Director of Design (DSA, K-12, Education) - San Diego

Job Description

Job Description

About Us: We are a highly respected architecture and planning firm known for delivering thoughtful, community-centered projects across California. Our team specializes in the planning and design of education facilities and public-sector environments, partnering with school districts and agencies to create modern, functional spaces that support learning and long-term community impact. Our collaborative culture brings together design excellence, technical expertise, and a passion for meaningful architecture.

The Position: We are seeking a Design Director / Senior Lead Designer to serve as a pivotal design leader within our architecture practice. This role will lead the conceptual and creative direction for complex K-12 and education-focused projects , guiding design vision from early concept through project development.

*The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative design professional with a strong portfolio of DSA-regulated education projects and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams while working closely with clients, leadership, and project teams.

• Design Director / Senior Lead Designer – Architecture
• Locations: Newport Beach (OC), Solana Beach (San Diego), or Ontario, CA
• Full-Time | Studio-Based

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design vision and creative direction for K-12 and education facility projects.
• Guide projects from early concept and programming through design development.
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, and technical teams to ensure design intent is successfully executed.
• Work directly with clients and stakeholders to translate program goals and educational needs into impactful design solutions.
• Ensure projects align with DSA regulations, California building codes, and public agency standards.
• Present design concepts, studies, and strategies to clients, leadership teams, and project stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide designers and architects across project teams.
• Support design excellence across multiple studios while contributing to firmwide design initiatives.
• Participate in business development, client presentations, and proposal efforts when needed.

What You Need (Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or related design discipline.
• 8+ years of architectural design experience required; 10–20 years preferred.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating K-12 or education-focused design projects.
• Recent experience working on DSA-regulated projects is required.
• Strong conceptual design abilities with experience leading project design efforts.
• Proficiency in architectural design tools such as Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and visualization tools.
• Strong presentation and communication skills with the ability to articulate design vision to clients and teams.
• Ability to lead collaborative design workshops and guide multidisciplinary teams.
• California Architect license preferred.

What’s Offered (Competitive Full Package – National)

• Salary: $160,000 – $200,000 (DOE)
• Annual performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous PTO, holidays, and personal time
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• Opportunity to lead impactful K-12 and public education design projects across California
• Collaborative design culture with strong studio leadership and career growth

Apply Today: Apply directly to this posting with your updated resume, then email it to View email address on ziprecruiter.com for prompt review and confidential consideration.

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• BancroftSP.com/Careers/
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Equal Opportunity Statement: Bancroft Staffing Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity & are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees & candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.