Director of Design

Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc.

Philadelphia (Philadelphia County)

On-site

USD 100,000 - 140,000

Full time

14 days+
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Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership with stock options
Competitive pay and bonus opportunities
Flexible work hours
Comprehensive benefits package
Professional development opportunities

Job summary

An employee-owned architectural firm seeks a Director of Design to lead and elevate their design vision across multiple sectors. The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of experience in architecture, exceptional creativity, and the ability to inspire and manage teams. This leadership role involves collaborating with project managers and ensuring high-quality design delivery while mentoring the next generation of architects. The firm offers a robust benefits package, professional development, and a culture rooted in employee ownership.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 15 years of experience leading project teams.
  • Exceptional creativity and innovative vision.
  • Architectural License or eligibility required.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to mentor staff and foster a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design vision on complex projects across multiple sectors.
  • Oversee the creative process from concept to execution.
  • Conduct quality reviews on design projects.
  • Present design concepts to management and clients.
  • Mentor staff and nurture a culture of curiosity.

Skills

Creativity and innovative vision
Interpersonal and communication skills
Leadership and team management
Project delivery on time and within budget

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite
Sketch-up
Lumion
AutoCAD
BIM/Revit
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Are you a talented architect and designer with excellent mentoring skills? Do you have career aspirations to become a member of the leadership team? Are you looking to become involved with initiatives. projects, and activities that advance your career and your Firm. Then this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

Spiezle is a 100% employee-owned firm! When you join Spiezle as an employee-owner, this is YOUR Company. By nature, employee ownership reinforces our culture of transparency and helps fuel our entrepreneurial spirit. As an award-winning architectural and engineering design firm, we collaborate with our clients to create innovative designs, build long‑term value, and contribute to our clients’ lives. Since our founding in 1954, our team has generated consistent and steady growth over the years and is one of the top architectural firms in the region, and within the top 200 firms within the country. Our vision, mission, and values guide us in everything we do, and employee ownership shapes our culture. Spiezle’ s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) makes us accountable not only to ourselves, but to each other. It’s our company, and our actions and engagement make the difference!

Director of Design Employee-Owners wanted! Spiezle employee owners don’t have jobs, but careers! The Spiezle team has earned a reputation as preeminent professionals who provide the best possible design and service. With over 135 employees and seven locations along the East Coast, we assist clients with a variety of project types across the United States. Led by our passionate thought‑leaders, our work is focused on Education, Healthcare, Senior Living, Corporate, Multi‑Family and Government projects.

The Director of Design (Architecture) is a leadership role responsible for championing and advancing design excellence while shaping the future of the firm’s design direction. This position demands a highly creative, collaborative, and strategic professional who can guide a team of architects and designers, interface with senior management, and align design initiatives with broader company goals. This individual will bring conceptual skill, deep technical rigor, and the leadership to drive exceptional design across a wide range of project types. They will lead multidisciplinary teams through all phases of design - from early visioning to delivery - ensuring that our work is innovative, contextually responsive, and consistently excellent. This individual shall be equally comfortable sketching before of a room full of people, standing in front of a client Board, or presenting to various types of owners. As the spearhead of the design process, the Director of Design reports directly to a Principal and ensures consistency in design and messaging across all platforms and projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
  • Lead design vision and execution on complex projects across multiple market sectors
  • Drive and elevate the design process from concept through construction
  • Lead and manage design teams, providing mentorship to the next generation of design talent, and foster a collaborative environment across all offices
  • Oversee the creative process from concept to final execution on multiple projects simultaneously
  • Ensure consistency and quality of design across all market sectors
  • Collaborate with project managers, production teams, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive design product and adherence to budgets and timelines
  • Stay up to date with industry trends and incorporate relevant innovations into design practices
  • Conduct quality reviews on design of projects
  • Present design concepts and strategies to senior management, project teams and clients
  • Provide constructive feedback to applicable design team members
  • Mentor staff and foster a culture of curiosity, critique, and craft
  • Support business development through proposals, interviews, and client engagement
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
  • Bachelors or Masters Degree in Architecture from an accredited college/university
  • Minimum 15 years of experience, with demonstrated successfully leading project teams
  • Exceptional creativity and innovative vision
  • Architectural License (or eligibility), or other related discipline certification or license.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Proven ability to collaborate with various project teams
  • Experience in a senior design role within similar market sectors as Spiezle
  • Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch‑up, Lumion, etc.
  • General knowledge of AutoCAD/BIM/Revit; and Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Track record of successful project delivery on time and within budget
  • Proven ability to lead and inspire a team
  • Knowledge of the latest design trends and technologies
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU!
  • We are an employee-owned company and YES, you will be an owner and receive stock without purchase
  • Competitive pay, bonus opportunities, and year‑round flexible Fridays to jump start the weekend
  • Flexible work hours
  • We offer a robust and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), ESOP, Group Life & Disability, Voluntary Life, plus many more!
  • Professional Development opportunities that align with the Firm's leadership succession plan and/or individual development plan
  • Social and team building events
  • We encourage our employees to pursue local and professional advocacy groups
  • We provide the opportunity to help with pro‑bono initiatives that bring design initiatives to the community
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