Design Director - Anchor Assets

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director - Anchor Assets

Company: Parsons Corporation

Location: SAU Tabuk Sharma (NEOM THE LINE), Saudi Arabia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Architectural Design / Urban Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-13T00:00:00

Experience Level: 20+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the architectural design of significant "Anchor Assets" within The Line project in NEOM, focusing on design quality, vision, and delivery.
• Direct a design team, managing project plans, schedules, and coordinating design work across various scales and typologies, including residential, commercial, and public spaces.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for project leadership and an escalation point for Design Consultants, ensuring compliance with design briefs and standards.
• Drive design excellence from concept through completion, overseeing visualization, pre-concept, concept, developed, and detailed design stages.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement THE LINE architectural design vision, ensuring consistency and quality across assigned modules and assets.
• Manage architectural design consultants, ensuring their work aligns with NEOM's architectural content, context, and standards.
• Oversee the production of design deliverables across all stages, from initial sketches and presentations to detailed design documents and specifications.
• Act as the lead reviewer for qualitative architectural design, providing expert analysis and recommendations to executive management.
• Manage and mentor a team of Senior Architects, Architects, and Designers, fostering a culture of design excellence and collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with Design and Asset Briefs, managing design coordination within architecture and across various engineering disciplines.
• Lead the development and review of design asset briefs, Statements of Work (SoW), specifications, reports, and related data.
• Manage the preparation and checking of material schedules, sample boards, mock-ups, and FF&E schedules, focusing on materiality and specifications.
• Oversee public realm design and application within the scope of assigned assets, ensuring integration with the broader urban environment.
• Utilize technical detailing and construction administration experience to solve design issues creatively and pragmatically, balancing design approach with budget constraints.
• Manage communication and coordination with consultants, contractors, and various NEOM departments/sectors to ensure seamless project execution.
• Ensure all deliverables meet NEOM standards, policies, and statutory authority requirements, including international and local codes and regulations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A B.Arch or B.Sc. in Architecture from a recognized university is required. A Postgraduate degree in Architecture or Urban Design is preferred.

Experience: Over 20 years of post-graduate outstanding architectural design and management experience is mandatory. Proven related experience in an Architectural Practice, including managing international design consultants across various sectors and typologies, is essential. Experience working in signature architecture design studios and extensive project experience with emphasis on large projects and programs is highly valued. Experience in the Middle East is appreciated.

Required Skills:

• Excellent conceptual and aesthetic design skills with a strong portfolio demonstrating design quality and vision.
• Proven ability to lead and manage large architectural design teams and international design consultants.
• Strong understanding of design delivery processes from concept design to completion.
• In-depth knowledge of various architectural typologies, including residential, mixed-use, commercial, public, healthcare, educational, civic, and cultural buildings.
• Solid knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, construction methods, and material specifications.
• Expertise in technical detailing and construction administration.
• Strong ability to prepare, develop, and edit architectural drawings, presentations, and documentation.
• Fluent in written and spoken English with excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines.
• Full understanding of risk management, financial and commercial management of design projects.
• Comprehensive knowledge of international standards, policies, codes, and procedures relevant to architectural design and construction.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, and Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Proactive, self-motivated, and a team player with strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Grasshopper and V-Ray.
• Developed knowledge of Sustainable Design principles and their application in large-scale projects.
• Experience in public realm design and its integration with architectural assets.
• International accreditation (RIBA, AIA, or equivalent).

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of large-scale architectural projects across various typologies, with a focus on projects where the candidate held a significant leadership role in design and delivery.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the design process, from initial conceptualization and research through development, documentation, and construction administration.
• High-quality visual presentations of completed or in-progress projects, demonstrating strong aesthetic sensibilities and technical execution.
• Examples of technical detailing, construction documentation, and material specification work on complex projects.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed documentation of the research and discovery phases for key projects, highlighting how user needs, site context, and programmatic requirements influenced design decisions.
• Illustrations of ideation and iteration methods employed, including sketches, models, and digital renderings that show the evolution of design concepts.
• Evidence of validation and testing approaches used, such as user feedback integration, performance analysis, or mock-up studies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the seniority of this role, the specialized nature of the project (NEOM), and the location in Saudi Arabia, the estimated annual salary range for a Design Director with 20+ years of experience in large-scale architectural and urban development projects in this region is likely to be between SAR 700,000 and SAR 1,200,000 annually (approx. USD 185,000 - USD 320,000), potentially higher depending on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio, and negotiation. This estimate is based on research into executive-level architectural and engineering roles within major development projects in the GCC region, considering the high cost of living associated with expat packages in new development zones like NEOM. Specific compensation packages often include housing allowances, transportation, and other benefits tailored to the location and project demands.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Potential housing allowance or provided accommodation in NEOM.
• Transportation allowance or provided transport.
• Annual leave and potential for relocation assistance.
• Professional development opportunities tailored to executive-level design leadership.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives related to project milestones.
• Exposure to a globally significant and innovative urban development project.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely involving a 40-hour work week, though flexibility may be required to accommodate project demands, deadlines, and coordination with international teams and consultants. Given the on-site nature and project intensity, longer hours may be necessary at critical phases.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Civil Engineering, with a strong focus on large-scale infrastructure, defense, intelligence, and urban development projects. Parsons is a digitally enabled solutions provider. The company's involvement in NEOM's "THE LINE" signifies a significant expansion into complex urban design and architectural leadership within the context of futuristic, large-scale infrastructure.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees globally (LinkedIn data). This large size indicates a well-established organization with extensive resources, complex project structures, and diverse teams, offering opportunities for collaboration across various disciplines.

Founded: 1944. Parsons has a long history in engineering and construction, providing a foundation of experience and expertise, now evolving to incorporate advanced design and digital solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will lead and manage a dedicated design team focused on "Anchor Assets" within The Line project.
• Expected to report to senior project leadership within Parsons and potentially interface directly with NEOM stakeholders and executive management.
• Requires significant cross-functional collaboration with engineering disciplines (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical), project management, construction teams, and other NEOM departments.

Methodology:

• Likely involves a blend of traditional architectural design processes with advanced digital workflows and technologies given Parsons' focus on digital solutions and the innovative nature of The Line project.
• Emphasis on design delivery from concept to completion, suggesting a structured project lifecycle approach.
• Requires managing design consultants, implying a need for robust documentation, review, and coordination processes.

Company Website: https://www.parsons.com/

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is at a senior executive level within the architectural and design leadership track. It represents a significant opportunity to lead the design of iconic structures within one of the world's most ambitious urban development projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director likely reports to a higher-level Director or Vice President within Parsons' project leadership for The Line, and will have direct reports including Senior Architects and Designers. This position requires strong leadership and the ability to manage upwards, downwards, and across various project teams.

Design Impact: The design impact of this role is exceptionally high. The Design Director will be responsible for shaping the aesthetic and functional identity of critical components ("Anchor Assets") within a groundbreaking urban environment. Their work will directly influence the experience of future residents and visitors and contribute significantly to the overall vision of The Line.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to gain unparalleled experience in leading design for a futuristic, large-scale urban development, which is highly valuable for future executive roles in major international projects.
• Potential for advancement within Parsons' global leadership structure, potentially overseeing design on other large infrastructure or urban development initiatives.
• Exposure to cutting-edge design technologies, sustainable development practices, and innovative construction methods employed in NEOM.
• Opportunity to build a global network of contacts with leading architects, engineers, contractors, and government officials involved in the project.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: On-site within the NEOM development area in Saudi Arabia, specifically related to "THE LINE". The work environment will be a project-based office or studio located within or near the construction and development zone. This is not a typical corporate office or a traditional architectural studio setting.

Office Location(s): SAU Tabuk Sharma (NEOM THE LINE), Saudi Arabia. This indicates working directly within the NEOM project site, likely in project offices established to support the development.

Design Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be highly collaborative, situated within a large project team environment involving various disciplines.
• Likely equipped with necessary digital design tools, large format printing capabilities, and meeting spaces for design reviews and consultant coordination.
• The environment will be dynamic and fast-paced, reflecting the nature of a large-scale construction and development project.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site. The nature of the project may require flexibility in working hours to align with project milestones, deadlines, and potentially coordination with teams in different time zones. The on-site requirement is strict due to the need for direct oversight and management of design activities within the project area.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial screening by HR focusing on experience length and basic qualifications. Prepare to articulate your extensive experience and leadership roles on major projects.
• Technical interview(s) with senior design leadership or project managers at Parsons, focusing on your architectural design expertise, experience with diverse typologies, technical detailing, and construction administration. Be ready to discuss specific project challenges and solutions.
• Portfolio review and presentation with key stakeholders, including Parsons' leadership and potentially representatives from NEOM. Prepare a concise and impactful presentation of your most relevant projects, highlighting your design process, leadership, and the impact of your work. Focus on large-scale, complex projects and demonstrate your ability to manage design consultants.
• Behavioral or cultural fit interview(s) to assess leadership style, collaboration skills, ability to work in a fast-paced, international environment, and alignment with Parsons' and NEOM's values.
• Final interviews with executive leadership to discuss strategic vision, project management capabilities, and overall fit for this critical role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to specifically highlight your experience leading the design and delivery of large-scale architectural projects across various typologies.
• For each project, provide a clear case study that outlines the project scope, your specific role and responsibilities (especially leadership and management), the design process, key challenges faced, and how they were overcome.
• Emphasize your technical expertise through examples of detailed drawings, material specifications, and construction administration involvement.
• Include high-quality visualizations and presentations that showcase the aesthetic quality and vision of your work.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience managing design consultants and coordinating with other disciplines.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a formal design challenge may not be typical for a Director-level role, be prepared to discuss hypothetical design or project management scenarios related to large-scale urban development and complex architectural assets.
• Focus on articulating your problem-solving approach, decision-making process under pressure, and ability to manage competing priorities and stakeholders.
• Practice presenting complex information clearly and concisely, as strong communication skills are essential for this leadership position.

ATS Keywords: Architectural Design, Design Management, Design Leadership, Project Management, Urban Design, Master Planning, Large-Scale Projects, Mixed-Use Development, Residential Design, Commercial Design, Public Buildings, Healthcare Architecture, Educational Architecture, Civic Architecture, Cultural Architecture, Design Delivery, Concept Design, Detailed Design, Construction Administration, Technical Detailing, Material Specifications, Building Codes, Zoning Regulations, International Standards, NEOM, THE LINE, Design Consultant Management, Stakeholder Management, Team Leadership, Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Adobe Suite, Sustainable Design, Public Realm Design, Risk Management, Financial Management, Communication, Presentation Skills, Problem Solving, Collaboration, Architectural Practice, International Projects, Middle East Experience, RIBA, AIA, Design Vision, Aesthetic Design, Design Quality, Project Coordination, FF&E, Mock-ups, Visualizations, Case Studies, Design Process, Iteration, Validation, Testing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Revit: Essential for BIM (Building Information Modeling), required for collaborative design, documentation, and coordination on large-scale projects. Expect to demonstrate advanced proficiency and experience in managing Revit workflows within a team and with consultants.
• AutoCAD: Required for drafting and documentation, particularly for integrating with legacy data or specific consultant requirements. Proficiency is necessary for reviewing and managing deliverables.
• Rhino: Essential for complex 3D modeling and exploring intricate geometries. Proficiency in advanced modeling techniques is likely expected for innovative architectural forms within The Line.
• Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign): Critical for design visualization, presentation graphics, creating compelling portfolio materials, and producing high-quality reports and documents. Mastery of these tools for visual communication is necessary.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Specific collaboration platforms (e.g., BIM 360, Revizto, or similar CDE - Common Data Environment) are likely used for managing project data, coordinating models, and facilitating communication across disciplines. Experience with such platforms is highly beneficial.
• Tools for design specification management and material scheduling, potentially integrated with BIM software or separate project management systems.
• Experience with documentation platforms for maintaining design standards, style guides, and project archives.

Research & Testing:

• While not explicitly listed as required software tools, the role involves overseeing research and testing aspects. Familiarity with methodologies and potential software used for user insight gathering, site analysis, environmental performance simulation, and prototype validation is valuable.
• Potential use of analytics tools to measure design performance post-occupancy or during development, depending on project phase and NEOM's data strategy.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Design Quality and Vision: A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining a high standard of design quality and ensuring the architectural vision for The Line's assets is realized. This involves a commitment to aesthetic excellence, functional performance, and contextual integration.
• Innovation and Creativity: Given the nature of NEOM and The Line, there is likely a strong value placed on innovative design solutions and creative problem-solving to address the unique challenges of building a futuristic city.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Success on a project of this scale is highly dependent on effective collaboration within the design team, across disciplines, and with external consultants and stakeholders. A collaborative and open attitude is essential.
• Attention to Detail: Precision and accuracy are critical in architectural design and documentation, especially on complex projects. A keen eye for detail is a stated requirement.
• Commitment to Delivery: Beyond design excellence, the ability to deliver designs on schedule and within budget is paramount. A results-oriented approach is necessary.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring close interaction with engineering teams (civil, structural, MEP), project managers, construction teams, and NEOM representatives.
• Involves managing external design consultants, necessitating clear communication, defined review processes, and effective coordination.
• Likely incorporates regular design reviews and critiques within the team and with project leadership and stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Navigating the unique design constraints and opportunities presented by "THE LINE"'s linear city concept and integrating diverse architectural typologies within this structure.
• Managing the design process and ensuring quality across multiple "Anchor Assets" simultaneously, each with potentially different functional requirements and design teams.
• Coordinating design efforts with a diverse group of international design consultants and ensuring consistency and adherence to NEOM's standards.
• Balancing ambitious design visions with practical engineering, construction, and budgetary realities on a massive scale.
• Adapting design methodologies and workflows to the specific demands and technological integration goals of The Line project.
• Staying abreast of and implementing sustainable design principles and innovative construction technologies within the project.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Opportunity to work on a globally unique and ambitious urban development project, gaining insights into futuristic city planning and design.
• Exposure to cutting-edge construction technologies, materials, and sustainable design practices employed in NEOM.
• Significant experience in leading large, international, multi-disciplinary design teams and managing complex consultant relationships.
• Professional development in executive leadership, strategic planning, and large-scale project management within the context of a mega-project.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Be prepared to walk through your design process on a complex, large-scale project from concept to completion. Highlight your role in each phase, particularly in managing the design team and consultants.
• Discuss your approach to integrating diverse architectural typologies within a master plan or large development. Provide specific examples from your portfolio.
• Explain how you ensure design quality and vision are maintained throughout a project with multiple stakeholders and external consultants.
• Describe your experience with technical detailing and construction administration on complex buildings. Be ready to discuss challenges and solutions.
• Discuss your experience with sustainable design principles and how you have incorporated them into your projects.

Company Culture Questions:

• Research Parsons' recent projects and strategic focus areas, particularly those related to urban development and innovative infrastructure. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
• Understand Parsons' values and culture as an engineering and construction firm that is increasingly focused on digital solutions and design.
• Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration and manage teams in a high-pressure, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Articulate why you are interested in working on the NEOM project and specifically on "THE LINE", demonstrating an understanding of its vision and challenges.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your experience in leading large-scale architectural design, managing diverse typologies, and overseeing the design process from concept to completion.
• For each project, tell a concise story that highlights the design challenge, your strategic approach, the design solution, your role as a leader, and the project's outcome or impact.
• Use high-quality visuals (renderings, drawings, photos) to illustrate your points, but focus on explaining the design thinking and decision-making process.
• Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your projects, including material choices, structural considerations, and coordination with engineering disciplines.
• Practice your presentation to ensure it is clear, engaging, and fits within the allotted time. Be ready for in-depth questions on any aspect of your projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link.
• Carefully review your resume and portfolio to ensure they clearly highlight your experience in leading the design and management of large-scale architectural projects and managing international design consultants, specifically addressing the requirements for "Anchor Assets" and diverse typologies.
• Prepare a cover letter that specifically addresses your interest in leading design on The Line project in NEOM and how your extensive experience aligns with the responsibilities and challenges of this Design Director role.
• Curate your portfolio to present a compelling narrative of your design leadership, process, and the impact of your work on significant architectural developments. Focus on case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects from concept through construction administration.
• Research Parsons Corporation and the NEOM project in detail to understand the company's values, the project's vision, and the specific challenges and opportunities associated with developing "THE LINE".