Head - Design - Residential Real Estate

HEAD - DESIGN | WEST

Location: Mumbai

Position Overview:

We are looking for a seasoned Head - Design to lead the Design function for the West region of a leading real estate development organization. The role will be responsible for driving the overall design vision, strategy and execution across a diverse portfolio of large-scale residential developments. The incumbent will work closely with senior leadership, development, projects, construction, sales and marketing, and external design consultants to ensure that projects are commercially viable, customer-centric, design-led and delivered in line with the organization's quality and brand standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Design Strategy and Leadership:

- Lead the overall design function for the West region across multiple residential developments.

- Establish design vision, principles and standards aligned with the organization's development strategy and product positioning.

- Translate business and development objectives into strong architectural and design outcomes.

- Provide design leadership from concept stage through design development and execution.

- Build and mentor a high-performing in-house design team.

Master Planning and Architectural Design:

- Lead master planning, architectural design and design development for large-scale residential projects.

- Review and drive project concepts, layouts, building configurations, facade, amenities, landscape and overall design integration.

- Ensure effective integration between architecture, interiors, landscape, MEP, structural and other specialist design disciplines.

- Evaluate design proposals from external architects and consultants and provide strategic direction.

- Ensure designs balance aesthetics, functionality, constructability, customer experience and commercial viability.

Project Design Management:

- Oversee the design lifecycle from concept, feasibility and schematic design through detailed design and construction documentation.

- Ensure timely completion of design deliverables in line with project milestones.

- Identify and resolve design-related issues that may impact project timelines, cost or quality.

- Work closely with project and construction teams to ensure design intent is maintained through execution.

- Review value-engineering opportunities without compromising the overall design vision or customer proposition.

Consultant and Stakeholder Management:

- Identify, appoint and manage leading architects, consultants and specialist design agencies.

- Drive consultant performance, deliverables, timelines and coordination.

- Establish effective design review and governance mechanisms.

- Coordinate with internal stakeholders including Development, Projects, Construction, MEP, Procurement, Sales and Marketing, Legal and Finance.

- Present design concepts and project updates to senior management and other key stakeholders.

Approvals and Regulatory Coordination:

- Work closely with internal approvals teams and external consultants to ensure designs are aligned with applicable development regulations and approval requirements.

Design Quality and Innovation:

- Establish and maintain high design and architectural quality standards across projects.

- Bring contemporary design thinking, international benchmarks and emerging trends into the organization's development portfolio.

- Drive innovation in planning, sustainability, materials, amenities, facade design and customer experience.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

- 15 - 22+ years of experience in architectural design and design leadership, preferably with leading real estate developers or reputed architectural practices.

- Strong experience in large-scale residential real estate developments.

- Should have handled projects from concept/master planning through detailed design and execution.

- Strong understanding of Mumbai / MMR development environment and design ecosystem would be highly relevant.

- Experience managing multiple projects and external design consultants simultaneously.

- Strong commercial understanding with the ability to balance design aspirations with project feasibility, cost and timelines.

- Proven experience in leading and developing design teams.

- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

- Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and project execution levels.