Design Leader

About Woods Bagot

We design places that meet the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world. Our commitment to exploration, impact and community creates enduring, forward‑thinking outcomes, unlocking humanity’s highest potential.

With a global design culture devoted to creativity, resilience, and purpose – we ensure every project contributes to our client’s vision, inspiring future generations.

About the Role

As a Design Leader, you will be responsible for developing creative design solutions across a variety of projects and sectors. This role requires someone who has a true passion for design and is eager to stay abreast of developments of design techniques and trends, as well as being a mentor to other designers within our Shanghai Studio. The ideal candidate will be experienced in building client relationships, leading and mentoring a team, and have a track record of high-quality conceptual design work. The role will require a hands-on and collaborative approach and the ability to develop and articulate creative design concepts within a team environment.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Lead the creation of innovative, original design solutions across the Hong Kong Studio, elevating design quality and efficiency to achieve excellence on every project.
• Author and guide narrative-driven design concepts for key projects and major competitions, using sketches, design software, and high-quality presentation materials.
• Develop impactful design presentations and strategies that effectively communicate ideas and win work.
• Foster open communication and collaboration across design teams.
• Coordinate with Architectural and Interior Design leadership to build a cohesive and inspiring design culture across the region.
• Drive business development by leveraging your client network, strengthening existing relationships, and representing Woods Bagot publicly.
• Oversee design management processes, interpreting briefs, and working collaboratively with clients and stakeholders.
• Deliver and manage projects to quality, time, and financial targets.
• Build your personal design profile while reinforcing Woods Bagot’s core design values.
• Champion the integration of design technology, computational tools, and technical streams into project workflows.
• Embed sustainability and low-carbon strategies into all design outcomes.
• Grow the studio’s reputation and business through design excellence and thought leadership.
• Mentor and develop the architecture team, supporting growth through active recruitment, guidance, and performance management.
• Contribute to studio leadership, actively participating in strategy, planning, budgeting, and continuous improvement across the region.

About You

You are an accomplished Design Leader with an exceptional portfolio of large-scale projects across Asia, China, and global markets. Entrepreneurial by nature, you pair outstanding design skills with a proven ability to apply innovative approaches, tools, and processes to deliver transformative outcomes.

You thrive in open, collaborative, and highly connected environments, where you can inspire teams and elevate design thinking. Confident in both strategy and delivery, you excel at shaping bold design concepts and leading teams to translate them into world-class projects that create lasting value for clients.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Degree in Architecture from a recognized institution.
• 10–15 years’ relevant professional experience in the design field.
• Proven experience delivering high-quality, large-scale projects across Asia and global markets.
• Strong conceptual design ability, with excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Solid experience in project and design team management.
• Excellent spoken and written English and Mandarin.
• Proficiency in 2D and 3D design tools with strong graphic and presentation skills.
• Highly self-motivated, focused, and detail-oriented.
• Deep understanding of the principles of high-quality design.
• Ability to generate innovative, original design solutions.
• Skilled in interpreting and developing retail briefs, collaborating effectively with stakeholders and design teams.
• Competent in coordinating architectural design with engineering disciplines.
• Proven ability to lead design teams and deliver projects on time.
• Strong resource planning, scheduling, and project management capabilities.
• Clear and confident in team communication and briefing.

How to apply

Applicants are required to submit an up-to-date resume & portfolio link in a combined PDF format via the LinkedIn Job Posting. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or names from agencies.

All personal data collected by the Company will be kept confidential and only used for recruitment purposes.

Mandatory requirement: It is an essential requirement that at the time of applying for this position, applicants must have the legal right to work in China.

Inspiration. Innovation. Inclusiveness. We are Woods Bagot.

Woods Bagot is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

At Woods Bagot, we are committed to creating an environment where difference is celebrated, valued, and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong. We accept that none of us is smarter than all of us. We believe building a diverse workforce is the foundation of creativity and innovative design – it is only by working together that we can realize the potential of our people, clients, and communities around us. Through our inclusive leadership and our truly global studio network of strategists, experienced designers, and scientists, you will find your voice and have the support and flexibility required to bring your whole self to work and build an exceptional career.