Design Director

As a key member of the studio's Management, Operations, and Design (MOD) leadership team, you will lead by example—elevating design quality, mentoring the next generation of talent, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, and representing Perkins&Will within the profession and community. This is an opportunity for a proven design leader who is passionate about both exceptional design and developing others to achieve their full potential.

What You'll Do:

• Provide visionary design leadership andestablisha clear creative direction for the studio.
• Guide teams in developing innovative design concepts aligned with project goals and client expectations.
• Oversee the quality of design processes, project delivery, and built outcomes.
• Champion creative excellence and ensure all projects align with the firm’s Living Design Framework.
• Conduct design reviews and quality-controlreviews throughout project development.
• Work with firmwide leadership to organize and execute peer workshops at appropriate project milestones.
• Stay current on emerging industry trends, technologies, and design practices.

Build and Develop High-Performing Teams

• Lead, mentor, coach, and inspire multidisciplinary design teams.
• Foster a collaborative and creative work environment.
• Partner with Talent Managers and studio leadership to recruit, interview, hire, and develop design talent.
• Support the growth of diverse talent and skillsets across the studio.
• Mentorstaff andhelp them achieve both personal and professional development goals.
• Facilitate ongoing learning through design discussions, conferences, seminars, and educational opportunities.
• Build long-term bench strength and cultivate future design leaders.

Serve as a Studio and Client Leader

• Partner with the Managing Director and Operations Director to establish strategic goals and ensure execution.
• Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and project teams to develop innovative solutions that achieve functional, aesthetic, and financial objectives.
• Build andmaintainstrong relationships with clients, decision-makers, consultants, and industry influencers.
• Represent the firm’s commitment to design within public, professional, cultural, and academic communities.
• Build relationships with professional organizations and academic institutions.

Contribute to Studio Growth

• Participate in staffing decisions and team composition.
• Support project planning, scope development, work plans, and fee negotiations.
• Participate in marketing activities, including go/no-go decisions and interview leadership.
• Help strategize, pursue, and win work for the studio.
• Partner in developing andmaintainingthe studio’sdesign vision.
• Advance studio initiatives related to career development, talent advancement, and inclusion.

Required Qualifications:

• Professional degree in Architecture or related discipline.
• Professional architectural license.
• Minimumof
  15 years of professional experience.
• Knowledge of industry regulations, life-safety requirements, and building codes.
• Knowledge of site analysis, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, contract documents, and construction administration.
• Strongideatorand conceptual thinker
• Strong design portfolio, ideally broad-based on a range of project types.
• Strong project budgeting and contract negotiation skills.
• Strong working relationships with clients and consultants.
• Experience in hiring, directing, mentoring, and coordinating successful project teams
• Working knowledge of Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite,Enscape, andVRay.
• LEED GA and one Living Design accreditation upon hire or within six months of hire

Salary Range Information

We foster a culture that is diverse and inclusive and strive for pay practices that are fair, and competitive and reflect our commitment to pay equity. Our compensation decisions include but are not limited to a candidate’s qualifications including skill sets, education, experience and training, licensure and certifications credentials if applicable, and business-related factors. This practice extends to all employees, including performance considerations for merit increases, job promotions, and transfer opportunities.

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