Design Lead

About the Role

The Design Lead position involves steering design excellence throughout both commercial and residential projects. This role covers the entire design journey from concept development to execution, maintaining fidelity to design intent, brand values, and ensuring commercial feasibility across all phases and outputs.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct architectural and interior design efforts from initial concepts to schematic details for diverse projects including offices, retail, mixed-use developments, and residences.
• Convert vision documents into captivating, market-oriented design ideas that reflect brand positioning and enhance customer experience.
• Promote innovation in planning, facades, and spatial design across different asset categories.
• Coordinate all design consultants—architecture, interiors, MEP, and landscape—acting as the central point to achieve a unified design result.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and workflow for multiple projects while proactively addressing risk and resolving design coordination issues.
• Develop and steer design strategies specifically for commercial areas (like offices, retail, lobbies) and residential segments (clubhouses, apartments, common spaces), ensuring premium, experience-driven environments consistent with project goals and end-user requirements.
• Supervise spatial quality, detailing, selection of materials, and user journey experience to uphold a strong brand and customer engagement.
• Lead the finalization of materials, finishes, and product specifications in alignment with design objectives and budget considerations.
• Oversee sample reviews, mock-up buildouts, and vendor communications to maintain consistency, quality, and value engineering.
• Review all architectural, interior, and consultant drawings to confirm accuracy, coordination, and readiness for execution while mitigating design and site inconsistencies.
• Perform periodic site inspections to ensure design intent is properly implemented, reviewing the quality of finishes and resolving challenges collaboratively with site teams.
• Maintain comprehensive oversight on MEP systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) and landscape integration ensuring these elements harmonize with design without compromise.
• Create and present compelling design presentations expressing project vision and value clearly to leadership, clients, sales teams, and investors, using diverse visual tools including masterplans, walkthroughs, and renders.
• Represent the projects effectively in key stakeholder meetings, pitches, and review sessions, influencing successful decision-making processes.

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 15 years of practical experience designing both commercial and residential projects.
• Strong design aptitude with meticulous attention to detail and a robust understanding of construction and execution nuances.
• Capability to juggle multiple projects efficiently in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent coordination and communication skills with varied stakeholders.
• Effective design storytelling, presentation skills, and leadership qualities to mentor junior design teams.
• Up-to-date awareness of materials, finishes, global design trends, and ability to balance design excellence with budget and schedules.
• Software proficiency: mandatory AutoCAD; preferred SketchUp, Revit, Rhino; Adobe Suite including Photoshop and InDesign; Microsoft Office and presentation tools.
• Educational background of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture.

Additional Information

Applicants interested in this role should submit their updated resumes for consideration. The role is based in Bengaluru and requires onsite work.