Head of Design

Criterion Capital are seeking a Head of Design Management to lead and oversee the end-to-end design vision across Criterion Capital's construction and real estate portfolio. This role will be responsible for ensuring design excellence, alignment with business objectives, and seamless coordination between internal teams, external consultants, and stakeholders from concept through execution.

Criterion Capital is a major property investment, development, and asset-management company with a diverse London-focused portfolio spanning residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed use sectors. The business delivers projects end-to-end-from acquisition and design through construction and long-term operation-supported by multidisciplinary in house teams and a strong consultant network.

This is a senior leadership role requiring strong design sensibility, technical depth, and proven experience managing large scale real estate projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall design strategy and design governance for all projects across the portfolio
• Manage and coordinate architects, master planners, interior designers, landscape consultants, façade specialists, and other design partners
• Ensure design intent is maintained from concept design to detailed design and site execution
• Establish and enforce design standards, guidelines, and best practices across projects
• Work closely with development, construction, leasing, asset management, and finance teams to align design outcomes with commercial objectives
• Review design deliverables for quality, functionality, compliance, and cost efficiency
• Drive value engineering without compromising design quality or long term asset value
• Oversee approvals, statutory compliance, and coordination with authorities as required
• Identify global design trends, materials, technologies, and sustainability practices relevant to the portfolio
• Mentor and lead the internal design management team, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Urban Design, or related discipline
• 15+ years of experience in design management within real estate development, main contractor construction, large architectural practices, or developer organizations
• Proven experience managing residential and/or hotel sectors.
• Strong understanding of design development, construction documentation, and on site execution
• Ability to balance design excellence with cost, timelines, and business priorities
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and consultants

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape the design legacy of a high impact real estate portfolio
• Work on landmark projects with top tier global and local design consultants
• Collaborative leadership environment with strong decision making authority
• Competitive compensation and long term growth opportunities

Compensation: Competitive salary