Technical Director - Workplace

Gensler; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)

Profit sharing

Annual bonuses

401(k) plan

Job summary

Gensler in San Francisco is seeking a Technical Director to lead our Workplace studio through design and delivery, from early tests to construction administration. You will guide teams, uphold design intent, and manage technical risk while collaborating with consultants, clients, and stakeholders.

With 20+ years of experience, licensure, and strong Revit/AutoCAD skills, you will mentor staff, drive quality standards, and help grow the office's interdisciplinary practice.

Qualifications

• Architecture license required.
• Professional degree in Architecture required.
• Minimum 20 years of professional architectural experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Guide teams through all phases of project delivery.
• Lead the technical development and execution of projects with emphasis on design intent and quality.
• Oversee construction documentation, specifications, and administration activities.
• Mentor and develop junior staff through technical guidance and day-to-day leadership.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, standards, and firm-wide quality practices.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Mentorship

Client relations

Education

Architecture license

Professional degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Bluebeam Revu

Excel

MS Word

Job description

About the Office

Located in the heart of the city, the Gensler San Francisco office serves as one of the firm’s flagship locations and a hub for innovation, collaboration, and interdisciplinary design excellence. Home to a diverse collective of architects, interior designers, strategists, planners, and technical experts, the office supports a broad range of practice areas including Workplace, Mixed‑Use, Government, Urban Design, Sports, Sciences, Education, and Corporate Interiors.

Your Role

As a Technical Director, you will serve as a senior leader within one of our Workplace studios, guiding teams through all phases of the design and delivery process—from early test fits and technical detailing through construction documentation and administration. This role requires a passionate and experienced technical leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and brings deep expertise in the execution of complex architectural and interiors projects. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional technical knowledge, strong presentation and relationship‑building abilities, and a demonstrated capacity to understand and interpret client needs while delivering innovative and technically sound solutions. You will have a comprehensive understanding of the end‑to‑end design process, beginning in the pursuit and marketing phase through construction completion, with proven experience across a broad range of project types and scales. A self‑motivated and collaborative team player, you will partner closely with colleagues across practice areas within the San Francisco office and across the firm, while also working alongside clients, consultants, vendors, and stakeholders at all levels. You will play a key role in mentoring and developing less experienced team members while serving as a trusted technical advisor to the studio.

What You Will Do

• Partner with Studio Directors, Principals, and project leadership to guide teams through all phases of project delivery
• Lead the technical development and execution of projects, ensuring design intent, quality standards, budget, schedule, and regulatory requirements are achieved
• Oversee the preparation and coordination of construction documentation, specifications, and construction administration activities
• Serve as the primary technical resource for project teams, resolving complex design and construction challenges in collaboration with consultants and stakeholders
• Mentor and develop junior staff through technical guidance, coaching, and day‑to‑day leadership
• Ensure project teams remain informed of applicable building codes, legislation, industry standards, and firm‑wide quality management practices
• Participate in Construction Administration efforts, including review of RFIs, submittals, change orders, and attendance at Owner‑Architect‑Contractor (OAC) meetings as needed
• Coordinate closely with Project Managers regarding staffing, scheduling, project execution, and technical resourcing
• Collaborate with technical leaders across the office, region, and firm to maintain consistency in technical standards and best practices
• Support a wide variety of project typologies including workplace, mixed‑use, retail, government, sports, office buildings, and corporate interiors
• Partner with studio leadership and legal counsel on matters related to project delivery, contracts, and construction‑related risk management

Your Qualifications

• Architecture licensure is required
• Professional degree in Architecture required
• Minimum 20 years of professional architectural experience
• Demonstrated expertise in construction documentation, bid review, construction administration, and field observation
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Passion for mentorship, team development, and technical excellence
• Advanced proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD
• Experience with Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Word, and Excel preferred
• Strong understanding of building codes, standards, regulations, and specification writing
• Extensive experience in construction administration, construction contracts, and building systems including exterior enclosures, roofing/waterproofing, and primary building systems
• LEED accreditation preferred

Preferred Experience

• Experience building strong relationships with external design firms, corporate clients, and executive stakeholders
• Experience advising leadership teams within professional services and financial services organizations
• Skilled at facilitating meetings with diverse stakeholder groups to achieve alignment and consensus
• Demonstrated success mentoring and developing emerging professionals

Meet our San Francisco, CA team

• The annual base salary will be estimated to be between $145,000 to $175,000. Gensler’s total compensation package is multi‑layered and includes a base salary, two annual bonuses paid in December and June, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and profit sharing.

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

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 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 401(k), 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. 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 can 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].