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.