The Perkins & Will Group Inc

Design Director

The Perkins & Will Group Inc$162K — $195K *
Real Estate & Construction
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Professional degree in Architecture or related discipline.
  • Professional architectural license required.
  • Minimum 15 years of professional architectural experience.
  • Strong knowledge of industry regulations and building codes.
  • Demonstrated experience in hiring and mentoring project teams.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing diverse project types.
  • Proficient in Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Responsibilities

  • Provide visionary leadership to establish creative direction for the studio.
  • Guide teams in developing innovative design concepts aligned with client goals.
  • Oversee design processes, quality assurance, and project delivery.
  • Champion the firm’s Living Design Framework across all projects.
  • Conduct comprehensive design and quality-control reviews during project phases.
  • Organize peer workshops in collaboration with firmwide leadership.
  • Stay updated on emerging design trends and technologies.

Benefits

  • Access to ongoing learning through conferences and seminars.
  • Opportunities for personal and professional development.
  • A culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Participation in shaping the firm's design vision and initiatives.
  • Engagement with clients and professional organizations to build strong industry relationships.
Full Job Description
As a key member of the studio's Management, Operations, and Design (MOD) leadership team, you will lead by example-elevating design quality, mentoring the next generation of talent, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, and representing Perkins&Will within the profession and community. This is an opportunity for a proven design leader who is passionate about both exceptional design and developing others to achieve their full potential.

What You'll Do:

Lead Design Excellence

  • Provide visionary design leadership and establish a clear creative direction for the studio.

  • Guide teams in developing innovative design concepts aligned with project goals and client expectations.

  • Oversee the quality of design processes, project delivery, and built outcomes.

  • Champion creative excellence and ensure all projects align with the firm's Living Design Framework.

  • Conduct design reviews and quality-control reviews throughout project development.

  • Work with firmwide leadership to organize and execute peer workshops at appropriate project milestones.

  • Stay current on emerging industry trends, technologies, and design practices.


Build and Develop High-Performing Teams

  • Lead, mentor, coach, and inspire multidisciplinary design teams.

  • Foster a collaborative and creative work environment.

  • Partner with Talent Managers and studio leadership to recruit, interview, hire, and develop design talent.

  • Support the growth of diverse talent and skillsets across the studio.

  • Mentor staff and help them achieve both personal and professional development goals.

  • Facilitate ongoing learning through design discussions, conferences, seminars, and educational opportunities.

  • Build long-term bench strength and cultivate future design leaders.


Serve as a Studio and Client Leader

  • Partner with the Managing Director and Operations Director to establish strategic goals and ensure execution.

  • Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and project teams to develop innovative solutions that achieve functional, aesthetic, and financial objectives.

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, decision-makers, consultants, and industry influencers.

  • Represent the firm's commitment to design within public, professional, cultural, and academic communities.

  • Build relationships with professional organizations and academic institutions.


Contribute to Studio Growth

  • Participate in staffing decisions and team composition.

  • Support project planning, scope development, work plans, and fee negotiations.

  • Participate in marketing activities, including go/no-go decisions and interview leadership.

  • Help strategize, pursue, and win work for the studio.

  • Partner in developing and maintaining the studio's design vision.

  • Advance studio initiatives related to career development, talent advancement, and inclusion.


Required Qualifications:

  • Professional degree in Architecture or related discipline.

  • Professional architectural license.

  • Minimum of 15 years of professional experience.

  • Knowledge of industry regulations, life-safety requirements, and building codes.

  • Knowledge of site analysis, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, contract documents, and construction administration.

  • Strong ideator and conceptual thinker

  • Strong design portfolio, ideally broad-based on a range of project types.

  • Strong project budgeting and contract negotiation skills.

  • Strong working relationships with clients and consultants.

  • Experience in hiring, directing, mentoring, and coordinating successful project teams

  • Working knowledge of Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Enscape, and VRay.
  • LEED GA and one Living Design accreditation upon hire or within six months of hire


Salary Range Information

We foster a culture that is diverse and inclusive and strive for pay practices that are fair, and competitive and reflect our commitment to pay equity. Our compensation decisions include but are not limited to a candidate's qualifications including skill sets, education, experience and training, licensure and certifications credentials if applicable, and business-related factors. This practice extends to all employees, including performance considerations for merit increases, job promotions, and transfer opportunities. We additionally review our pay practices, conduct pay equity audits, and ensure our managers are trained in our pay practices on an annual basis. At the time of posting this job advertisement, the annual pay salary range for this position in Denver is between $162,000 and $195,000.

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At Perkins&Will we believe that inclusion spurs creativity and that innovation is born from an engaged culture of diverse people + ideas. By moving beyond barriers and stereotypes of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status; we are committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve.

"Design has the power to inspire joy, uplift lives, and strengthen the spirit of community."

About The Perkins & Will Group Inc

The Perkins & Will Group is an architecture and design firm that was founded in 1935. The company has designed a wide range of buildings, including hospitals, schools, and corporate headquarters. Perkins & Will is known for its commitment to sustainability and has won numerous awards for its environmentally friendly designs. The company has offices in several countries around the world and has completed projects in more than 50 countries. In recent years, Perkins & Will has expanded its services to include urban planning and interior design.
Learn more about The Perkins & Will Group Inc
Size
2,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1935

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