Associate Director

10 Design is a global architecture and master planning practice. Headquartered in London, a dynamic team of 300 architects and designers is located across nine global studios - London, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Dubai, Edinburgh, Miami, Dallas, Shenzhen, and Singapore.

10 Design shapes spaces at every scale, from individual buildings to entire cityscapes. Our work spans master planning, mixed-use developments, retail, hospitality, residential, research and science facilities, as well as civic and cultural projects. We take pride in creating designs that inspire, engage, and respond thoughtfully to the unique character of the communities we serve.

10 Design is part of 10N, a collective of urbanism, architecture, and related design experts, headquartered in London and working from 20 studios across five continents. There is strong collaboration between the practices within the 10N Collective, providing unique opportunities for our staff.

As part of our team, you will contribute to a broad range of UK and international projects, from large-scale masterplans to individual buildings, within a creative and collaborative studio.

Experience working in a design-led practice on UK or international projects is required, and work on projects in the Middle East is essential for the role.

Experience of Technical Design and Construction work stages will also be an advantage for the role.

The roles are responsible for always achieving excellence in design while representing 10 Design and its design philosophy to the highest quality standard. They are required to act as a primary point of contact to clients and external consultants for all design-related issues. The roles also involve driving the creative direction of the architecture teams, overseeing the coordination with other consultants to ensure an appropriate, high-quality architectural product is delivered on time and within the outlined budget.

An experienced design-led Associate Director or Associate Architect to support concept and design development across a range of sectors, regionally and within the Middle East. The role sits at the heart of project teams, combining strong design capability with growing leadership responsibility.

• Lead concept and schematic design across a range of building typologies, setting clear design direction.
• Develop compelling design narratives, place-making strategies, and architectural identities.
• Lead design workshops, internal critiques, and client presentations.
• Contribute to competitions and bids, shaping design strategies and visual language.

• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring consistency of design intent across teams.
• Collaborate closely with technical and delivery leads to manage risk and protect design outcomes.
• Guide consultant coordination to ensure integrated, high-quality design solutions.
• Support client relationships and act as a trusted design advisor.
• Mentor project leaders, architects, and designers, supporting professional development.
• Foster a design-led culture through critique, guidance, and clear expectations.
• Assist in resource planning and team structuring alongside studio leadership.

• Champion design quality through all project stages, including fast-track Middle East delivery models.
• Review key deliverables to ensure design excellence and technical coordination.
• Balance creative ambition with programme, budget, and procurement realities.

• Proven experience as an Associate Director or Senior Design Lead.
• UK/London experience preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership across multiple building types (minimum three sectors).
• Strong client-facing skills and international consultancy experience.