Design Director (Expatriate Position)

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Design Director is responsible for presentation, creative direction, overall coordination, and the strategic development of WGD’s design approach across urban planning, landscape, architecture, and interior design.

This position plays a vital role in ensuring international design quality, a distinctive WGD design identity, and the highest level of client satisfaction.

The role focuses on three strategic pillars of the company:

• Sustainable Urban Vision: harmonizing ecological, social, and human factors to create balanced, climate-adaptive environments.
• Aesthetic and Spatial Experience: creating distinctive living, hospitality, and public spaces that reflect cultural and artistic character.
• Market Development & Client Relations: strengthening WGD’s brand image, expanding collaborations, and enhancing competitiveness in both Vietnam and international markets.

The Design Director will work directly with the CEO, Board of Directors (BOD), and Clients to define project direction, concepts, and design outcomes while leading multidisciplinary design teams to build a professional, creative, and well-connected organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Design Leadership & Development

• Develop design concepts and creative direction for master planning, landscape, urban, resort, and public realm projects.
• Lead the entire creative process from Concept – Schematic – Design Development – Presentation – Final Submission, presenting and defending ideas directly with clients.
• Ensure the design style aligns with WGD’s brand DNA – harmonious, sustainable, distinctive, and ecological.
• Conduct research and development (R&D) to continuously integrate smart, technology-driven, innovative, and eco-sensitive design trends.

B. Project & Quality Management

• Oversee project schedules, quality, and overall performance for assigned portfolios.
• Represent WGD in client meetings, design panels, and international workshops.
• Ensure all design outputs meet international technical, legal, and aesthetic standards.

C. Team Development & Internal System

• Lead, organize, and mentor design teams; foster creativity, accountability, and professional growth.
• Support recruitment and mentoring of emerging designers, ensuring continuity and innovation.
• Develop Design QA/QC procedures and encourage internal knowledge sharing.

D. Brand & Client Collaboration

• Represent WGD’s image at conferences, forums, and professional events.
• Build and maintain sustainable relationships with partners, investors, consultants, and contractors.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Business Development departments on mood boards, proposals, portfolios, and brand communication.
• Serve as a Creative Advisor for WGD’s strategic growth direction for the period 2025–2030.

• Education: Degree in Architecture / Urban Planning / Landscape Architecture (international degrees or membership in professional organizations such as AIA, ASLA, RIBA, IFLA, CSLA, RAIC preferred).
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in design leadership within architecture, planning, landscape, or interior design.
• Software: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, InDesign, and other office software.
• Core Skills:
  • Strong creative and aesthetic sensibility.
  • Proven leadership and team management ability.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and reporting skills.
  • Knowledge of sustainable planning, tropical landscape design, and international standards.
• Languages: Professional fluency in English (required); Vietnamese or French is an advantage.
• Personal Attributes: Strategic thinker, leadership mindset, high sense of responsibility, open-minded, adaptable, and collaborative in a multicultural environment.

• Salary: Negotiable based on experience and capability.
• Bonus: Project performance and annual bonus (13th salary).
• Insurance: Comprehensive premium health insurance package.
• Leave: 24 annual leave days plus public holidays.
• Support: Visa, work permit, travel costs, and allowances.