As the Director of Design at CSHQA, you will actively participate in guiding and implementing a cohesive design vision for the firm, engage in strategic planning and collaboratively work with the Principals and firm Leadership to ensure the success of the firm’s architectural practice. You will coordinate projects with staff when appropriate while maintaining an engaging, and progressive design culture. You will collaborate on new business development efforts through design preparations and presentations. You will be an integral part of the office leadership team and must be an active participant in Client Management and Business Development. As theDirector of Design, you will report directly to the VP of Architecture and indirectly to the Principals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Lead the design of projects as the key influencer responsible for overall design vision, quality, and implementation.
Mentor, coach, empower and encourage junior designers, architectural staff and interior designers.
Provide recommendations on design and layout methodologies while setting the standard and raising the bar for the quality of design.
Establish and reinforce design expectations throughout all project phases.
Participate in recruitment activities to acquire additional talent at all levels.
Maintain interdepartmental goals, project accountability and staff utilization while complying with studio and firm procedures and standards.
Participate in professional development and performance reviews of other staff.
Build, develop and maintain new and long-standing relationships with key clients.
Actively participate in social, civic, trade and professional organizations to support marketing efforts.
Coordinate with the Principals and Executive Team as a visionary to plan and implement strategic design initiatives, design quality requirements and design policy.
Work closely with Project Managers, Principals and VP of Architecture to execute projects at a consistently high level, meeting client goals and exceeding client expectations, all within the designated budget and schedule.
Guide a team of designers to craft tailored, innovative solutions that work for the client.
Communicate and coordinate with other architects, owners, engineers, vendors, consultants, etc. throughout the design phases of the building project.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with both private and institutional clients, consultant design and engineering professionals, and representatives of various agencies.
Establish strategic goals, requirements, policy and process for design staff.
Responsible for overall design quality of projects and collaborate within the studios to foster a strong design culture.
Main contact with clients regarding design and strategic issues.
Assist Principals, VP of Architecture, BD & Marketing and Project Managers in preparing proposals, assigning project teams, and participating in presentations and interviews.
Troubleshoot design delays and oversee design schedules.
Review and approve design concepts and provide design direction.
Periodically review all projects to ensure high-quality standards and design requirements are being met.
Ensure compliance with local building codes/agencies as well as planning and design principles.
May assume responsibility as either “Design Principal” or “Principal In-Charge” of projects.

REQUIRED CHARACTERISTICS

Recognized leader in design who works closely with Principals, VP of Architecture, and Project Managers to execute projects to the highest quality, on time, on budget and in a collaborative environment.
Proven experience maintaining a high level of satisfaction/relationships with clients through superior service.
Exceptional listening skills, quality workmanship and thorough understanding of client requirements.
Possess solid knowledge of trends within industry markets, client business models, client operational needs, and key branding elements.
Possesses conflict resolution skills.
Experience in leading or significantly contributing to the design of projects within multiple markets.
Documented record of achievement in design, including architectural and client-focused design awards.
Have a variety of project scale experience. Ability to understand, read, and apply project finances concerning fees, budgets, man-hours, expenses, and profitability.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, from a recognized and accredited institution in the field of architecture and design.
Fifteen (15) years of design experience with the last five (5) years as a recognized design leader.
Registered architect.
Proficient in graphic communication and proficiency in associated software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign and hand delineation or sketching.
LEED Certification a plus.
Supervisory ability and interpersonal skills including graphic, written and oral communication, as well as knowledge in all aspects of contemporary computer literacy.

BENEFITS

401(k) matching
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Paid time off (frontloaded!)
Holidays
Medical/dental/vision
Bereavement leave
Paid parental leave
Flexible work schedule
And more!

CSHQA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, retaliation for protected activity, protected veteran or disabled status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.

CSHQA, Inc.

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Director of Architectural Design