At Kinetic, we seek individuals who embody our core values of courageous authenticity, dynamic innovation, adaptability, approachable community, and compassionate support. As a Design Manager, you will be responsible for leading the design and development of architectural projects from concept to completion. You will work closely with clients, consultants, and our internal design team to deliver innovative and high-quality architectural solutions that meet project requirements and exceed client expectations.
Kinetic’s team structure is all about collaboration and teamwork. As such, a Design Manager is responsible for co-leading a diverse portfolio of commercial projects alongside the Project Manager. You are a driven individual, always willing to go the extra mile to support your project teams and contribute to the firm's mission. Your work and attitude reflect our commitment to excellence, and you play a crucial role in helping us achieve our vision. You will focus on driving and delegating production and design efforts, ensuring the client’s vision is met, while the PM focuses on the projects administrative and permitting needs. In this role, you will work in tandem with the Project Manager role to deliver a project that is on-time, in budget, and showcases a high caliber of customer service to our clients.
What Pre-Requisites You’ll Have:
- Degree from NAAB Accredited University or Degree from Accredited Interior Design Program
- All Skill-sets from Designer 3 job role
- Typically 6-8+ years experience
What Skill-Sets You’ll Possess:
Technical Skills:
- Technical Understanding: Deep knowledge of building design and construction aspects. Understand materials, structural systems, building codes, and sustainability practices.
- Feasibility: Ensure that your imaginative designs are feasible and compliant with regulations and construction methods with the client’s budget in mind.
- Design Process: Understanding the architectural design process from concept to execution.
- Design Principles: Grasp architectural design principles and techniques. Apply this knowledge to create innovative and functional designs.
- Knowledge of Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and rendering software
- Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and other Creative Suite
- Advanced Level Architectural Production Tasks, including:
- Modeling large, complex projects
- Create new prototypical sets for corporate clients
- Execute Full Drawings Sets for Large, complex Projects
- Building Sections and Details for Large, complex projects
- Unique and Custom Details
- Code Compliance/ Egress Sheets for Large, complex projects
- Other Production tasks
- Advanced Level Architectural Design tasks, including
- Participating in Design Charrettes
- Independently Execute Exhibits and Studies, as needed
- Research on complex system or code items
- Advanced level design work
- Take Field Measurements and autonomously create existing conditions per Kinetic’s standards
- Pickup specific and detailed redlines.
- Prepare a schematic or DD level client presentation.
- Mentoring/Assisting other production staff as needed.
- Self-sufficient in task execution and proactive in meeting project needs with the ability to handle most production tasks autonomously with little direction.
- BIM Management for Revit projects with ability to set up and manage BIM Collaborate for team.
Creative Skills:
- Creativity: Architectural design thrives on creativity. You must conceptualize and visualize innovative spaces that are both beautiful and practical. A strong sense of design aesthetics and spatial relationships is essential.
- Imagination: Imagine the end result even before the first line is drawn. Your designs should not only meet clients’ requirements but also positively impact the built environment.
Interpersonal Skills:
- Communication: Effective communication is vital. You’ll collaborate with colleagues, clients, and consultants. Clear communication ensures successful project outcomes. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear and effective information dissemination. Ability to listen actively and encourage open dialogue within the team.
- Flexibility: Adaptability is key. The real-world architectural environment may differ from academic settings. Be open to learning new ways of doing things. Be open to learning new software and techniques as the field evolves.
- Teamwork: As part of a diverse team, you’ll collaborate with architects, engineers, and contractors. Being a team player is essential.
- Attention to Detail: Precision matters in architectural drawings and specifications.
- Problem-Solving: Real-world challenges require creative solutions. Think critically and find efficient ways to address issues. Effective decision-making skills – make informed and timely decisions, solving problems efficiently.
- Time Management: Balancing multiple tasks and deadlines is common. Effective time management ensures productivity.
- Professionalism: Maintain a positive attitude, be punctual, and respect workplace norms. Respect diverse perspectives and promote inclusivity.
- Elevated Confidence
Leadership Skills:
- Ability to foster a collaborative and productive work environment that embodies our Core Values.
- Delegate tasks appropriately and trust team members.
- Strong Emotional Intelligence – understand and manage emotions, handling relationships empathetically.
- Resolve conflicts constructively and mediate disputes.
- Inspire and motivate team members, recognizing achievements.
- Accountable/Responsible – hold self and team accountable for actions and performance.
- Understanding of budgets and schedules and their impact on profitability and effectiveness with project success.
How You'll Integrate:
- You are fully competent in all conventional aspects of architecture. Independently performs a variety of assignments requiring skills in all conventional aspects of architectural designs for projects of small-large size and complexity. Performs analyses of design, planning, and occupancy studies, and limited design layouts. Prepares project specifications, compiling and analyzing relevant data. Writes reports and specifications.
- Independently solves problems encountered with little supervision.
- Works in tandem with Project Manager to ensure project success and coordination with all disciplines.
- Collaborate with architects and project designers to create architectural designs, renders, and client schematic presentations.
- Use software like Revit, Autocad, Bluebeam and Lumion. Prepare detailed construction drawings using Revit/Autocad. Generate architectural plans, elevations, sections, and construction details. Ensure accurate communication of design intent to contractors and builders.
- Mentors, leads and coaches production staff members and provides guidance and support through their production efforts on the project.
- Attend client meetings and interact with client to present design proposals to grasp project requirements and objectives as well as take detailed notes during those meetings to help inform design decisions. Will communicate design ideas effectively through visual presentations and discussions.
- Attend internal design charettes and help conduct precedent study research.
- Conduct site visits to gather information on existing conditions, constraints, and context for design projects. Understand the physical environment where the project will be implemented.
- Performs Quality Control checks at each stage of the project before handoff to the QC Committee.
- Stay informed about local building codes, zoning regulations, and legal requirements. Ensure that architectural designs adhere to safety standards and legal guidelines.
- Select appropriate materials, finishes, and building systems. Specify materials and construction methods in compliance with industry standards.
- Collaborate with engineers, landscape architects and interior designers to ensure a seamless integration of all aspects of the project design.
- Participate in continuous learning and Professional Development such as attending workshops, conferences and industry events to stay updated on design trends.
- Explore new technologies and tools to enhance your skills.
- Follow all aspects of Kinetic’s HR Handbook.
To apply for this position, click the Apply Now button below and include your resume in the message, along with the answers to the questions listed above.