Head Design

Job Summary

The Design Head will lead the design function for commercial interior fit-out and turnkey projects, managing the complete design lifecycle from concept and space planning through detailed design, technical coordination, approvals, and execution support. The role requires strong creative, technical, commercial, and leadership capabilities to deliver functional, buildable, cost-effective designs that meet client expectations, project budgets, quality standards, and timelines.

Design Leadership and Concept Development

• Lead design strategy, concept development, space planning, test fits, workplace layouts, zoning, circulation, and furniture planning.

• Oversee mood boards, material palettes, colour schemes, 2D layouts, 3D visualisations, renders, and client presentations.

• Translate client briefs into practical design solutions aligned with brand identity, functionality, occupancy, and project objectives.

• Establish design standards, review processes, quality benchmarks, and consistent workflows across projects.

Technical Design and Documentation

• Review and approve design development drawings, GFC drawings, reflected ceiling plans, partition layouts, flooring plans, elevations, sections, joinery details, and furniture drawings.

• Ensure drawings include accurate dimensions, levels, specifications, material schedules, and construction details.

• Coordinate interior drawings with HVAC, electrical, lighting, plumbing, fire-fighting, and other MEP services to identify and resolve clashes before execution.

• Review shop drawings, material submittals, samples, mock-ups, and technical specifications as required.

Client and Cross-Functional Coordination

• Lead design presentations, client discussions, approval meetings, and closure of design comments and revisions.

• Coordinate with Project Managers, Site Engineers, MEP, Estimation, QS, Procurement, consultants, vendors, and specialist contractors.

• Ensure approved drawings and design information are issued on time and communicated to all relevant stakeholders.

• Conduct site visits, resolve design-related queries, verify design intent, and recommend practical changes where site conditions require them.

Commercial Management and Value Engineering

• Develop design solutions within approved budgets and support BOQ preparation, quantity checks, specifications, and cost inputs.

• Identify value-engineering options and alternative materials without compromising functionality, quality, safety, or client requirements.

• Assess the cost, procurement, and schedule impact of design changes and coordinate decisions with the project and commercial teams.

• Support tenders, technical proposals, design-led business development presentations, and client pitches.

Team Leadership and Quality Control

• Lead, mentor, and allocate work to interior designers, architects, draftsmen, and 3D visualisers; monitor workload and deliverables.

• Conduct design reviews, provide technical feedback, identify training needs, and develop team capability.

• Maintain drawing registers, revision histories, design approval records, and documentation standards.

• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, fire and life-safety requirements, accessibility provisions, and project-specific standards.

Work Expectations

• Take ownership of design deliverables and manage multiple projects without compromising quality or timelines.

• Ensure designs are creative, technically coordinated, commercially viable, and practical to execute.

• Anticipate design risks, approval delays, coordination gaps, and site issues; drive timely resolution and minimise rework.

• Work closely with execution and procurement teams to support project progress, client satisfaction, and profitability.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Timely submission of concept, detailed design, and GFC drawings; drawing accuracy and coordination; client satisfaction and approval turnaround; cost optimisation and value engineering; reduction in design errors and site rework; timely closure of site queries; team productivity; and compliance with design processes.

Qualifications, Experience and Technical Skills

• Bachelors degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related discipline; a relevant postgraduate qualification is an advantage.

• Substantial experience in commercial interior design, office fit-outs, and turnkey projects, including team leadership and client-facing responsibilities.

• Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3ds Max, Revit, or other relevant design and visualisation tools; proficiency in presentation tools and Microsoft Office.

• Sound understanding of GFC drawings, BOQs, material specifications, construction methodologies, MEP coordination, fire and life-safety requirements, and value engineering. BIM experience is an advantage.