Design Manager

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 relationship 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

As a Design Manager, you will need to coordinate with a team of architects and designers to deliver unparalleled architectural projects. Leverage your industry experience and technical acumen to drive client projects from concept through construction drawings. You need to actively participate in all phases of the design process. Innovative thinking balanced with the ability to present real-world technical solutions to new design challenges. Must thrive with personal responsibility and accountability but embody and embrace open communication and team-oriented success.

What You Will Do

Manage all phases of projects, including project set-up, design, and construction drawings.

Manage project schedules, budgets, and set up with clients, sub-contractors, vendors, and consultants.

Prepare project proposals, negotiate contracts and fees, coordinate bidding process.

Track financial performance of projects.

Assist with the design and delivery of the architectural and/or technical aspects of a project.

Possess proficient/advanced knowledge of architectural design principles, technical details, codes, and material characteristics.

Provide project team coordination for the finished plans, specifications, and material selections required for construction.

Resolution of complex technical and design issues as they arise during document preparation and construction administration.

Manage a range of project team sizes, comprised of project architects, interior designers, and job captains.

Preparing and ensuring the accuracy of technical documents.

Participating in the administration of project assignments, including quality control.

Manage client, teams, and project coordination, including full documentation coordination with consultants.

Support communication between the project team, clients, vendors, contractors, consultants, and building and permitting officials.

Provide technical guidance and innovative solutions to resolve complex technical and design challenges.

Maintain project manual and specifications.

Ensure projects conform to the contract.

Conduct and document process submittals, substitution requests, and RFI’s during construction.

Organize and manage project teams and assignments.

Oversee coordination of projects.

Lead project coordination for the plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules specifications, and material selections required for construction.

Manage project timelines and schedules.

Review technical documents to ensure accuracy.

Lead coordination of consultants, specification writers, and regulatory agencies to meet overall project objectives.

Oversee the administration of project assignments with a focus on managing design intent and quality control.

Other assigned responsibilities.

Your Qualifications

Bachelor of Architecture or Interior Design

Licensed or registered architect.

15-18+ years of project experience in an architectural practice.

Retail & Hospitality experience is a plus.

Working knowledge of building codes, standards, building construction, and building structures.

Strong leadership, communication, and relationship management skills.

Ability to handle difficult situations with tact and emotional intelligence.

Construction documentation and/or design detail development experience.

Experience with the entire project lifecycle, through post-occupancy.

Experience leading, managing, and mentoring multiple project teams.

Experience negotiating project scope and fees.

Proven fiscal accountability and responsibility for various project types.

Must have the ability to maintain existing client relationships and build new client relationships.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Strong organizational skills.

Superior written and verbal communication skills

Your Design Technology Qualifications

Essential:

Deep knowledge and experience in Autodesk Revit for design authoring, documentation, data extracts and project delivery

Deep understanding of and experience in Rhinoceros for design authoring

Familiarity and some experience with Computational Design applications such as Grasshopper and/or Dynamo

Familiarity with Performance Design software such as Autodesk Insight, Sefaira, Diva, and/or Ladybug tools

Deep understanding of Real-Time Visualization development within the context of BIM, specifically in the use of Enscape and/or Twinmotion with Revit and Rhino

Desirable:

Experience in collaboration within the BIM context, including cloud-based markups, consultant coordination and clash detection

Experience in strategic planning, setup of BIM projects, and troubleshooting, specifically in the context of Revit and allied workflows

Understanding of the capabilities and application of Information Management tools such as Aconex, Asite, Newforma, etc.

Working knowledge in the use of VR walkthroughs and panoramas for client presentations, consultant coordination and internal design reviews

Understanding of the interoperability workflows between the various design tools throughout all the stages of a project.

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

Life at Gensler

Gensler Asia-Pacific and Middle East is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through our Five Strategies. In partnership with our clients, we strive to create a just and equitable future for our communities and our colleagues. We celebrate our diversity and are focused on creating an inclusive workplace environment for all.

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.

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