Director of Hotel Design

About the role

Qiddiya Investment Company is creating a landmark destination in Saudi Arabia that blends entertainment, culture and hospitality. The Director of Hotel Design will lead the design of complex hospitality assets, turning the company’s vision into commercially viable, high‑quality hotel environments.

Key responsibilities

• Lead design management from early briefs through delivery, ensuring alignment with guest experience, asset positioning and Qiddiya’s objectives.
• Direct design decision‑making across projects, guiding outcomes that meet operational functionality and long‑term asset value.
• Manage consultant teams and coordinate with hotel operators to deliver integrated, buildable designs.
• Oversee design development at all stages, maintaining scope, programme and approval requirements.
• Drive design quality across architecture, interiors, landscape and guest touchpoints, including mock‑up rooms, materials, FF&E and OS&E.
• Ensure compliance with operator standards, technical requirements, authority regulations and Qiddiya design standards.
• Lead design risk management and governance, influencing senior forums with clear recommendations.
• Champion innovation, benchmark against global best‑in‑class hospitality standards, and mentor internal design teams.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design or related discipline.
• Professional membership or recognised certification preferred (e.g., RIBA, AIA, RICS).
• 15+ years of experience in design management, architecture or interior design.
• Proven track record delivering hospitality, luxury or mixed‑use projects from concept to construction.
• Experience managing multi‑disciplinary consultants and working with hotel operators and brand standards.
• Experience in KSA/GCC large‑scale development environments is preferred.

Required skills

• Design management of hospitality assets.
• Coordination of multi‑disciplinary consultant teams.
• Knowledge of hotel operator and brand standards.
• Understanding of technical design, construction execution and regulatory compliance.