Design Director (Innovation & Engineering)

Turner & Townsend•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Director of Design Management to support innovation initiatives, campus master planning, and the ongoing evolution of design standards to ensure cost‑effective, energy‑efficient, and future‑ready data centre facilities across the Americas. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert within the Innovation & Engineering team, partnering closely with the Vice President of Architecture to guide BOD and BTS design activities, oversee third‑party consultants, and ensure project documentation is accurate, timely, and within budget. The successful candidate will be a driven leader with strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence design strategy across a complex and fast‑growing portfolio.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field.
12+ years of relevant design management or architectural experience, ideally within data centres or complex technical facilities.
Experience managing large, high‑performing, multidisciplinary teams in a consulting or owner‑side environment.
Proven track record of delivering successful design management services and driving innovation in design standards.
Strong understanding of BIM, Revit, digital design tools, and data‑driven design methodologies.
Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder‑management skills.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide subject matter expertise in design management, supporting innovation, master planning, and design standardization across the Americas region.
Partner closely with the Vice President of Architecture to guide Basis of Design (BOD) and Build‑to‑Suit (BTS) design activities.
Oversee and coordinate third‑party design consultants, ensuring high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective deliverables.
Support the training and mentorship of staff, promoting a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Maintain, enhance, and govern the company’s Basis of Design, ensuring alignment with innovation goals and operational requirements.
Manage digital design tools including Revit models, BIM standards, Test Fit playbooks, and other design documentation systems.
Support the implementation and adoption of digital technologies and data platforms such as Power BI.
Lead design deviation tracking and ensure corrective actions are documented and communicated.
Provide design expertise for existing facilities and support Critical Operations with digital documentation needs.
Ensure effective document management throughout the design lifecycle.
Monitor emerging technologies and identify opportunities to improve facility efficiency, sustainability, and performance.
Contribute to long‑term strategic initiatives, including Digital Twin development and advanced data‑driven design methodologies.
Act as a design ambassador within the organization, communicating design policies, standards, and updates across teams.
Support the development of thought leadership and contribute to internal and external presentations.
Ensure project documentation is accurate, timely, and within budget.
Provide design oversight and technical guidance during planning, design, and execution phases.
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment between design intent, operational needs, and business objectives.
Identify opportunities to enhance design processes, workflows, and digital tools.
Support internal audits, quality control processes, and compliance with internal standards.
Partner with talent acquisition to attract top design and engineering talent and plan for future resource needs.
Promote a one‑business culture that balances the needs of people, clients, stakeholders, and society.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role and must be adhered to where applicable.