Design Director

About the Role

Parsons is seeking an experienced Design Director to manage the design function for a significant ultra-luxury hospitality development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role involves providing strategic leadership across multiple design disciplines and ensuring the project's design vision and quality standards are maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall design management strategy and delivery plan for the project.
• Direct multidisciplinary coordination across architecture, interiors, landscape, structure, MEP, ICT/ELV, FF&E, OS&E, and specialist consultants.
• Maintain the project’s design vision, luxury positioning, guest experience, and brand standards.
• Lead design reviews, technical workshops, stage-gate reviews, mock-up reviews, and design audits.
• Review and approve design deliverables for completeness, coordination, quality, and compliance.
• Manage interfaces between the client, hotel operator, brand representatives, consultants, contractors, vendors, and authorities.
• Oversee design development from concept through construction documentation, procurement, installation, testing, and handover.
• Lead design optimization, constructability reviews, value management, and lifecycle assessments.
• Monitor design progress, risks, decisions, approvals, dependencies, and change control.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, authority requirements, sustainability objectives, and project standards.
• Provide strategic advice to the Project Director and senior client representatives.
• Lead the resolution of complex design, technical, and interface issues.
• Support procurement, tender clarification, contractor appointment, and construction-stage design activities.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in design leadership or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead design management for large-scale, complex projects, particularly within the ultra-luxury hospitality sector.
• Proven experience in coordinating international consultants and managing diverse stakeholders.

Leadership and Project Management

The Design Director will be responsible for protecting the project’s design vision and ensuring the timely delivery of fully coordinated design information. This involves fostering a collaborative, innovative, and quality-driven project culture.

Location

This position is based in Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Application Process

Parsons is seeking a professional who can contribute to the successful execution of this major development. Salary details will be discussed during the interview process.