Architectural Design Director

Vocon Design - Cleveland, OH; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design firm in Cleveland, OH, is seeking a Design Director to provide firmwide design leadership. The ideal candidate will bridge creative vision and practical execution while fostering an interdisciplinary culture. They should have over 20 years of experience in commercial design, particularly in corporate interiors. Strong project management and client relationship skills are essential for success in this role, along with proficiency in design software such as REVIT and AutoCAD.

Qualifications

• Twenty-plus years of experience in the commercial design sector.
• Strong background in corporate interiors is essential.
• Professional licensing as an interior designer or architect is required.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion the design leadership vision across the firm.
• Lead project teams from concept through execution and ensure high-quality design documentation.
• Drive business development efforts and build strong client relationships.

Skills

Design leadership

Project management

Interpersonal communication

Problem-solving

Client relationship management

Knowledge of building codes

Education

Degree in Interior Design or Architecture

LEED accreditation (preferred)

Tools

REVIT(BIM)

AutoCAD

Adobe Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

We believe…

Every project can make life better.

Strong relationships inspire great work.

We must push boundaries and explore new ideas.

Model the outcomes we aspire to create.

Only together can we give it our all.

At Vocon, we are proud of the diverse range of backgrounds, personalities, and passions that make up our team. But for all our differences, we are united by a core passion: creating designs that tell a story. We are an interdisciplinary team of thinkers, makers, doers and, most importantly, people. Our interdisciplinary team may have diverse backgrounds, but we speak with one voice. We share a passion for the power of design, and a commitment to collaboration at every stage of the creative process.

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Overview

The Design Director is a senior creative leader responsible for firmwide design leadership. This position will bridge the gap between creative vision and practical execution, ensuring that all design work aligns with brand standards, client goals, and business objectives. The Design Director will also help lead the orchestration of design presentations. With strong conceptual thinking and the ability to create form from interior design and architecture, the Design Director will embrace sound business strategy as applied to spaces.

Responsibilities

Firmwide Responsibilities

• Define and champion the design leadership vision, providing design inspiration and direction.
• Effectively communicate and implement key strategic design initiatives and act as an influential, firmwide “voice” of design.
• Foster a collaborative interdisciplinary design culture across the firm, while motivating employees to reach their full potential.
• Uphold professional standards in daily operations, promoting a culture of excellence.
• Work closely with design staff across the firm to promote an inter-disciplinary design approach and philosophy and facilitate its advancement.

Project Responsibilities

• Maintain and strengthen client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and ongoing business.
• Lead project teams from concept through execution, ensuring high-quality design documentation.
• Monitor project budgets and profitability, making sure financial targets are met.
• Collaborate with internal teams to integrate design, technical, and operational considerations.

Business Development/Marketing Responsibilities

• Drive business development efforts, identifying and pursuing new opportunities.
• Focus on global relationship building, recruiting and service integration.
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop proposals, presentations, and promotional materials.
• Represent the firm at industry events, enhancing visibility and reputation.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, fostering trust and loyalty.

Capabilities

• Proven expertise in design leadership, firm advancement and stewardship.
• Extensive knowledge of materials, furnishings, construction methodologies, building codes and regulations.
• Mastery of design and production procedures and internal quality assurance processes.
• Expert understanding of the components of construction drawings and specifications, and the ability to review documentation prepared by others for compliance with the design intent.
• Demonstrated abilities concerning project execution and administration.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, consultants, contractors and staff and have the people skills to negotiate effectively.
• Ability to motivate and supervise the work of others.
• Possess excellent interpersonal, verbal, written and graphic communication skills.
• Broad-based understanding of project management, and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with various situations concurrently.
• Possesses a thorough knowledge of contract administration procedures for professional services and consultants.
• Ability to supervise the responsibilities of multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with all levels of management and staff.
• Possess excellent organizational skills.
• Proficiency in REVIT(BIM), Enscape, Bluebeam, Newforma, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office and other applicable programs.

Qualifications

• Degree in Interior Design or Architecture from an accredited university.
• Professional license – or relevant experience - as an interior designer or architect.
• LEED accreditation is a plus.
• Twenty-plus years of experience in commercial design, with a strong background in corporate interiors.