Design Director

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We're not just designers. We're tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring new ideas to solve challenging problems. Whether you're into sketching new ideas, hacking a building or growing client relationships in global markets, there's something here for everyone. 

Our depth of expertise spans disciplines—from aviation and transportation to education, hospitality, retail, technology and more. At our core we embody an entrepreneurial spirit, always looking ahead for new ways to innovate and add to our clients' success. We share the belief that design has the power to transform organizations and change lives; whether we're refreshing a retailer's brand, planning a new urban district or designing a super tall building. 

Our work reflects an enduring commitment to sustainability, and we believe that a diversity of voices and cultures is one of the most powerful strategic tools for securing lasting competitive advantage. 

As the world's largest design firm, Gensler has a unique obligation and opportunity to focus on sustainability in the built environment. We deepened our commitment to combat the impact on climate change in the built environment when we launched Gensler Cities Climate Challenge (GC3) in 2019. This is our pledge to meet an ambitious goal: the elimination of all greenhouse gases from our work by 2030. 

Your Role 

Gensler is seeking a Design Director for our Commercial Office/Residential/ Mixed-Use Office Building practice areas. Gensler Design Directors are a select group of designers who provide creative and design process leadership to multiple design teams through all phases of client projects. If you are someone who enjoys leading design teams, developing next-generation talent, and helping clients redesign what's possible, then this role is for you. Bring your unique design perspective to Gensler and work alongside industry trendsetters 

As a Design Director, you will have had experience in leading design efforts for Commercial Office / Residential / Mixed Use /Architectural environments. The ideal candidate will have proven skills in establishing and developing design schemes and leading/coordinating design teams for architectural projects. 

You will possess a mix of strategic and creative skills, with the ability to create great form while embracing sound business strategy.  Use your unique design perspective to lead design teams, develop next-generation talent, bring new approaches to the design process, and help our clients redesign what's possible. You must have significant knowledge of commercial office buildings and should have extensive experience leading design teams on multiple projects. 

What You Will Do 

• Develop and provide mentorship to design teams.  

• Lead the creative efforts on client architecture projects, developing overall design concepts and design presentation strategies from the initial marketing stages through construction and installation. 

• Lead the orchestration and strategy of design presentations.  

• As a member of a studio's leadership team, collaborate with practice leaders and colleagues to enhance Gensler's culture for design excellence, elevate the quality of design, and achieve recognition for clients and the firm. 

• Continually improve the quality of our work, the manner in which we deliver it and the process we employ to attain it.  

• Build, nurture and foster new relationships with a broad client base.  

• Work closely with other Design Directors and Regional Design Directors across the firm to promote an inter-disciplinary design approach and philosophy and facilitate its advancement in respective offices and across the firm. 

• Be an integral part in the growth and success of architectural projects.  

• Participate in business development and marketing efforts. 

• Build and sustain client relationships; act as the primary design interface with clients, team members, and a wide range of consultants and collaborators, both internal and external. 

Your Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited program. Masters from a reputed University preferred. 

• 18+ years of related experience, with a strong background in commercial office building projects and some experience in Residential / Mixed Use design; international project experience of more than 8 years will be a plus. 

• Understanding of master planning concepts and expertise with handling site planning for all architectural projects is a must. 

• Ability to handle a variety of project types and complexities  

• Strong, persuasive communicator with excellent storytelling skills and the ability to communicate complex design concepts to clients. 

• Proven track record of success in maintaining and growing client relationships. 

• Strong graphic skills to communicate design ideas. 

• Leadership experience, including managing client expectations, multi-disciplinary teams, and meeting scope/schedule/budget. 

• Skilled at developing, inspiring and motivating teams of people both internally and externally, along with a desire to mentor team members. 

• Experience leading design teams through all phases of the design process. 

• Knowledge of finishes, materials and specifications. 

• Knowledge in sustainable design principles . 

• LEED, WELL, Fitwel, LFA or other rating systems accreditation preferable. 

• Understand key principles for leading and achieving net zero projects. 

• Capacity to drive sustainability focused discussions with clients and teams. 

• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and sustainable building practices . 

• Previous experience in sustainable design projects preferred. At least one project of the candidate portfolio should showcase this focus. Especially built projects with LEED, Living Building Challenge, WELL Building Standard, Fitwel and /or Net Zero Building certification. 

• Understanding of local codes / regulations is a plus. 

• Portfolio of 'built' work to use in pitching/winning work. 

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Service oriented and willing to foster a respectful, creative, and inspiring environment. 

Your Design Technology Qualifications

Essential:  

• Experience in managing design teams with Revit/Rhino/Grasshopper skills. 

• Good knowledge and experience with collaboration within the BIM context, including cloud-based markups, consultant coordination and clash detection. 

• Basic understanding and familiarity with real-time rendering processes, and material creation & management within the context of integrated BIM and parametric workflows. 

• Familiarity with the BIM project lifecycle through design, construction and operational phases. 

• Understanding of BIM deliverables and terminology in contractsDesirable  

• Experience in managing design teams with Revit/Rhino/Grasshopper skills. 

• Experience in establishing and managing BIM teams for project design and delivery. 

Applications we work with:  

• Design Authoring - Revit, Rhino, Autocad, Navisworks  

• Collaboration - BIM360 

• Computational Design - Grasshopper, Dynamo  

• Building Performance Simulation - Insight, Sefaira, Diva, Ladybug tools 

• Visualisation – Vray, Enscape, Twinmotion, 3DSMax  

• Graphics & Productivity - Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite 

• Experiential – Unreal Engine, Unity 

• Development – C#, Python 

Please include a portfolio/work samples along with your resume.  

Life at Gensler 

As a people-first organization, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From internal design competitions to research grants to "Well-being Week," our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability and wellness programs. We also offer profit sharing and twice annual bonus opportunities.  

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.