Design Director, Sports & Recreation

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it's about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you'll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities. In the role of Design Director, we'll count on you to:

• Develop highly innovative, creative, integrated and effective design solutions
• Have an established design reputation evident through design awards, publications, education or other venues, and positive client references
• Guide initial design concepts and ideas from pursuit and selection through successful project completion on multiple projects
• Meet design excellence goals while meeting management goals and project budgets
• Teach and train other designers and interdisciplinary AE project teams in the essentials of design excellence and in the critical tenets of HDR's Design Philosophy
• Mentor and develop junior design staff, challenging, inspiring and/or motivating others to join in the constant pursuit of design excellence
• Be a key design leader who must have the vision and attitude to lead design efforts while effectively partnering with the global design director, office management, project management, and AEP discipline leaders on all efforts
• Capable of identifying, attracting and retaining key design staff, and will be responsible for targeting and developing strategies for hiring senior and junior design talent
• Be active in local, national or international professional design related organizations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters in Architecture or closely related field
• Experience functioning as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities
• Experience on large-scale projects, including stadiums, arenas, training facilities in the intercollegiate athletics market and professional market
• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED
• Willing to travel

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Required Qualifications

• Bachelors in Architecture or closely related field
• A minimum of 15 years experience functioning as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities
• Maintains professional architectural registration
• Proven track record of winning project pursuits and maintaining strong client relationships
• Experience in leading a collaborative, iterative design process with clients and colleagues
• Experience and/or interest in integrating sustainable building design
• Demonstrated experience with the Design Excellence Program as operated through the GSA's Public Buildings Service (PBS)
• Excellent leadership and mentoring skills
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Must be capable of leading a team and making client presentations
• Ability to collaborate and integrate with existing team
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees. Primary Location: United States-Missouri-Kansas City Industry: Architecture Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Sports and Recreation Job Posting: Apr 10, 2026