Design Manager (Development)

About the role

A real estate development and property management company, focused on residential and accommodation projects such as serviced apartments and renovation developments, is hiring a Design Manager in Ho Chi Minh City. Reporting to the Development Director, the Design Manager oversees architectural and interior design across projects, from pre-acquisition feasibility through construction, renovation and handover. The role maintains design standards, manages multidisciplinary consultants and ensures completed works meet approved design specifications, quality expectations and commercial objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee architectural and interior design quality, especially interior design consistency, and develop design standards for layouts, materials, finishes, fixtures and quality benchmarks.
• Coordinate architects and designers in pre-acquisition feasibility, including preliminary designs, layouts, unit configurations and space planning, together with Investment, Leasing, Property Management and other specialists.
• Lead design coordination from concept through detailed design, tendering and construction, and manage architectural, structural, MEP and interior consultants.
• Conduct regular site inspections to verify compliance with approved drawings, materials and finishes, and coordinate with project managers, consultants and contractors to resolve design discrepancies.
• Work with Investment, Leasing, Property Management, Facilities Management and others to balance design quality, tenant needs, space efficiency and operational practicality, evaluating value engineering options.
• Oversee design documentation, shop drawings, material approvals, RFIs and design changes, and monitor milestones, approvals, quality issues and project risks.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design or a related discipline; a valid architectural practising licence is preferred.
• At least 15 years of experience in design coordination or design management, including consultant management from feasibility through tendering and post-contract stages.
• Experience in residential, townhouse, serviced apartment, build-to-rent, co-living, hotel or hospitality projects, with experience in Vietnam preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Vietnamese building regulations, planning and approval procedures, construction methods, cost management and value engineering.

Required skills

• AutoCAD, 3D design and rendering software, and Microsoft Office; Revit/BIM experience preferred.
• Strong stakeholder management, multidisciplinary coordination, problem-solving, documentation and reporting skills, and willingness to visit sites regularly.

Applications are submitted through the online application form; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.