Job Description

Job Purpose:
The Residential Design Director is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing and directing all aspects of residential design for Retal Urban Development Company's projects. This individual will lead a team of designers and architects, ensuring that all residential developments are innovative, functional, aesthetically pleasing, and aligned with Retal's brand, vision, and the needs of the Saudi Arabian market. The Residential Design Director will be responsible for developing design concepts, managing design budgets, and ensuring that all projects meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Design Vision & Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive residential design strategy that aligns with Retal's overall development goals and market trends.
2. Conceptual Design: Lead the conceptual design process for new residential projects, creating innovative and compelling design solutions that meet the needs of target demographics in Saudi Arabia.
3. Design Development: Oversee the design development process, ensuring that design concepts are translated into detailed construction documents that meet all applicable codes and regulations.
4. Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of residential designers and architects, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
5. Budget Management: Develop and manage design budgets for residential projects, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.
6. Vendor Management: Select and manage external design consultants, ensuring that they meet Retal's standards for quality and performance.
7. Quality Control: Implement and maintain quality control procedures to ensure that all residential designs meet the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
8. Market Research: Conduct market research to identify emerging trends in residential design and consumer preferences in the Saudi Arabian market.
9. Sustainability: Integrate sustainable design principles into all residential projects, ensuring that they are environmentally responsible and energy-efficient.
10. Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments, including development, marketing, sales, and construction, to ensure that residential projects are successful.
11. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all residential designs comply with all applicable building codes, regulations, and zoning ordinances in Saudi Arabia.
12. Presentation & Communication: Prepare and deliver presentations to senior management, investors, and other stakeholders, communicating design concepts and project updates effectively.
13. Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure that all residential designs are culturally sensitive and appropriate for the Saudi Arabian market.
Skills:
• Residential Design Expertise
• Conceptual Design
• Space Planning
• Building Codes & Regulations (Saudi Arabia)
• Construction Practices
• Team Leadership & Management
• Budget Management
• Vendor Management
• Communication & Presentation
• AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp
• Arabic & English Fluency (Preferred)
• Sustainability Principles
Experience and Qualifications:
• Bachelor's or master’s degree in architecture, Interior Design, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in residential design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully designing and delivering high-quality residential projects.
• Strong knowledge of residential building codes, regulations, and construction practices in Saudi Arabia.
• Excellent design skills, including conceptual design, space planning, and detailing.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and other design software.
• Fluency in Arabic and English languages (written and spoken) is highly preferred.
• LEED or other sustainability certification is a plus.