Design Director

Alameda, California

Compensation: $155,000 - $180,000 + Mid-Year and End-of-Year Discretionary Bonus

We are seeking a highly organized, creative leader to join MBH as a Design Director. This individual will play a key role in developing and executing innovative design strategy and will focus on retail, restaurant, and hospitality design concepts for our clients.

This role requires a strong understanding of retail and restaurant design principles, technical expertise, and the ability to manage projects from concept to completion. The ideal candidate is a passionate designer with excellent communication and collaboration skills.

MBH is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. To request a reasonable accommodation during the interview process, please email resumes@mbharch.com.

What You'll Do

Design Development:

• Develop innovative and functional design concepts that meet client objectives and brand standards

• Create compelling design presentations, including renderings, sketches, and mood boards

• Collaborate with the Client’s design team to refine and develop design concepts

• Stay current on retail and restaurant design trends, materials, and technologies

Technical Expertise:

• Oversee schematic-level construction documents, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and details

• Ensure projects comply with building codes and regulations

Project/ Client Management:

• Develop project timelines and budgets for multiple design projects simultaneously, and manage these projects to ensure they are delivered on time and within budget

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, managing their expectations to ensure satisfaction

• Provide space planning, interior elevations, and other visuals based on the client’s design standards and specific site conditions

• Present design concepts and proposals to clients

• Address client feedback and incorporate changes into designs

• Identify & negotiate additional services with the client in a timely manner

• Assist with developing proposals and reviewing contracts

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders for timely deliverables

• Ability to direct the internal team on producing design documents that convey the design intent

Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing and operations

• Communicate design vision and concepts clearly and effectively to both internal and external stakeholders

• Participate in team meetings and design reviews

Marketing & Business Development:

• Lead and actively participate in business development initiatives to secure new design projects for the studio, including identifying opportunities, networking, and developing client relationships

• Drive the strategic growth of Design opportunities within the retail and restaurant studio by identifying emerging market trends, cultivating new client segments, and expanding service offerings

• Collaborate with firm leadership and marketing teams to create compelling proposals, presentations, and promotional materials that showcase MBH’s design capabilities and unique value proposition

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

• Progressive career experience from Design Professional to Design Director, experience working at an Architectural firm as a Design Manager/ Director

• Experience leading a team of Designers & the ability to develop and grow a junior staff

• Knowledge of design software, including Revit, Sketchup, Bluebeam, Enscape, and Rhino

• Advanced knowledge of building codes and accessibility requirements, and the ability to implement them into construction drawings

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects

• Experience or ability to grow a design studio

• Experience effectively presenting design concepts at industry conferences, including a track record of successful speaking proposal submissions

• Ability to influence client stakeholders to align on design decisions

• Strong leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and collaboration skills

• Ability to travel on an as needed basis

• The ability to work across multiple offices and time zones

Nice to have:

• LEED accreditation and experience

Benefits

• 100% Paid Employee Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401k Profit Sharing

• Paid Holidays, Vacation, Volunteer, and Sick Time Off

• Professional development stipend

• LinkedIn Learning and Hone classes

• Hybrid work stipend, office snacks, and monthly lunches

• Commuter Benefits

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Company sponsored Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance

About MBH Architects

MBH Architects combines the opportunities of a top-tier firm with the close-knit culture of a smaller practice. With offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, Denver, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, we offer hybrid flexibility to meet today’s professionals' needs.

Our success is built on meaningful work-life balance and creative excellence. Through integrated services—including architecture, environmental graphics, and interior design—we deliver world-class projects including multi-family housing, labs, retail experiences for iconic brands and many more. We believe great work happens when people feel supported and energized.

What sets MBH apart is our commitment to fostering a community where every team member can thrive both professionally and personally. We prioritize sustainability and social impact in our projects, while cultivating camaraderie through team events, from design competitions to waffle-offs.

At MBH, your unique perspective is valued, your growth is supported, and your well-being matters.

Why MBH Architects?

At MBH, we believe in the power of collaboration and community. Our success is built on the foundation of helping each other grow and thrive. We pride ourselves on producing high-quality work, but even more so, we value the strength of our teams. Every member of the MBH family brings unique talents and perspectives that contribute to our collective achievements.

While we work hard and move at a fast pace, we never lose sight of the importance of supporting one another and having fun along the way. From our annual Halloween costume contest and waffle-offs to competing in international design competitions, we know how to balance serious work with a sense of camaraderie and joy.

If you are passionate about your work, and strive for excellence in everything you do, MBH Architects could be the perfect fit for you.

https://www.mbharch.com

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