Design Director

Who we are:

Cistri (100% owned by Urbis Australia) is a unique urban consultancy in the region, offering meaningful, holistic advice for urban development across the disciplines of economics, planning, and design. Independent from any development agency, building contractor, or architectural/engineering consultant, we provide unbiased, evidence-based insights. Our joined-up thinking is critical to addressing the complex urban issues facing governments, developers, investors, NGOs, and communities today.

At Cistri, we are committed to shaping vibrant, sustainable cities through innovative and collaborative approaches. Join us and make a real impact on the future of urban development, shaping futures your way.

The Opportunity:

Cistri is seeking a dynamic Director to join our Design leadership group in Singapore. This is an exciting growth opportunity where you will play a pivotal role in driving design excellence, nurturing team growth, and significantly expanding our service offerings in urban design, master planning, and landscape architecture.

As a key member of our leadership team, you will have the chance to shape the future of urban design and landscape architecture, working on diverse and impactful projects. Your strategic vision and business acumen will be crucial in winning new work, building scale, and converting opportunities into revenue. This role offers significant potential to build upon and expand an already successful business, allowing you to make a real and lasting impact on the communities we serve.

You will:

• Identify and generate new work, ensuring sustained profitable business performance.
• Develop proposals, tenders, and submissions for new projects.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and industry peers.
• Deliver a consistent revenue stream in line with targets.
• Achieve revenue targets through strong service delivery and project management.
• Proactively identify opportunities to engage and work collaboratively with colleagues from other disciplines and Business Units across Singapore and the broader firm on cross-disciplinary projects.
• Nurture and develop staff through effective coaching and mentoring.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, design quality, and excellence.
• Support strategic projects and national initiatives.
• Assist with forecasting, budgeting, risk, and financial management.
• Manage financial and commercial requirements, including fee and sub-contractor arrangements.
• Contribute to quality assurance initiatives and team business plans.
• Ensure compliance with workplace health, safety, and wellbeing policies.
• Demonstrate strong practice management skills, including timely submissions and billing.

Key internal relationships:

• Cistri Design Partner
• Urbis National Design team
• Peer relationships with other Partners and Directors within the Cistri office
• Finance Team

Key external relationships:

• Clients
• Government and public sector authorities and clients
• Relevant industry bodies and professional associations

About You:

• 15+ years relevant experience across Asia Pacific.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capabilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve revenue targets and drive business growth.
• Tertiary qualifications in Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban & Regional Planning, or a related discipline.
• A network of established clients and a proven track record of winning work.

Why Cistri

Cistri is committed to fostering a work environment that is inclusive, supports flexibility, and welcomes diversity. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

To find out more about us visit our website at https://cistri.com/

How to Apply

If you are an enthusiastic candidate, with the desire to become part of a driven and highly professional team, click apply now!