Design Director

The Design Director provides leadership and oversight for the planning, coordination, and execution of design activities throughout the project lifecycle. This role serves as the primary liaison between owners, architects, consultants, and construction teams, ensuring design solutions align with project objectives, budget, schedule, quality standards, and constructability requirements. The Design Director leads multidisciplinary collaboration, manages design consultants, drives design quality and technical excellence, and supports project delivery from concept through construction.

Leveraging strong leadership, technical expertise, and relationship management skills, the Design Director champions the owner's vision while balancing cost, risk, and operational objectives to achieve successful project outcomes.

• Leads coordination with the Owner's Architect and design consultants to ensure the timely development, integration, and delivery of high-quality design documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manages the project's design process and technical execution, ensuring alignment with contractual requirements, project objectives, budget, schedule, and quality standards.
• Oversees design activities through all project phases, including Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration, driving timely decision-making and issue resolution.
• Partners with the Project Executive, Project Director, and Design Manager to provide leadership for design documentation efforts, identify project risks and opportunities, and support project goals.
• Facilitates collaboration among design teams, construction teams, consultants, and client representatives to ensure effective communication, coordination, and project alignment.
• Advocates for the Owner's design intent while balancing project budget, schedule, constructability, and operational objectives.
• Supports client relationship management efforts and contributes to business development activities by fostering positive relationships with owners, architects, consultants, and industry partners.
• Develops and manages project permitting plans and schedules to support overall project milestones and requirements.
• Coordinates with BIM, VDC, and project technology teams to ensure effective integration of digital design and project delivery tools throughout the design process.
• Provides design and technical input during preconstruction, bidding, procurement, and buyout activities to support project execution and value-driven decision-making.
• Collaborates with Preconstruction and Estimating teams to support Target Value Design (TVD) initiatives, evaluate design impacts on cost, and maintain alignment with budget objectives.
• Develops Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for design services and supports the selection and procurement of architects, engineers, and specialty consultants.
• Reviews consultant proposals, scopes of work, and design deliverables to ensure completeness, quality, coordination, and alignment with project requirements.
• Develops and implements project-specific Design Quality Control Plans and conducts reviews to ensure design deliverables meet established standards.
• Provides leadership and guidance to project teams throughout the design process, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Advanced systems-thinking capability, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through complex design challenges, integrate diverse perspectives, and develop innovative solutions that optimize project outcomes, constructability, cost, schedule, and risk. Working knowledge of Constructability Issues and overall review process. Demonstrated ability to build alignment across design, construction, client, and consultant teams while providing objective leadership and independent professional judgment to drive sound decision-making and successful project outcomes.

Working Knowledge of code requirements and appropriate applications. Proficiency in electronic programs including Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, AutoCAD and Revit. An understanding of 3D BIM modeling is preferred but not required.

Demonstrates the ability to effectively lead, develop, and mentor teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, professional growth, and high performance. Exhibits exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to…