Design Manager/Project Lead

Gensler; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) with match

Profit sharing

Employee stock ownership

Bonus opportunities

Job summary

Gensler in Columbus is seeking a Design Manager / Project Lead to own the delivery of complex architectural and interior projects from concept through post-occupancy. You will be a trusted client advisor, mentor to project teams, and a driver of studio growth.

This senior role focuses on design excellence, client relationships, team leadership, and financial performance, guiding projects and people to reach their full potential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading architectural or interior design projects.
• Registered Architect or Interior Designer.
• Proven experience managing scope, fees, schedules, and financials.
• Demonstrated leadership across the full project lifecycle, including post-occupancy.
• Strong client-facing skills and ability to advise strategically.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and consultant coordination.
• High design competence and working knowledge of building codes.
• Proficiency in Revit.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary client contact, guiding projects through all phases.
• Lead day-to-day project delivery, on time and on budget.
• Prepare and manage work plans, schedules, and deliverables.
• Review project accounting, forecasts, and billing.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and consultants.
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships.
• Support studio growth and staffing planning.
• Collaborate with Design Directors and Marketing on narratives and visuals.

Skills

Leadership

Client-facing

Team leadership

Financial awareness

Education

Registered Architect or Interior Designer

Tools

Revit

Grasshopper

Dynamo

Unreal Engine

Unity

C#

Python

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

• 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 in 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:

• Computational Design: Grasshopper, Dynamo
• Graphics & Productivity: Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office
• Experiential: Unreal Engine, Unity
• Development: C#, Python

*This is a five (5) day a week ONSITE position. There are no hybrid or remote arrangements available.

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.

To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirming 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].