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 the Director of Design, you will
report directly to the VP of Architecture and indirectly to the Principals.
JOB DUTIES
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 AND QUALITIES
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 need , 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.
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.
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