Senior Design Manager
Retail/Restaurant
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.
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
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
Compensation
$115,000-140,000 contingent on relevant experience
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.