Technical Director - Senior

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Gensler's San Jose office is a dynamic center for innovation, technology, and design excellence. Our multidisciplinary teams partner with leading organizations to deliver transformative projects across Core & Shell, Advanced Technology, Mixed-Use, Critical Facilities, Education, and Workplace environments.

As a Technical Director
, you will provide technical leadership within our Core & Shell and Advanced Technology practice, guiding complex projects from pursuit through construction. You will be a trusted advisor to clients and project teams, bringing deep expertise in building systems, envelope design, and project delivery while ensuring design intent is realized through technically sound, high-performing solutions.

This role is ideal for a collaborative leader who combines exceptional technical knowledge with strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills. You understand how to navigate complex project challenges, align stakeholder priorities, and drive teams toward successful outcomes.

Working closely with designers, architects, consultants, and clients, you will help shape project strategy, advance technical excellence, and support business development efforts across a diverse portfolio of project types and scales. You will also play a key role in mentoring emerging talent, fostering professional growth, and strengthening technical expertise throughout the studio.

The successful candidate is a proactive and collaborative professional with a comprehensive understanding of the architectural process, from pursuit and proposal development through construction administration. They bring a passion for design, a commitment to technical rigor, and a proven ability to lead teams in delivering innovative, high-quality projects.

• Partner with Studio Directors, Principals, and project leadership to guide teams through all phases of project delivery.
• Lead technical delivery across all project phases, ensuring seamless integration between structural systems, core layout, and envelope assemblies.
• Oversee the preparation and coordination of construction documentation, specifications, and construction administration activities.
• Oversee detailed design, documentation, and performance specifications for facade systems, curtain walls, cladding, glazing, and weatherproofing/waterproofing assemblies.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for project teams, resolving complex design and construction challenges in collaboration with consultants and stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop junior staff through technical guidance, coaching, and day-to-day leadership.
• Ensure project teams remain informed of applicable building codes, legislation, industry standards, and firmwide quality management practices.
• Participate in Construction Administration efforts, including review of RFIs, submittals, change orders, and attendance at Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings as needed.
• Coordinate closely with Project Managers regarding staffing, scheduling, project execution, and technical resourcing.
• Collaborate with technical leaders across the office, region, and firm to maintain consistency in technical standards and best practices.
• Support a wide variety of project typologies including core and shell developments, advanced tech, industrial, mixed-use, retail, government, sports, office buildings, and corporate interiors.
• Partner with studio leadership and legal counsel on matters related to project delivery, contracts, and construction-related risk management.

• Active California Architect license required.
• Professional degree in Architecture required.
• 15+ years of progressive architectural experience, including leadership of complex…