Design Manager/Project Manager

Gensler; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Wellness Programs

Flexible Spending

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

401k

Profit Sharing

Employee Stock Ownership

Bonus Opportunities

Job summary

Gensler, a global design firm, seeks a Design Manager in the Houston area to lead diverse projects from conception through delivery. You will mentor staff and serve as the primary client contact, guiding design strategy and ensuring client satisfaction.

You will oversee cross-functional teams, coordinate with structural, MEP, lighting, and other consultants, manage budgets, and help shape project narratives with the marketing team.

Qualifications

• Design Management and Project Management experience required
• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Interior Design or Architecture
• 15+ years of experience
• Registered Interior Designer or Architect
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Knowledge and experience in all phases of interior design/architectural projects
• Proven ability to provide excellent client service and account leadership
• Be proactive and adaptable with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong programming and space planning skills
• High level of design competence with knowledge of building codes
• Proficiency in Revit
• Experience managing consultant teams and resolving complex technical and design issues

Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture positive relationships with existing client contacts, optimizing all potential opportunities
• Maintain an awareness of existing clients' business objectives, plans, target audience and market trends, and ensure that appropriate opportunities are identified to generate further demand for Gensler services.
• Responsible for the day-to-day delivery of projects ensuring they are delivered on time and on budget
• Lead and facilitate the overall cross-functional project team
• Focus on the smooth management of the project process, ensuring clarity of requirements, deliverables, timelines, and visibility against fees throughout the project life cycle
• Prepare, communicate, and monitor project work plans, budgets, and deliverables for client and internal teams
• Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
• Manage multiple aspects of client, team, and project coordination, including full documentation coordination with structural, MEP, lighting, AV, landscape, civil, and other consultants
• Actively take ownership of problems and successful resolution planning in consultation with Practice Area leadership and Studio Director
• Support and contribute to new business development with both current and potential clients
• Contribute positively to project reports and staffing meetings with concise and accurate information to continually improve the studio's delivery and financial objectives
• Review internal project accounting documents and process draft project billing
• Work with the Design Director and the marketing team to ensure that the project story is documented, and that photography/videography is arranged as needed

Skills

Design Management experience

Project Management experience

Leadership

Communication

Proactive and adaptable

Space planning

Building codes knowledge

Client service

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design or Architecture

Registered Interior Designer or Architect

Tools

Revit

Job description

Job Details

Posting Date: 07-20-2026

Time Type: Full-Time

Job ID: 8554

Areas of Expertise: Professional Services

Job Category: Design Management

Description

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We're not just designers. We're tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring innovative ideas to solve challenging problems on a variety of Projects.

Your Role

As a Gensler Design Manager, it's your role to lead and deliver a variety of project types and sizes, through all phases. You will join our team of design thinkers and doers who specialize in helping to tell stories and create experiences in the context of design. As the main point of contact for the client in all work produced, you'll draw on your extensive knowledge of the design and delivery process while mentoring junior staff to encourage the highest level of design and client satisfaction.

What You Will Do

• Develop and nurture positive relationships with existing client contacts, optimizing all potential opportunities
• Maintain an awareness of existing clients' business objectives, plans, target audience and market trends, and ensure that appropriate opportunities are identified to generate further demand for Gensler services.
• Responsible for the day-to-day delivery of projects ensuring they are delivered on time and on budget
• Lead and facilitate the overall cross-functional project team
• Focus on the smooth management of the project process, ensuring clarity of requirements, deliverables, timelines, and visibility against fees throughout the project life cycle
• Prepare, communicate, and monitor project work plans, budgets, and deliverables for client and internal teams
• Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
• Manage multiple aspects of client, team, and project coordination, including full documentation coordination with structural, MEP, lighting, AV, landscape, civil, and other consultants
• Actively take ownership of problems and successful resolution planning in consultation with Practice Area leadership and Studio Director
• Support and contribute to new business development with both current and potential clients
• Contribute positively to project reports and staffing meetings with concise and accurate information to continually improve the studio's delivery and financial objectives
• Review internal project accounting documents and process draft project billing
• Work with the Design Director and the marketing team to ensure that the project story is documented, and that photography/videography is arranged as needed

Your Qualifications

• Design Management and Project Management experience required
• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Interior Design or Architecture
• 15+ years of experience
• Registered Interior Designer or Architect
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Knowledge and experience in all phases of interior design/architectural projects
• Proven ability to provide excellent client service and account leadership
• Be proactive and adaptable with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong programming and space planning skills
• High level of design competence with knowledge of building codes
• Proficiency in Revit
• Experience managing consultant teams and resolving complex technical and design issues

This position is in-person. Successful candidates will be located in the Houston, Texas area. U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 study ranks Houston in the top 10 Best Big Cities to Live in the U.S.

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 Awareness 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.

Notice to Applicants

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative 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.