Design Manager

Gensler•Baltimore, MD

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Design Manager will execute a variety of project types and sizes throughout all phases of projects. This role involves coordinating with Studio Directors, Design Directors, Technical Directors, project team members, clients, and other project stakeholders to achieve design goals. Responsibilities include developing final construction plans, preparing scale drawings and architectural designs using CAD or other tools, and providing information on design, specifications, materials, costs, and timelines. The Design Manager will also consult with clients on functional and spatial requirements, perform predesign services like feasibility studies, and design structures incorporating green building practices and LEED standards. Key tasks include creating clear project objectives, preparing proposals, negotiating contracts, managing the bidding process, conducting on-site observations, managing client expectations and team communication, and overseeing consultant coordination. The role also involves designing and planning green building projects to minimize environmental impact and conserve energy, and participating in consulting engagements for sustainability strategies across various project scales. Facilitating work sessions with clients and design teams to build consensus on sustainable design solutions is also a crucial part of the role.

Requirements

Master's degree (or foreign equivalent) in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field, plus two (2) years of design experience (non-intern, non-fellowship) with all of the following:
Leading architectural design for data centers, laboratories, commercial office buildings, and master plans ensuring alignment with technical, operational, and sustainability certifications;
Driving schematic and design development phases with a focus on MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) intensive planning, space optimization for equipment layouts, airflow management, and critical adjacencies for server environments;
Coordinating multidisciplinary teams during design documentation, integrating architecture with electrical, mechanical, and IT systems to ensure redundancy, resiliency, and code compliance in high-performance environments;
Producing detailed architectural documents focusing on containment strategies, hot/cold aisle segregation, and infrastructure scalability for mission-critical applications;
Translating sketches and documents into realized 2D/3D models and images using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, parametric design software, 2D/3D software, including AutoCAD, Revit, Grasshopper, Illustrator, SketchUp, InDesign, Bluebeam Revu, Rhino, and Enscape;
Designing precast panels, rainscreens, and high-performance envelope assemblies with attention to thermal performance, constructability, and environmental conditions;
Coordinating the integration of primary structural systems including shear walls and core framing into architectural designs; collaborating with structural engineers to optimize spatial planning and constructability;
Planning early-phase sustainability assessments and lifecycle cost analyses (LCA) for envelope systems, aligning design strategies with LEED, WELL, and other green building standards to support performance-driven outcomes;
Integrating building core and shell designs with site utilities, grading, and public right-of-way infrastructure, especially in complex or urban development contexts.
Alternatively, a Bachelor’s Degree (or foreign equivalent) in Architecture, Interior Design or related field, plus five (5) years of progressive post-bachelor’s degree design experience (non-intern, non-fellowship).
Two (2) years of the five (5) years of progressive post-bachelor’s degree design experience (non-intern, non-fellowship) must include experience with all of the following:
Leading architectural design for data centers, laboratories, commercial office buildings, and master plans ensuring alignment with technical, operational, and sustainability certifications;
Driving schematic and design development phases with a focus on MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) intensive planning, space optimization for equipment layouts, airflow management, and critical adjacencies for server environments;
Coordinating multidisciplinary teams during design documentation, integrating architecture with electrical, mechanical, and IT systems to ensure redundancy, resiliency, and code compliance in high-performance environments;
Producing detailed architectural documents focusing on containment strategies, hot/cold aisle segregation, and infrastructure scalability for mission-critical applications;
Translating sketches and documents into realized 2D/3D models and images using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, parametric design software, 2D/3D software, including AutoCAD, Revit, Grasshopper, Illustrator, SketchUp, InDesign, Bluebeam Revu, Rhino, and Enscape;
Designing precast panels, rainscreens, and high-performance envelope assemblies with attention to thermal performance, constructability, and environmental conditions;
Coordinating the integration of primary structural systems including shear walls and core framing into architectural designs; collaborating with structural engineers to optimize spatial planning and constructability;
Planning early-phase sustainability assessments and lifecycle cost analyses (LCA) for envelope systems, aligning design strategies with LEED, WELL, and other green building standards to support performance-driven outcomes;
Integrating building core and shell designs with site utilities, grading, and public right-of-way infrastructure, especially in complex or urban development contexts.

Responsibilities

Execute a variety of project types and sizes throughout all phases of projects.
Coordinate with Studio Directors, Design Directors, Technical Directors, project team members, clients and other project stakeholders to execute realization of project design goals.
Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.
Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.
Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.
Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.
Perform predesign services, such as feasibility or environmental impact studies.
Design structures that incorporate environmentally friendly building practices or concepts, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
Create and communicate clear and attainable project objectives and project requirements.
Prepare project proposals, negotiate contracts and fees and coordinate the bidding process.
Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.
Manage client expectations, team communication and oversight of consultant coordination.
Design and plan construction of green building projects to minimize adverse environmental impact or conserve energy.
Participate in consulting engagements that provide sustainability strategies for a wide range of clients and projects ranging from commercial interiors to ground up buildings and real estate portfolios.
Facilitate work sessions with clients and design teams to build consensus on sustainable design solutions.