Senior Design Leader: Shape Vision & Design Excellence

CannonDesign; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CannonDesign is seeking a Senior Design Leader to help drive design excellence across the firm and lead a network of design leaders. You will mentor teams, shape project direction, and advance our Living-Centered Design philosophy while expanding client relationships and recognizing opportunities for high-impact work.

You will operate within a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment, guiding strategy, mentoring talent, and presenting compelling design narratives to clients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture required; Master’s in architecture preferred.
• Current US Architectural Registration preferred.
• 18+ years of experience in related roles; at least 5 years leading others in a design studio.
• LEED accreditation or training preferred.
• Nationally recognized design portfolio with awards/publications required.
• Strong communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Travel required.

Responsibilities

• Lead design excellence and overall design quality across projects, communicating goals to clients and teams.
• Create innovative design concepts that align client culture and project needs with people, community, and environment.
• Prepare client presentations; lead storytelling-focused design presentations and communicate client goals and metrics.
• Collaborate across phases of development with technical leaders to deliver holistic design solutions.
• Integrate performance-based and sustainable design strategies; advance Living-Centered Design principles.
• Contribute to business strategy, develop client relationships, and pursue new opportunities; actively lead in client/proposal processes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Business acumen

Mentorship

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Master’s degree in Architecture (preferred)

Job description

CannonDesign is seeking a Senior Design Leader to help drive design excellence across the firm and lead a network of design leaders. You will mentor teams, shape project direction, and advance our Living-Centered Design philosophy while expanding client relationships and recognizing opportunities for high-impact work.

You will operate within a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment, guiding strategy, mentoring talent, and presenting compelling design narratives to clients and stakeholders.