Head of Development Studio (Real Estate)📣 Job Ad

About the Role

CATS Applicant Tracking System is seeking a Head of Development Studio for a Real Estate Development client based in Riyadh. This full-time position requires 5-10 years of experience and focuses on bridging development strategy with design execution. The role involves transforming business objectives into spatial concepts and development scenarios to support investment and decision-making processes.

Role Overview

The Head of Development Studio will lead an internal design and planning studio, ensuring that development strategies are translated into commercially viable spatial concepts and compelling visual solutions. This position plays a critical role in shaping development proposals and supporting strategic decision-making within the real estate sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of highest and best use (HBU) studies, massing concepts, planning scenarios, and development options.
• Translate business strategies into commercially viable development concepts and project briefs.
• Oversee the production of concept studies, area schedules, test fits, and development planning exercises.
• Collaborate with Development, Investment, Leasing, Marketing, Technical, and Cost Management teams to align concepts with project objectives.
• Manage internal CAD, BIM, visualization, and digital design resources.
• Lead and mentor Development Studio specialists and design professionals.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs that support strategic decision-making.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Urban Design, Planning, or a related discipline.
• 7–10 years of experience in architecture, urban design, mixed-use development, master planning, or concept design.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development, massing studies, planning exercises, and development-driven design solutions.
• Proficiency in design, visualization, BIM, CAD, and presentation tools.
• Experience working within real estate development, master development, or large-scale mixed-use environments.
• Professional qualifications such as RIBA, AIA, Saudi Council of Engineers, LEED, BIM, or related credentials are preferred.

Work Location and Type

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh.