Award-Winning 50-person distinguished architectural practice is actively seeking a Design Director to join their growing Newport Beach, Solana Beach, or Ontario studio. The firm possesses expertise in programming, planning, design, and management services, primarily catering to Educational Facilities for over three decades. With offices located in Orange County, San Diego, and East Bay, this firm boasts a wealth of professional knowledge, talent, and personalized commitment to their clients. The studios embrace hybrid work arrangements and prioritize the professional development and growth of their designers, architects, and managers.
The Director of Design provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction in the programming and design of key projects. This role is responsible for setting and executing long-term design guidelines to ensure projects meet both contract requirements and the firm’s standards of excellence. The Director represents the firm's design philosophy in public settings and plays an active role in business development.
Responsibilities
Oversee project budgets and uphold design quality throughout the design phase of all projects.
Contribute to firm-wide strategic goal setting.
Partner with the Design Principal to develop design policies and best practices.
Collaborate with the Operations Manager to maintain strong interdepartmental processes and standards.
Support the Marketing Manager and Proposal Team in preparing proposals and designating project teams.
Participate in client interview presentations.
Lead Design Advisory Board meetings and related activities.
Represent the firm at industry conferences such as CASH, CCFC, and AIA.
Present to school districts, Boards of Education, and the broader community.
Conduct periodic reviews of all projects to ensure alignment with the firm’s philosophy and quality benchmarks.
Foster a positive studio culture through close staff engagement, supporting morale and productivity.
Assume a lead design role for selected projects as needed.
Provide design support across the firm’s portfolio as required.
Travel to all offices as necessary.
Skills & Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from an accredited university.
At least 5 years of experience in design, including hands-on project leadership.
Proven experience with the design of K-14 school facilities.
Proficiency in a range of graphic communication methods.
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
California architectural license strongly preferred.
This position offers excellent opportunities for professional growth within a supportive, collaborative environment focused on design excellence and innovation
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Organizational Values
Team Collaboration – We treat each candidate and employer as a member of the team. As with any successful team, timely and effective collaboration is paramount. We are dedicated leaders of the recruitment process, ensuring our candidates and employers succeed.
Communication – We ensure candidates and companies are given real-time feedback on the status of the recruitment process to ensure all parties are satisfied.
Culture – Corporate culture and fit are critical to the long-term success of being any hire hired. We are
dedicated to evaluating company culture and validating a candidate’s potential fit in all recruitment's.
Results Orientated – Our goal is to find the right candidate for all of our clients – We succeed
when candidates and clients realize a long-term employment.
Growth – To help facilitate the companies’ growth and revenue with our skilled Professionals.
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Submit Resume to info@northernimpacts.com
For Business inquires call Esther Stenzler : +1 (213) 335-4696
