Senior Design Manager

Company Overview

MBH Architects is a top-tier firm with a small firm feel. We have offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, Denver, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Our staff of over 200 employees work on projects ranging from high-density housing developments to sustainability-focused tech campuses to memorable spaces for retail brands. The Retail Studio has worked on several exciting brands like Rivian, Nike, Tiffany, Williams Sonoma, and many more! https://www.mbharch.com/retail

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly creative and design focused person to join our Retail Studio in one of our US office locations as a Senior Design Manager. This role focuses on guiding project teams through the design process, inclusive of the development and adherence to project scope, budget, schedule and work plan while providing the best results to our clients.

What you'll do

• Thoroughly understand the client s objectives and act as primary point of contact
• Provide space planning, interior elevations and other visuals based on the client s design standards and specific site conditions.
• Maintain a clear & positive line of communication with the client and key stakeholders throughout all stages of the project
• Prepare and lead presentations and design reviews with current and potential clients
• Create design solutions for various real estate formats including but not limited to tenant improvements, free standing buildings, existing store remodels and alternative store formats.
• Lead, mentor & teach junior staff and designers on design principals and professional development
• Delegate work assignments based on project scope and team members skill set
• Provide technical guidance and creative solutions to address complex technical and design challenges
• Manage the production of client deliverables on time and budget, including full documentation coordination with structural, MEP, civil and other consultants
• Direct production and maintain quality control of construction drawings
• Lead external and internal project meetings
• Communicate with building and permitting officials during the permitting and construction phases of the project and guide team on addressing plan check comments
• Provide construction administration services including site visits and responding to submittals, substitution requests, and RFIs
• Forecast and manage revenue and staffing projections
• Assist with billing, review invoices and collections for assigned projects
• Identify & negotiate additional services with the client as needed
• Provide weekly status update to Studio Director
• Assist with developing proposals and reviewing contracts
• Lead or participate in employee performance reviews and candidate interviews

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor s or Master s Degree in Architecture or relevant field
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in the industry
• 6 years of experience in Retail & Restaurant design & construction
• Proficient in 3D software such as SketchUp, Revit & Adobe Creative Suite or similar
• Ability to travel on an as needed basis
• Licensed Architect or actively pursuing licensure
• LEED accreditation and experience

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with:

• Strong sketching, rendering and 3D visualization skills
• Nationwide retail roll out and/or luxury retail brands
• TI and/or ground up retail projects
• Space planning for retail stores
• Retail store concepts & design for both prototype and unique locations
• Knowledge of materials, fixtures and resources and their implementation into the design
• Custom detailing
• Evaluating complex situations using multiple sources of information (internal and external sources)
• Supporting & leading both internal and external teams to execute and deliver all phases of a project
• Knowledge of building codes and accessibility requirements and ability to implement into construction drawings
• Understanding of building structures, materials and construction techniques
• Delivering quality projects on time and within budget
• Forecasting resource projections to meet project plans, budgets and target utilization rates
• Managing correspondence with clients, vendors, consultants, building departments, landlords, construction team and other personnel involved in projects
• Understanding of project accounting/billing processes

Soft skills include:

• Extensive knowledge of architectural design principals and space planning
• Exceptional presentation & communication skills to convey design concepts
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects in various phases
• Highly creative
• An entrepreneurial drive
• Strong leadership and relationship-management skills
• Ability to work on various brands in a fast-changing environment
• Work for a multi-office/multi-time zone company
• Supporting and passing along knowledge to team members
• Communicating changes in project scope or schedule
• Ability to delegate tasks and provide direction to junior staff and designers
• A desire to develop, acknowledge & grow junior staff while fostering a collaborative team environment
• Developing the trust of the client and pursuing new opportunities

Benefits

• Medical insurance - MBH pays the full monthly premium for employees
• Dental and Vision coverage
• 401k Profit Sharing
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance

Company Culture

If you take your work seriously but love to laugh at yourself and with others and never settle for anything less than stellar work, MBH Architects is for you.

MBH is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity in the workplace.