VP of Design Innovation

NexCore Group; Denver, Northern (CO, KY); On-site; USD 160,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Medical, Dental, Vision

401K

Job summary

NexCore Group, a national leader in healthcare real estate and senior living development, seeks a Vice President of Design & Innovation to lead programming, planning, and design across our Senior Living portfolio.

This role blends architectural rigor with development capability, serving as a design subject matter expert and strategic contributor to early-stage pursuits. Denver-based with hybrid options and national travel.

Qualifications

• Accredited degree in Architecture.
• Active architectural license (NCARB).
• 10–15 years of Senior Living Design experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a design expert representing NexCore and Experience Senior Living in early visioning and project delivery.
• Lead programming, building concepts, and interior design for projects.
• Develop site plans, test fits, and layout solutions aligned with standards.
• Create site plans, floor plans, exteriors and interiors for presentations and direction.
• Review design work across projects, including FF&E and finish standards.
• Apply codes, guidelines, and licensing for regulatory compliance.
• Lead or support 3D renderings, visualizations, and presentation materials.
• Develop NexCore's brand, design, and planning standards.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment and milestones.
• Review consultant deliverables and drive stakeholder consensus.
• Support development, construction, and capital teams in decisions.

Skills

Senior Living Design

Revit

AutoCAD

3D modeling

Client engagement

Programming & planning

Education

Accredited Architecture degree

NCARB license

Tools

SketchUp

Rhino

Job description

NexCore Group, a national leader in healthcare real estate and senior living development, is seeking a Vice President of Design & Innovation to help lead programming, planning, and design across our Senior Living portfolio. This role blends architectural rigor with design, and development capability, serving as a design subject matter expert, design decision maker, and strategic contributor to early-stage pursuits.

The VP, Design & Innovation manage all aspects of the design of projects from concept through execution. This is an opportunity for a high-potential architect (10-15 years) with deep Senior Living Design experience who is ready to step beyond traditional practice into a broader real estate development environment.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a design expert, representing NexCore and Experience Senior Living in early visioning and throughout project delivery.
• Lead architectural programming, building concepts, operational flow diagrams, blocking and stacking, unit design, and interior design.
• Develop test fits, site plans, landscape concepts, parking plans, and interior layout solutions that align with operational, regulatory, and brand standards.
• Design, draw and render conceptual site plans, floor plans, building exteriors and interiors for presentations, and for design team direction.
• Review, critique, and elevate design work across multiple concurrent projects including interior design concepts, FF&E coordination, lighting, RCPs, flooring schedules, art selection, and finish standards.
• Apply codes, FGI guidelines, AHJs, and licensing requirements to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Lead or support the generation and review of 3D renderings, visualizations, and presentation materials.
• Assist in developing, refining, and documenting NexCore's brand, design, and planning standards.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architects, civil, MEP, structural, interior designers, and specialty consultants to ensure alignment, quality, and milestone achievement.
• Review consultant deliverables, synthesize feedback, and drive consensus among internal stakeholders, operations teams, and healthcare clients.
• Support development, construction, and capital teams in managing design decision-making aligned with schedule, cost, and pro forma requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Accredited degree in Architecture.
• Active architectural license (NCARB).
• 10-15 years of experience, with a focus on Senior Living Design.
• Strong capability in programming, planning, workflows, and technical design.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and 3D modeling tools (SketchUp, Rhino, or similar).
• Proven ability to engage with clients and design teams in a polished, professional manner.
• Demonstrated interest, aptitude, in development, client meetings, proposals, interviews, or industry engagement.

Attributes of the Ideal Candidate

• High-potential "up-and-comer" showing clear trajectory toward senior leadership.
• Desire to work beyond architecture and in development, operations, and strategy.
• Relationship-building mindset; consultative, collaborative, and empathetic to Senior Living needs.
• Comfortable managing multiple deadlines and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinker with curiosity, humility, and strong professional presence.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL

• Based in Denver HQ; hybrid options may be available.
• National travel expected (estimated 20-30%, flexing with project needs).
• Fast-paced, highly collaborative environment with cross-functional exposure across Development, Capital, Construction, Senior Living Operations, and Design.
• Compensation: $160,000 - $175,000 / year
• Eligible for discretionary benefits: performance bonus
• Eligible for standard employee benefit elections: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, FSA, HSA, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance (employee and dependents), Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), vacation days, sick days, and other benefits

Equal Opportunity Employer
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