Design Manager - Complex Architectural Projects

Gensler•Columbus, OH

About The Position

Your Role As a Design Manager / Project Lead , you will take full ownership of the successful delivery of complex, client-facing architectural and interiors projects—from early strategy and concept through post-occupancy. You will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, a leader and mentor to project teams, and a key contributor to the growth and success of the Columbus studio. This role is ideal for a senior project leader who thrives at the intersection of design excellence, client relationships, team leadership, and financial performance , and who is motivated by seeing projects—and people—reach their full potential. Based in Columbus, you’ll join a studio energized by the region’s rapid growth, innovation, and diversity. Gensler Columbus partners with clients across workplace , mixed-use, education, healthcare, and critical facilities to shape environments that meaningfully support how people live and work.

Requirements

10+ years of experience leading architectural or interior design projects across a range of scales and typologies
Registered Architect or Interior Designer
Proven experience managing project scope, fees, schedules, and financial performance
Demonstrated leadership across the full project lifecycle, including post-occupancy
Strong client-facing skills, with the ability to build trust and serve as a strategic advisor
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and consultant coordination on technically complex projects
High level of design competence and working knowledge of building codes
Proficiency in Revit
Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable making decisions in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

Lead Client & Project Strategy Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, building trusted relationships and guiding projects through all phases Maintain a deep understanding of client objectives , business drivers, and market conditions to inform design and delivery decisions Identify opportunities to expand client relationships through additional Gensler services and expertise
Own Project Delivery & Financial Performance Lead day-to-day project delivery, ensuring projects are completed on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards Prepare, communicate, and manage project work plans, schedules, budgets, and deliverables Review project accounting, forecasts, and billing, taking full accountability for financial performance Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
Guide Teams & Consultants Lead and facilitate cross-functional project teams, fostering collaboration across disciplines Coordinate and manage consultant teams, including structural, MEP, lighting, AV, landscape, civil, and specialty consultants Proactively resolve complex technical, coordination, and design challenges in partnership with Practice Area and Studio leadership
Contribute to Studio Growth Support business development efforts with existing and prospective clients Contribute proactively in staffing and resource planning meetings to support studio delivery and financial goals Partner with Design Directors and Marketing to ensure project narratives are documented and photography or videography is coordinated

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, wellness programs, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, and paid time off.
Additional benefits include 401(k), profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice‑annual bonus opportunities.
We actively support licensure and professional development through reimbursement for professional licenses, renewals, exam fees, and eligible tuition expenses.

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