Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: JLL

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design & Creative Operations; Real Estate Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-25

Experience Level: Senior/Director Level (10+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute high-stakes pitches for large-scale, high-budget workplace design projects across the APAC region.

• Serve as the primary design authority and strategic relationship manager for 3-5 key client accounts, fostering deep client trust and loyalty.

• Drive design quality, innovation, and compelling brand storytelling across all project deliverables, ensuring alignment with JLL's global standards.

• Champion the development and integration of new regional support teams, enhancing operational efficiency and team capabilities.

• Cultivate a vibrant, high-performing, and collaborative design culture within the Bangkok hub, fostering innovation and excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within JLL's "Design Desk" global network, specifically focusing on the APAC region from its Bangkok hub. The emphasis on "Design Desk" suggests a centralized operational model for design services, implying a need for strong process standardization, quality control, and scalable delivery. The "portfolio intelligence" and "visualization" aspects point towards data-driven design and advanced rendering capabilities as critical operational components.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development and delivery of compelling "rockstar" pitches for significant workplace design initiatives, showcasing JLL's capabilities and securing new business.

• Act as the dedicated design lead and trusted advisor for a portfolio of 3-5 strategic accounts, managing client expectations, project scope, and design outcomes.

• Facilitate the seamless onboarding and integration of new regional support teams, ensuring efficient workflow and knowledge transfer within the Design Desk framework.

• Uphold and advance JLL's commitment to design excellence by championing innovative solutions, sustainable practices, and impactful brand narratives in all project outputs.

• Collaborate closely with regional leadership (e.g., Thomas Danet) to foster a dynamic and productive design culture in Bangkok, promoting professional development and team cohesion.

• Leverage personal industry reputation and network to expand JLL's market influence, attract top talent, and secure competitive wins in key APAC markets.

• Ensure all design deliverables are consistent with JLL's global design standards and brand identity, maintaining a high level of quality and visual appeal.

• Drive innovation in design methodologies and technology adoption within the APAC Design Desk, staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of client-facing strategic leadership, project execution oversight, and internal team development. The emphasis on "rockstar pitches" and "brand storytelling" indicates a need for strong communication and presentation skills, alongside creative vision. "Onboarding and integrating new regional support teams" suggests a significant operational responsibility for scaling the design function and ensuring consistency in service delivery across diverse geographies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, or a related creative/design field. Advanced degrees or certifications in design management or business administration are highly regarded. Experience:

• A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in design leadership roles, with a strong track record in commercial real estate, workplace strategy, or interior design.

• Proven experience in leading and winning significant design pitches and managing high-value client accounts, preferably within the APAC region.

• Demonstrated success in building and managing design teams, fostering talent development, and integrating new team members effectively. Required Skills:

• Design Leadership & Creative Direction: Ability to set a clear creative vision, guide design teams, and ensure high-quality output that aligns with client objectives and JLL standards.

• Pitch & Presentation Excellence: Exceptional skills in developing and delivering compelling design presentations and proposals, capable of influencing senior stakeholders.

• Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and nurture strong, long-term relationships with key clients, acting as a trusted advisor and strategic partner.

• Project Management & Delivery: Strong understanding of project lifecycle management, scope control, budget adherence, and timely delivery of complex design projects.

• Workplace Strategy & Design: Deep knowledge of contemporary workplace design trends, user experience, and the operational implications of space planning.

• Brand Storytelling: Skill in translating client needs and JLL's value proposition into cohesive and impactful design narratives.

• Team Building & Integration: Experience in recruiting, onboarding, and integrating design professionals into a regional or global team structure.

Preferred Skills:

• APAC Market Expertise: In-depth understanding of the diverse commercial real estate landscapes, cultural nuances, and business practices across the APAC region.

• Design Visualization & Technology: Proficiency with advanced design visualization tools and an understanding of how technology (e.g., BIM, VR/AR) can enhance design processes and client presentations.

• Portfolio Intelligence & Data Analytics: Ability to leverage data analytics and portfolio insights to inform design strategies