Chief Design Officer

Guildhall is seeking a Chief Design Officer for our client, a leading vertically integrated real estate development and construction group. This is a C-suite opportunity to lead design strategy across a high-value international portfolio, including luxury residential, mixed-use, commercial, and hospitality developments. The CDO will act as the ultimate design authority, driving product vision, governance, and design excellence from concept through to delivery. You will oversee multiple large-scale projects, ensuring alignment between design, construction, and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Product Vision & Market Alignment

• Define and safeguard the design identity across all developments
• Align product design with market positioning, branding, and sales strategy
• Ensure a strong end-user focus across residential, commercial, and hospitality assets

Design Governance & Leadership

• Establish robust design governance frameworks and approval processes
• Lead concept design direction across multiple concurrent developments
• Act as the final decision-maker on key design, layout, and product matters

Planning, Technical Design & BIM

• Oversee the full design lifecycle from concept through to IFC documentation
• Lead BIM strategy and implementation across all projects
• Ensure seamless coordination across architecture, structure, MEP, and interiors

Construction Integration

• Partner closely with construction teams to ensure buildability and cost alignment
• Maintain design integrity while balancing execution and commercial realities
• Drive efficiency and innovation across design-to-delivery processes

Consultant & Stakeholder Management

• Lead the appointment, management, and performance of external consultants
• Coordinate international and local architects, designers, and engineering teams
• Ensure alignment across all internal departments including development, sales, and construction

Leadership & Organizational Impact

• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team
• Build and lead high-performing multidisciplinary design teams
• Drive a product-led, integrated approach connecting design, construction, and commercial outcomes
• Oversee multiple large-scale developments across different jurisdictions

Requirements 

• 10+ years experience as a Chief Design Officer, Design Director, or equivalent
• Background within a leading real estate developer or integrated construction-led organisation
• Strong exposure to large-scale, complex developments across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors
• Deep understanding of BIM-led design environments and full project lifecycle
• Ability to connect design decisions with commercial performance, sales, and asset value
• Long-term, organisational perspective rather than project-centric thinking
• Experience working across multiple jurisdictions is highly advantageous