Design Director | K-12 & Higher Education

Design Director

National award-winning studio is actively seeking a Design Director for their Los Angeles, Rancho Cucamonga, San Diego, or Anaheim office. With over 19 offices across the U.S., the award-winning architecture + design firm specializes in K-12 through college/university, healthcare, sports, and corporate business sectors across the U.S. The company has won over 500 design awards and is recognized for shaping learning environments for students and the community. It's well-established culture has also led the firm being named to the list of "Best Places to Work." For over forty years, the multidisciplinary studio has created a client base of more than two hundred clients, a list that includes university systems, hospital systems, school districts, and Fortune 500 companies.

Essential Duties

As Design Director, you will provide overall design leadership, championing quality and innovation across all departments. You'll play an active role in both project delivery and business development, ensuring our work consistently exceeds client expectations and sets industry benchmarks.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion design excellence and innovation while supporting clients' goals and vision
• Advance the company's client-centric design philosophy, processes, and implementation strategies
• Lead and mentor a team of talented designers
• Guide design presentations, monitor project development, and provide direction to ensure consistency across the firm
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of architectural practice, including materials, construction methods, engineering integration, and building codes/costs
• Serve as a thought leader in the design industry through participation in professional organizations and community outreach
• Collaborate with firmwide design leaders to strengthen their design culture while introducing fresh perspectives
• Drive the integration of cutting-edge technologies into our design processes and outcomes
• Develop and implement firmwide design guidelines and standards

Here's What You'll Need:

• 15+ years of architectural experience
• Bachelor of Architecture degree (minimum)
• Active Registered Architect license (NCARB)
• LEED AP certification preferred
• Experience in K-12 education or higher education required
• Exceptional client service orientation
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects under tight deadlines
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience interacting with senior management, clients, and vendors
• Self-motivated with meticulous attention to quality

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for design, client service, and team development, we invite you to apply today!

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