Design Manager - Client Side

Job Title - Design Manager - Client Side

Location: Central London
Salary: Up to £70,000 + Benefits Package
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Sector: Residential | Commercial | Hospitality | Mixed-Use

The Opportunity

Cobalt Recruitment is working with a leading international property developer to appoint an experienced Design Manager to support a landmark mixed-use redevelopment in Central London.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Architect, Senior Architect or Design Manager looking to move into a client-side role with an established developer delivering high-quality projects across Europe.

The successful candidate will help shape a major multi-building redevelopment, currently at early concept design stage. The project will incorporate residential, student accommodation, hospitality, commercial and retail spaces, with a strong focus on sustainability, placemaking and end-user experience.

This position offers the opportunity to influence how buildings are designed and developed, ensuring they meet the needs of occupiers, operators and investors.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Living and Commercial, you will work closely with development, design, leasing, marketing and commercial teams to help define the design strategy across multiple buildings.

Unlike a traditional technical design management role, this position focuses on how design creates value, ensuring layouts, specifications, amenities and building features align with market demand and commercial objectives.

You will undertake market research, benchmark comparable developments, review design proposals and translate commercial requirements into clear design briefs.

The role primarily focuses on early development stages, from acquisition through to construction, with involvement throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Research competitor developments, market trends and design precedents to inform project strategy.
• Analyse how design decisions influence rental values, occupier demand and commercial performance.
• Help define building specifications, amenities, layouts and design features.
• Work with cost teams to assess design options against budgets and commercial value.
• Contribute to design briefs, accommodation schedules, unit mixes and amenity strategies.
• Champion end-user experience, placemaking, public realm and community spaces.
• Benchmark unit sizes, building efficiency and amenities against comparable developments.
• Review architectural proposals and provide feedback from an end-user perspective.
• Coordinate with leasing, marketing, development and operational teams.
• Prepare design presentations, research reports and recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Support project reporting, development reviews and board presentations.
• Explore AI and data analysis to improve design research and decision-making.
• Assist with design meetings, project documentation and stakeholder engagement.

About You

We are seeking an ambitious design professional with a strong architectural background, analytical skills and a genuine interest in property development.

This opportunity would particularly suit an Architect, Senior Architect, Architectural Designer or Design Manager looking to move into a commercially focused, client-side position.

Essential Experience:

• Ideally 5+ years' experience within architecture, design or property development.
• Architectural or design background, ideally gained within an architectural practice.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including competitor analysis and design benchmarking.
• Interest in how design influences commercial value and end-user experience.
• Ability to translate research and market information into clear design recommendations.
• Excellent presentation, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong numerical ability and an understanding of financial modelling.
• Interest in AI, automation and digital design tools.
• Proactive, adaptable approach with excellent attention to detail.

Desirable Experience:

• Residential, student accommodation, hospitality, commercial or mixed-use projects.
• Understanding of rental values, operator requirements, occupancy and amenities.
• Experience in placemaking, public realm and ground-floor activation.
• Knowledge of Building Regulations, CDM and the Building Safety Act.
• Understanding of BREEAM, NABERS, WELL or WiredScore.
• Experience using Revit, CAD or other architectural software.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join an established international developer with an impressive portfolio.
• Work on a landmark mixed-use redevelopment in Central London.
• Gain valuable client-side development experience.
• Influence design strategy, specifications and commercial decisions.
• Work across residential, hospitality and commercial sectors.
• Collaborate with senior development professionals and decision-makers.
• Excellent career progression opportunities.
• Salary up to £70,000 + benefits package.

Interested?

For a confidential discussion, please contact Luke Kinsey at Cobalt Recruitment.

Applications are welcomed from architects and design professionals interested in moving into client-side property development.

All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.