Senior Lead Designer - Saudi Arabia Studio

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Lead Designer - Saudi Arabia Studio

Company: OBMI MIAMI INC

Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Architecture & Design Leadership (GTM Operations Alignment)

Date Posted: 2026-05-12

Experience Level: 15-17 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and shape the creative vision for major hospitality, mixed-use, and destination developments, ensuring alignment with market demands and GTM strategies.

• Develop strong conceptual narratives and innovative design solutions rooted in culture, place, and guest experience, directly influencing market positioning and brand perception.

• Champion OBMI’s Design Excellence principles across projects and teams, maintaining brand integrity and competitive advantage in the luxury market.

• Lead workshops, presentations, and stakeholder meetings with confidence and clarity, crucial for securing new business and client retention.

• Serve as a trusted design advisor to clients, operators, developers, and consultants, fostering strong relationships that drive repeat business and referrals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is primarily design-focused, its senior leadership and client-facing responsibilities indicate a strong need for operational thinking. The ability to translate strategic vision into executable design plans, manage client expectations, and contribute to business development efforts are key to the success of OBMI's GTM strategy in the region. The role requires a blend of creative prowess and business acumen to drive successful project outcomes and market penetration in Saudi Arabia.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and shape the creative vision for major hospitality, mixed-use, and destination developments, ensuring alignment with market demands and GTM strategies.

• Develop strong conceptual narratives and innovative design solutions rooted in culture, place, and guest experience, directly influencing market positioning and brand perception.

• Champion OBMI’s Design Excellence principles across projects and teams, maintaining brand integrity and competitive advantage in the luxury market.

• Lead workshops, presentations, and stakeholder meetings with confidence and clarity, crucial for securing new business and client retention.

• Serve as a trusted design advisor to clients, operators, developers, and consultants, fostering strong relationships that drive repeat business and referrals.

• Mentor and inspire design teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning to enhance team performance and project quality.

• Collaborate with Project Managers and technical teams to ensure successful project delivery and coordination, bridging the gap between design intent and execution.

• Oversee the development of concepts into coordinated and high-quality design documentation, ensuring clarity and precision for construction and client approval.

• Participate in construction administration and site reviews to maintain design integrity and resolve on-site challenges effectively.

• Support business development, proposals, competitions, and thought leadership initiatives, contributing to OBMI's market growth and industry presence.

• Represent OBMI externally at conferences, panels, and industry events, enhancing brand visibility and thought leadership in the design community.

• Drive innovation in sustainability, material exploration, design technology, and hospitality experiences, keeping OBMI at the forefront of industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strategic thinking beyond pure design. The emphasis on client engagement, business development support, and team leadership suggests that operational efficiency in project delivery and client relationship management will be critical. The role requires managing complex stakeholder landscapes and translating high-level client objectives into tangible design outcomes, necessitating strong project lifecycle management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture.

Experience: 15-17 years of professional architectural experience, with a significant focus on hospitality, luxury resorts, mixed-use, and destination-driven developments. Licensed or registered architect (AIA, RIBA, ARB, or equivalent preferred).

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership in shaping creative vision and conceptual narratives for large-scale projects.

• Deep expertise in hospitality, luxury resort, mixed-use, and destination design.

• Advanced proficiency in Revit for architectural design and documentation.

• Strong command of Rhino, AutoCAD, Enscape, and the Adobe Creative Suite for design visualization and communication.

• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor emerging talent.

• Exceptional client presentation, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• A strong understanding of contextual design, cultural storytelling, and elevating guest experiences through architecture.

• Knowledge of sustainability principles and their integration into design.

• Experience in construction administration and site reviews to ensure design integrity.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working on significant projects within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or the broader Middle East region.

• Familiarity with local building codes, regulations, and cultural nuances relevant to design in Saudi Arabia.

• Expertise in advanced visualization techniques and emerging design technologies.

• Proven ability to contribute to business development efforts, including proposals and competitions.

• Experience driving innovation in material exploration and hospitality experience design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific software proficiencies like Revit, Rhino, and Enscape, coupled with extensive experience in complex project types, indicates a need for candidates who can not only conceptualize but also efficiently execute and document designs. The preference for regional experience suggests that understanding the local market's operational nuances, client expectations, and regulatory landscape is highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive case studies showcasing leadership in conceptual design for hospitality, luxury resorts, and mixed-use developments.

• Demonstrations of translating cultural narratives and place-making into tangible architectural experiences.

• Examples of leading multidisciplinary teams through design phases, illustrating collaboration and mentorship.

• Visual documentation of project progression from concept ideation to high-quality design documentation and construction administration.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow examples illustrating the integration of Revit, Rhino, and other visualization tools in the design process.

• Case studies detailing how sustainability principles were embedded into the design and execution phases.

• Documentation of experience in construction administration, highlighting problem-solving and design integrity maintenance.

• Examples of thought leadership contributions or support for business development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Lead Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only display design excellence but also the candidate's ability to manage complex design processes, lead teams, and effectively communicate design intent to diverse stakeholders. The emphasis on Saudi Arabia projects implies a need for portfolios that reflect an understanding of regional context and project delivery within that specific operational environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Lead Designer roles with 15-17 years of experience in major global markets and considering the specific demands of the Saudi Arabian market for high-caliber architectural talent, an estimated annual salary range of SAR 450,000 - SAR 700,000 (approximately USD 120,000 - USD 187,000) is anticipated. This range can vary based on individual experience, specific project involvement, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the employee and dependents.

• Relocation assistance and support for expatriate hires.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.

• Opportunities to work on high-profile, transformative projects.

• Generous paid time off and public holidays.

• Support for professional license renewal and continuing education.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. However, project demands may occasionally require flexibility and extended hours, particularly during critical design or delivery phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research of similar senior architectural leadership roles in the GCC region, with adjustments for the specified experience level and the luxury hospitality sector. The cost of living in major Saudi Arabian cities and the demand for specialized international talent were considered. Benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for senior expatriate roles in the region, emphasizing comprehensive support and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Master Planning, Interior Design, Hospitality, Luxury Real Estate. OBMI operates in a sector driven by innovation, client relationships, and the creation of unique, high-value experiences. The market in Saudi Arabia is currently experiencing significant growth and investment in large-scale tourism and entertainment projects, creating a dynamic environment for design firms.

Company Size: OBMI operates with a global presence across multiple studios (Miami, London, Dubai), suggesting a medium-to-large firm size within the design industry, capable of undertaking complex, large-scale international projects. This size allows for specialized teams while maintaining a collaborative, interconnected culture.

Founded: OBMI has a legacy of over 90 years, indicating a deep-rooted history, established reputation, and proven track record in delivering exceptional design solutions. This longevity suggests a culture that values craftsmanship, long-term client partnerships, and enduring design principles.

Team Structure:

• The operations team likely consists of specialized design disciplines (architecture, interior design, master planning) and project management professionals.

• Reporting structure will place the Senior Lead Designer under a Director or Principal, with direct leadership over project design teams.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are applied to understand project site context, cultural influences, and market trends to inform design strategies.

• Workflow planning and optimization focus on ensuring design excellence is maintained throughout project lifecycles, from concept to construction.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated through advanced design software and BIM processes to streamline documentation and coordination.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and global presence suggest a culture that balances established design principles with forward-thinking innovation. The focus on "storied places" and "experiential environments" implies a values-driven approach where design is deeply connected to context and emotion. The Saudi Arabia studio's growth indicates a strategic expansion, likely supported by robust operational frameworks and a commitment to local market adaptation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, positioned as a Principal or Director-level contributor within the design hierarchy. It requires strategic oversight of design direction, client engagement, and team mentorship, with a significant impact on project success and business development. The role is critical for translating OBMI's global design ethos into localized, impactful projects within Saudi Arabia.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Lead Designer will likely report to a Studio Director or a Regional Managing Principal. They will, in turn, lead and mentor project design teams, including junior designers, architects, and potentially interior designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

Operations Impact: The Senior Lead Designer's impact is multifaceted: they shape the physical and experiential quality of significant developments, directly influence client satisfaction and retention, and contribute to OBMI's reputation and market share in a key growth region. Their design leadership is integral to the company's Go-To-Market strategy by ensuring the delivery of iconic, culturally resonant projects that attract further investment and acclaim.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Studio Director or Regional Principal role, with greater responsibility for business strategy, client acquisition, and overall studio management.

• Specialization Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific project typologies (e.g., ultra-luxury resorts, large-scale mixed-use developments) or emerging areas like sustainable design and smart city integration within projects.

• Mentorship & Thought Leadership: Further development as a recognized industry expert through speaking engagements, publications, and guiding the next generation of designers at OBMI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant career progression within a respected global firm, particularly in a region undergoing substantial development. The combination of creative leadership, client relations, and team management provides a robust foundation for advancing into executive-level positions within the architecture and design industry. The focus on Saudi Arabia projects offers unique opportunities for exposure to large-scale, transformative developments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a studio environment, likely within a modern, collaborative office space in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. OBMI's global studios are known for fostering creative energy and cross-disciplinary interaction.

Office Location(s): Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Specific location details would need to be confirmed, but it would likely be in a major city hub supporting significant development projects, such as Riyadh or Jeddah. These locations offer access to key clients and project sites.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to facilitate collaboration, with open-plan areas, private meeting rooms, and dedicated design studios equipped with the latest technology.

• Access to advanced design software (Revit, Rhino, Enscape, Adobe Suite) and visualization tools is standard, supporting the creative and technical demands of the role.

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with project teams, consultants, and clients, both in-person and virtually, to drive design consensus and project momentum.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is expected, the nature of senior design leadership and large-scale project delivery in the luxury sector often requires flexibility. Project deadlines, client meetings, and site visits may necessitate working beyond standard hours, particularly during critical phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Saudi Arabia suggests an environment where physical presence is crucial for client interaction, team collaboration, and site engagement. The workspace is expected to be equipped for high-level design work, supporting the dynamic pace of large-scale project development in a rapidly evolving market.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with OBMI's design philosophy and project requirements.

• Design Presentation: A comprehensive presentation of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on key projects, design process, leadership approach, and conceptual thinking. This stage likely includes a Q&A session with senior design leaders.

• Team & Leadership Interviews: Discussions with potential peers and direct reports to evaluate leadership style, mentorship capabilities, and collaborative approach.

• Client/Stakeholder Simulation: Potentially a mock client presentation or workshop to assess communication, persuasion, and stakeholder management skills.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership (e.g., Studio Director, Regional Principal) to discuss strategic fit, long-term vision, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your most impactful projects that best represent your leadership in hospitality, luxury resorts, and mixed-use developments. Ensure a strong emphasis on conceptual development and cultural storytelling.

• Showcase Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading design teams, your decision-making process, and how you mentored junior staff. Use project narratives to highlight your strategic contributions.

• Demonstrate Process: Include visual evidence of your design process—sketches, concept diagrams, iterative design studies, and how you utilized software like Revit and Rhino to develop and communicate ideas.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., successful client approvals, design contributions to project success, innovation implemented). For Saudi Arabia projects, emphasize cultural sensitivity and contextual relevance.

• Concise Storytelling: Present your work with clear, compelling narratives that connect your design solutions to client objectives, place, and experience. Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy and vision.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading design challenges, navigating complex client feedback, and resolving design conflicts within a team.

• Articulate your understanding of the Saudi Arabian market, its architectural trends, and the unique opportunities and challenges for hospitality and destination projects.

• Practice presenting your portfolio with confidence, clarity, and a focus on your leadership and strategic input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this will be rigorous, focusing heavily on design leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate effectively within OBMI's global framework and the specific Saudi Arabian context. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for parametric modeling, BIM coordination, and producing high-quality construction documentation. Proficiency expected at an advanced level for leading design and documentation efforts.

• Rhino: Crucial for complex form-finding, conceptual modeling, and advanced geometric design, often used in early design stages and for specialized architectural elements.

• AutoCAD: Still relevant for 2D drafting, site plans, and coordination with certain consultants or legacy project elements.

• Enscape: Key for real-time rendering and visualization, enabling rapid iteration and immersive client presentations.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign): Indispensable for image editing, graphic design, presentation graphics, and marketing materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not traditional "operations" tools, the role requires an analytical approach to understanding site data, market trends, and client requirements to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, MS Project) is beneficial for coordinating design tasks and timelines.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external team communication and file sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily design-centric, emphasizing advanced 3D modeling, BIM, and visualization software. The ability to leverage these tools efficiently is critical for delivering high-quality design documentation and compelling presentations, which are core operational outputs for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A relentless pursuit of exceptional, innovative, and contextually relevant design solutions that elevate the guest experience and create lasting value.

• Cultural Grounding: A deep respect for and integration of local culture, heritage, and place into the design narrative, creating authentic and meaningful destinations.

• Collaboration & Mentorship: A commitment to fostering a supportive and inspiring team environment where knowledge is shared, and emerging talent is nurtured.

• Innovation & Sustainability: A drive to explore new materials, technologies, and sustainable practices to create forward-thinking and environmentally responsible environments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with project managers, technical architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and external consultants to ensure a cohesive and integrated design.

• Client-Centric Approach: Engaging clients and operators as partners, fostering open communication and actively incorporating their vision and feedback into the design process.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture of continuous learning and development, where senior designers actively guide junior team members, and best practices are shared across studios.

📝 Enhancement Note: OBMI's emphasis on "storied places" and "rooted in land, culture, and emotion" suggests a culture that values deep contextual understanding and narrative-driven design. The collaborative style is likely highly integrated, requiring seamless communication and partnership across all project stakeholders to achieve the firm's ambitious design goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Vision with Constraints: Navigating complex project budgets, timelines, and regulatory requirements while maintaining the integrity of the initial design vision.

• Cultural Nuance in Design: Ensuring designs are culturally sensitive and appropriate for the Saudi Arabian market, demanding thorough research and thoughtful execution.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing diverse expectations from clients, operators, developers, and local authorities to achieve consensus on design direction.

• Driving Innovation: Continuously pushing creative boundaries and integrating new technologies and sustainable practices in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Regional Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the Saudi Arabian market, its architectural heritage, and future development trends.

• Leadership Development: Honing skills in team management, client relations, and strategic business contributions within a leading global design practice.

• Exposure to Mega-Projects: Opportunity to contribute to some of the region's most significant and transformative hospitality and destination developments.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of cutting-edge design technologies, sustainable building practices, and evolving hospitality trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by engaging with large-scale, impactful projects in a rapidly developing region. The challenges are inherent to high-level design leadership, requiring strategic problem-solving and adaptive leadership to achieve ambitious project goals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the conceptualization of a major hospitality project. What was your process, and how did you ensure cultural relevance?"

• "How do you approach balancing ambitious design vision with project constraints (budget, timeline, regulations)?"

• "Walk us through a challenging stakeholder engagement scenario and how you navigated it to achieve design consensus."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about OBMI's work, particularly in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia?"

• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with OBMI's focus on creating 'storied places'?"

• "How would you contribute to OBMI's culture of design excellence and innovation?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative is Key: Structure your presentation around compelling stories for 3-5 key projects. Emphasize your role as a leader, your design process, and the project's impact.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality renderings, diagrams, and photographs. Ensure your slides are clean, well-organized, and easy to follow.

• Demonstrate Process: Show your journey from concept to completion, highlighting key design decisions and how you utilized software like Revit and Rhino to achieve your vision.

• Address the 'Why': Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your design choices, connecting them to client objectives, site context, cultural influences, and guest experience.

• Engage Your Audience: Anticipate questions and be ready to discuss your leadership approach, problem-solving skills, and vision for future projects at OBMI.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also leadership acumen, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the hospitality and destination design sectors, especially within the context of Saudi Arabia. Your portfolio presentation is your primary opportunity to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Lead Designer position:

• Submit your CV, portfolio, and salary expectations to careers@OBMI.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio specifically highlights your experience in hospitality, luxury resorts, mixed-use developments, and your leadership capabilities. Tailor your project selection to showcase your ability to create culturally resonant and innovative designs.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 15-17 years of experience, emphasizing leadership roles, key project achievements, and proficiency in required design software (Revit, Rhino, Enscape, Adobe Suite).

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on your design process, leadership contributions, and strategic vision. Be ready to discuss your approach to client engagement and team mentorship.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with OBMI's project portfolio, design philosophy, and recent work, particularly in the Middle East. Understand the company's values and how your experience aligns with their mission and the opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.