Sr. Facade Designer

HKS INC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

HKS INC seeks a design leader and project manager to envision, design, and deliver leading-edge façade systems. You will synthesize design, performance, and engineering requirements into innovative solutions, guiding teams and coordinating talent across practice.

This role emphasizes leadership, client relationships, and delivering high-impact decisions across multiple projects with a focus on sustainability and performance.

Qualifications

• Accredited Professional degree in Architecture; architectural registration strongly preferred.
• Typically 10+ years of experience in architectural design and construction.
• Sustainable design accreditation preferred.
• Experience across all phases of architectural design and construction.
• Proficiency in Revit preferred; familiarity with Rhino, SketchUp and other 3D modelling tools.
• Awareness of scripting and parametric modelling tools.
• Awareness of energy modeling and lighting design software.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, standards, and QA/QC processes.
• Ability to lead teams, manage client relationships, and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Acts as the lead façade designer and primary client relationship owner.
• Leads façade and enclosure design across multiple projects from concept to detailing.
• Oversees execution and delivery of implementation documents through all project phases.
• Leads client presentations and manages project risks with cross‑disciplinary teams.
• Coordinates LINE Façade Studio talent with client project teams and external consultants.
• Integrates sustainable design solutions and façade engineering requirements.
• Reviews design work for accuracy and conformance to standards.
• Guides team collaboration to meet budgets, schedules, and performance goals.
• Maintains effective communication with clients, teams, and stakeholders.
• Travel may be required to support project needs.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Project management

Problem solving

Team management

Presentation skills

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Flexible/adaptable

Education

Professional degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

Rhino

SketchUp

Grasshopper

Dynamo

Python

C#

Job description

Overview: A combined design leader and project manager responsible for envisioning, designing, and delivering successful leading-edge façade and enclosure systems. Possesses the ability to synthesize design, performance, and engineering requirements of façade systems into cohesive innovative systems solutions. Possesses strong leadership and communications skills, a flexible attitude, ability to solve problems creatively and ability to foster and manage effective client relationships. Responsible for high-impact decisions across multiple projects. Coordinates façade design and facade engineering talent across the practice. Acts as a subject matter expert for façade design and performance solutions. Creative and ready to surmount conventional thinking.

Responsibilities

• Acts as the lead façade designer and primary client relationship owner
• Leads the façade and enclosure design of multiple projects by developing the conceptual vision, systems design, performance, and detailing
• Leads the façade design effort and manages the execution and delivery of implementation documents through all phases of multiple projects
• Exercises skills of persuasion and negotiation on critical issues
• Develops novel, synthetic, and trans-disciplinary façade design concepts and expands, augments, and emboldens the concepts of others
• Oversees coordination of HKS LINE Façade Studio talent with client project teams both internally and externally
• Integrates HKS LINE Façade Studio expertise and innovation into all projects, while actively seeking opportunities to incorporate sustainable design solutions
• Manages the technical resolution and coordination of façade and enclosure systems
• Manages and oversees the LINE Façade Studio project team collaboration with other internal disciplines and external consultants to establish and document design solutions that can be technically implemented with the constraints of the project goals, budgets, schedule, and within local ordinances and codes
• Integrates façade engineering requirements from LINE Façade Engineering team members
• Reviews design work and implementation documents for accuracy and completeness
• Establishes project performance design criteria for enclosure systems
• Oversees the development of and may modify and/or review graphic presentations, 3D rendering and implementation documents to incorporate the façade design intent
• Leads client presentations as needed
• Monitors project to anticipate potential risks and collaborates with the PIC, legal team, and client to resolve issues.
• Oversees product, materials, or systems research and evaluation to direct team members on appropriate selections
• Works with respective teams to manage client expectations, team communication, and consultant coordination
• Delegates and holds LINE Façade Studio project teams accountable for code analysis, design standards, detailing, constructability, performance analysis, and deliverables to HKS standards, best practices, and quality expectations
• May participate site or factory inspection, audit, or test oversite visits

Qualifications

• Accredited Professional degree in Architecture Architectural Registration strongly preferred
• Typically 10+ years of experience
• Sustainable design accreditation preferred
• Firsthand sustained experience in all phases of architectural design and construction
• Proficiency in Revit preferred
• Awareness of Rhino, Sketchup, or other 3d modelling software
• Awareness of scripting and parametric modelling software such as Grasshopper, Ladybug, Dynamo, Python C# preferred
• Awareness of thermal analysis software such as LBNL Window, LBNL Therm, LBNL Optics, WUFI, WUFI Mould Index VTT preferred.
• Awareness of optical, lighting, and daylighting design software such as RADIANCE, Climate Studio, EVALGLARE, Acelerad, Ladybug Tools, ALFA, LARK preferred
• Awareness of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign graphic software preferred
• Awareness of energy modeling tools such as Energy Plus, Design Builder, IES VE preferred
• Awareness of structural analysis software such as Strand, Solidworks, SJ Mepla, Ansys Mech preferred
• Familiarity in the functionality of Vision
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Advanced knowledge of synthesizing trans-disciplinary design drivers for facades
• Advanced knowledge of enclosure systems and QA/QC process
• Advanced knowledge of building codes, design standards, constructability and market procurement
• Successful track record with managing a team and performing duties in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in logistics management including connecting people and resources to the right place at the right time
• Strong presentation skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
• Ability to manage team with diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and external
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
• Ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions
• Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality
• Travel may be required

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran

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HKS is a global firm of architects, designers, planners and advisors who create places noted for their beauty and performance. Our 1,600 people in 29 offices are united by the belief that an environmental, social and governance approach to design achieves design excellence. In 2023, we became a carbon neutral firm. We value honesty, diversity and inclusion and we celebrate creative thinking. In partnership with our clients and collaborators, we craft powerful ideas and solutions. Together we create places that stand apart.

HKS, Inc. provides reasonable accommodation in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities.

EEO is the Law and Supplement.

The following link is the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination policy statement.