Design Director

Design Director

Location: Surrey

Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits

Shape the Future of Residential Design

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Design Director to join a highly respected, design-led architectural practice with an outstanding reputation for delivering large-scale residential and mixed-use developments across the UK.

This is a pivotal leadership appointment for an ambitious individual who wants to influence not only the design of major developments but also the strategic direction of a thriving and growing practice.

You'll join a collaborative senior leadership team where your expertise, commercial insight and industry relationships will play a key role in driving future success.

The Opportunity

This role extends far beyond project delivery.

You'll provide strategic leadership across the business, overseeing major residential commissions while helping shape the future growth of the practice through client development, team leadership and business strategy.

Working alongside fellow directors and senior stakeholders, you'll influence everything from design quality and commercial performance to business development and long-term planning.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

* Help shape the long-term vision and growth strategy of the practice

* Contribute to business planning, forecasting and commercial performance

* Identify new opportunities within the residential development market

* Support the continued growth of a nationally recognised design business

Design Leadership

* Lead the design and delivery of major residential and mixed-use developments

* Oversee projects from concept through planning, technical delivery and completion

* Balance outstanding design with commercial viability and buildability

* Act as Executive Lead across key client commissions

* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional outcomes

Business Development

* Develop and strengthen relationships with key clients and stakeholders

* Secure new projects through negotiated work, frameworks and competitive tenders

* Represent the practice within the development community and at industry events

* Expand strategic partnerships across the residential sector

Team Leadership

* Inspire, mentor and develop high-performing teams

* Foster a collaborative and innovative working culture

* Champion quality, sustainability and design excellence

* Support recruitment and retention of talented professionals

About You

You'll already be operating at Associate, Associate Director or Director level within an architectural practice, with a strong background delivering significant residential developments.

You'll bring:

* Extensive experience leading large-scale residential and mixed-use projects

* Strong commercial awareness and a proven ability to win work

* Established relationships within the residential development sector

* A passion for exceptional design combined with practical project delivery

* Outstanding leadership and communication skills

* The credibility to represent both clients and practice at senior level

* A collaborative approach with the ambition to influence the future of a successful business

Why Apply?

This is more than a Design Director position.

It's an opportunity to become part of the senior leadership team within a well-established practice that continues to grow, innovate and deliver award-worthy residential developments.

If you're looking for a role where you'll influence strategy, build lasting client relationships, lead talented teams and leave a genuine mark on the future direction of a respected architectural practice, we'd love to hear from you.

All applications and enquiries will be handled with the strictest confidence