Design Director - Architecture

Gensler; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

401k and bonus opportunities

Job summary

Gensler is seeking a visionary Design Director to lead a talented team, elevate client solutions, and shape creative direction across projects. The role emphasizes strategic leadership, mentoring, and collaboration with practice areas and regional leadership to deliver groundbreaking design outcomes.

Ideal candidates will bring a deep understanding of design principles, a strong portfolio, and a track record of delivering impactful solutions that drive client satisfaction and business growth.

Qualifications

• Licensed Architect requirement.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong portfolio showing a range of innovative design projects.
• 15 years in design with 5+ years in leadership within a large/renowned firm.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for the design team and implement strategic design initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships; act as primary contact for major projects.
• Oversee projects from concept to execution; mentor designers and ensure high standards.
• Collaborate across firm communities to integrate perspectives into design and delivery.
• Ensure design deliverables meet creativity, aesthetics, and functionality standards.
• Stay ahead of market trends and innovations to keep the firm at design leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Public speaking

Client relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Design/Architecture/Fine Arts

Job description

Your Role

Gensler is at the forefront of transformative design solutions that drive change and deliver exceptional value for our clients. Our commitment to innovation, creativity, and impactful design outcomes has positioned us as a leader in the industry. We are seeking a visionary Design Director who is passionate about pushing the boundaries of design to lead our talented team and elevate our client solutions.

Description

Your Role

Gensler is at the forefront of transformative design solutions that drive change and deliver exceptional value for our clients. Our commitment to innovation, creativity, and impactful design outcomes has positioned us as a leader in the industry. We are seeking a visionary Design Director who is passionate about pushing the boundaries of design to lead our talented team and elevate our client solutions.

Design Directors play a crucial role in shaping the creative direction of our projects and guiding a diverse team of designers across various disciplines. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of design principles and a proven track record of delivering exceptional results that resonate with project stakeholders. This individual will be responsible for ensuring that our design outcomes not only meet but exceed client expectations, resulting in groundbreaking and meaningful design solutions that drive value creation and successful outcomes.

What You Will Do

• Leadership & Strategy: Provide visionary leadership for the design team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Develop and implement strategic design initiatives that align with client goals and business objectives.
• Client Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and objectives to deliver compelling design solutions. Act as the primary point of contact for major projects, ensuring clear communication and satisfaction.
• Creative Direction: Oversee design projects from concept through execution, ensuring that creative ideas are innovative, impactful, and aligned with the firm’s high standards. Mentor and inspire the design team to explore new ideas and concepts.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with other communities within the firm, including practice area/subject matter experts, client relationship leaders, and regional leadership, to integrate various perspectives into the design process and enhance the overall project delivery.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all design deliverables are of exceptional quality and meet the firm’s standards for creativity, aesthetics, and functionality. Conduct regular reviews and provide constructive feedback to the design team.
• Market Trends & Innovation: Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive insights. Bring fresh ideas and innovations to the table that ensure the firm remains a leader in design excellence and is well represented and published in the marketplace.

Your Qualifications

• Licensed Architect
• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Architecture, Fine Arts, or a related field.
• LEED Accreditation, preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a large or renowned design firm.
• Proven track record of delivering successful, innovative design outcomes that have had a significant impact on client satisfaction and business growth.
• Exceptional portfolio showcasing a variety of design projects, highlighting innovative approaches and successful client solutions.
• Strong understanding of design principles, user experience, and project management methodologies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate design concepts and decisions effectively to clients and teams.
• A thought leader with a recognized presence in the industry through various forms of public communication, such as speaking engagements, writing, blogging, social media activity and participation in industry events
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a world-class design firm recognized for its innovation and impact.
• Lead a talented team of designers and collaborate with industry leaders on groundbreaking projects.
• A dynamic and inclusive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including professional development opportunities.

• The base salary will be estimated up to $200,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions 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, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

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.

Join us in shaping the future of design!

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmsitive Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.

See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E-verify program, as required by law.

Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us.

Regarding Gensler’s approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email [e-mail].