Head of Development Studio (Real Estate)📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Jobskey Search and Selection is seeking a creative and commercially-minded Development Studio Lead to lead a team at a leading real estate development company based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This pivotal role bridges development strategy and design, responsible for translating business objectives into tangible spatial concepts, development scenarios, and compelling visual solutions that support investment and development decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

The Development Studio Lead will head the internal design and planning studio, ensuring all conceptual work aligns with the company's strategic vision and commercial objectives. This position requires a strong understanding of the real estate development lifecycle and the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable plans and impactful presentations.

• Lead the development of Highest and Best Use (HBU) studies, assemblage concepts, planning scenarios, and various development options.
• Translate overarching business strategies into commercially viable development concepts and detailed project briefs.
• Oversee the accurate production of concept studies, space programming, fit-out testing, and comprehensive development planning exercises.
• Foster close collaboration with development, investment, leasing, marketing, technical, and cost management teams to ensure concepts align with overall project objectives.
• Manage and direct internal resources for CAD, BIM, visualization, and digital design programs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of development studio professionals and design specialists.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs that effectively support strategic decision-making processes.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Planning, or a closely related discipline.
• Progressive experience of 7-10 years in Architecture, Urban Design, Mixed-Use Development, Master Planning, or Conceptual Design.
• A strong portfolio is essential, demonstrating a proven track record in concept development, assemblage studies, planning exercises, and creating development-driven design solutions.
• Proven proficiency in design, visualization, BIM, CAD, and presentation tools.
• Previous 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 any other relevant certifications are highly preferred.

Core Skills

• Expertise in concept development, assemblage studies, and planning exercises.
• Proficiency in development-driven design solutions.
• Strong command of design, visualization, BIM, and CAD software.
• Excellent presentation tool skills.
• In-depth knowledge of real estate development and master planning principles.
• Experience in large-scale mixed-use environments.
• Proven leadership and mentoring capabilities.

Additional Details

This is a full-time role requiring 5-10 years of experience. The work location is Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.