Agree 101% that Lead Designers should be appointed to coordinate the design and issues resolved at the HODT level, and not necessarily at HOPT level so that the HOPT can focus more on Client Relationship and monitoring of project schedule to ensure that projects are being efficiently managed.
The Lead Designer must be someone knowledgeable in all areas of the design and not only in one area of discipline or design to ensure that all areas of designs are covered and taken care off to ensure that only the best of designs are being implemented on the ground.