Design Manager - Complex Architectural Projects

Gensler; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) and profit sharing

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Gensler in Columbus is seeking a Design Manager / Project Lead to take ownership of architectural and interior design projects. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience, serving as a trusted advisor and ensuring projects are completed on budget and with the highest quality.

This role will involve leading cross-functional teams, developing client relationships, and contributing to the studio’s growth while working in a collaborative and innovative environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading architectural or interior design projects.
• Proven experience managing project scope, fees, schedules, and financial performance.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams on complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients.
• Lead day‑to‑day project delivery and ensure completion on time and within budget.
• Support business development efforts with existing and prospective clients.

Skills

Client relationship management

Project management

Team leadership

Design competence

Technical problem-solving

Education

Registered Architect or Interior Designer

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Grasshopper

Job description

Your Role

As a Design Manager / Project Lead, you will take full ownership of the successful delivery of complex, client‑facing architectural and interiors projects—from early strategy and concept through post‑occupancy. You will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, a leader and mentor to project teams, and a key contributor to the growth and success of the Columbus studio.

This role is ideal for a senior project leader who thrives at the intersection of design excellence, client relationships, team leadership, and financial performance, and who is motivated by seeing projects—and people—reach their full potential.

Based in Columbus, you’ll join a studio energized by the region’s rapid growth, innovation, and diversity. Gensler Columbus partners with clients across workplace, mixed‑use, education, healthcare, and critical facilities to shape environments that meaningfully support how people live and work.

What You Will Do

Lead Client & Project Strategy

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, building trusted relationships and guiding projects through all phases
• Maintain a deep understanding of client objectives, business drivers, and market conditions to inform design and delivery decisions
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships through additional Gensler services and expertise

Own Project Delivery & Financial Performance

• Lead day‑to‑day project delivery, ensuring projects are completed on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards
• Prepare, communicate, and manage project work plans, schedules, budgets, and deliverables
• Review project accounting, forecasts, and billing, taking full accountability for financial performance
• Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements

Guide Teams & Consultants

• Lead and facilitate cross‑functional project teams, fostering collaboration across disciplines
• Coordinate and manage consultant teams, including structural, MEP, lighting, AV, landscape, civil, and specialty consultants
• Proactively resolve complex technical, coordination, and design challenges in partnership with Practice Area and Studio leadership

Contribute to Studio Growth

• Support business development efforts with existing and prospective clients
• Contribute proactively to staffing and resource planning meetings to support studio delivery and financial goals
• Partner with Design Directors and Marketing to ensure project narratives are documented and photography or videography is coordinated

Your Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading architectural or interior design projects across a range of scales and typologies
• Registered Architect or Interior Designer
• Proven experience managing project scope, fees, schedules, and financial performance
• Demonstrated leadership across the full project lifecycle, including post‑occupancy
• Strong client‑facing skills, with the ability to build trust and serve as a strategic advisor
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and consultant coordination on technically complex projects
• High level of design competence and working knowledge of building codes
• Proficiency in Revit
• Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable making decisions in a fast‑paced environment

Why This Role Matters

This is a senior leadership role for a Design Manager ready to expand their influence—leading increasingly complex work, shaping long‑term client relationships, and mentoring the next generation of designers and project managers. You will play a meaningful role in the continued growth and evolution of the Columbus studio.

Design Technology at Gensler

Applications we work with include:

• Design Authoring: Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, Navisworks
• Collaboration: BIM 360
• Computational Design: Grasshopper, Dynamo
• Building Performance Simulation: Insight, Sefaira, Diva, Ladybug Tools
• Visualization: V‑Ray, Enscape, Twinmotion, 3ds Max
• Graphics & Productivity: Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office
• Experiential: Unreal Engine, Unity
• Development: C#, Python

Life at Gensler

Gensler is committed to supporting a healthy and balanced lifestyle for our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, wellness programs, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, and paid time off. Additional benefits include 401(k), profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice‑annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

We actively support licensure and professional development through reimbursement for professional licenses, renewals, exam fees, and eligible tuition expenses. We view professional growth as a meaningful investment in our people and our future.

For consideration, you must submit a portfolio and your resume in PDF format.