of public realm designs that meet quality and compliance standards.
• Timely and effective support for district project timelines and Stage Gate approvals.
• Efficient management of consultant resources and design budget.
• Implementation and adherence to citywide public realm governance and standards.
• Early identification and mitigation of risks related to design, programming, and delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

• Possession of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture.
• Minimum of 15 years’ experience in managing large-scale public realm, landscape, or urban development projects.
• Proven leadership experience in complex mixed-use, city-scale, or giga-project environments.
• Extensive knowledge of master planning, design governance, infrastructure integration, and project execution.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary consulting teams and managing diverse stakeholder relations.