Director - Studio

Kilroy Realty•Los Angeles, CA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

As Director, STUDIO, this position is responsible for overseeing the design process and ensuring the successful execution of selected projects across Kilroy’s portfolio. This role requires a thoughtful and strategic design leader who can translate conceptual ideas into high-quality, buildable outcomes—balancing creativity with pragmatism. Their duties include contributing to design ideation and management of projects and design consultants while working with and updating internal teams to help facilitate efficient and smooth project delivery. This position reports to the Senior Vice President, STUDIO. STUDIO Function at Kilroy Realty, L.P. STUDIO is Kilroy’s in-house creative team who partners and supports all areas of the greater company to integrate Kilroy’s bespoke, crafted, and artistic approach for the built environment. We help the company realize all of the strategic initiatives through Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Lighting Design, Art, Environmental Wayfinding, Branding, and Graphic Design. By integrating all of the artistic disciplines under one umbrella, we build a "united" creative vision that will provide a strong foundation to support and help frame KILROY’s greater goals in the real estate industry. As a group of people who are passionate about how what we design resonates aesthetically and functionally, we depend on collaboration with every Kilroy team across the regions, investments, leasing marketing, development and construction, asset management and sustainability to name a few to develop successful solutions that make Kilroy stand out from our competitors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or another related field.
8 -10 years of professional experience from an applicable field (architectural/interior design firm or commercial real estate owner and/or developer).
Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
Strong ability to prioritize and multi-task with multiple projects and deadlines.
Must be flexible and highly motivated, with a willingness to take initiative, be resourceful, and work independently.
Ability to firmly guide design consultants and vendors to desired design, budget and schedule goals in a way that encourages and ensures rapid progress but does not hamper their creativity.
Proven ability to guide consultants (architectural, MEP, vendors (including furniture, etc.) to meet design, budget, and schedule goals.
Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and professionally with all personality types.
Extensive understanding of guidelines and parameters surrounding building development.
Extensive knowledge of interior design that includes ability to specify finishes, furniture, decorative light fixtures, and all things décor.
Strong understanding and fluency in construction documents, constructability and working with contractors.
Ability to review and oversee consultant review of submittals, RFIs, and shop drawings.
Support site visits and support construction problem-solving.
Ensure execution aligns with drawings, details, and design vision.
Strong design skills with a good eye and refined aesthetic sensibilities across all types of medium.
Strong proficiency in Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Sketchup (Or other 3D program), Adobe CS – Photoshop, Illustrator & InDesign, Microsoft Word & Excel.
Create visual mock-ups, studies, plans, elevations, etc.
Proficient in online project management/productivity tools – (Asana preferred; Miro a plus).
Positive, can-do attitude with a solutions-oriented mindset.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with AI tools in design/visualization is a plus.

Responsibilities

Overseeing the design process and ensuring the successful execution of selected projects across Kilroy’s portfolio.
Translating conceptual ideas into high-quality, buildable outcomes—balancing creativity with pragmatism.
Contributing to design ideation and management of projects and design consultants.
Working with and updating internal teams to help facilitate efficient and smooth project delivery.
Communicating regularly and effectively with the STUDIO team, Kilroy Construction Management, Leasing Leads and Asset Management to set project goals and deliver well-designed, efficient, and cost-effective solutions within schedule requirements.
Developing a high level of confidence, trust, and credibility with internal stakeholders by way of clear and frequent reports, responsiveness, transparency, and efficiency.
Ensuring STUDIO Leadership is up to date on project status.
Contributing to design ideation and managing project tasks from concept to fruition.
Utilizing mockups, studies, stakeholder presentations, workshopping, and feedback incorporation to establish project buy-in.
Recommending actionable, implementable, pragmatic, and creative solutions within workstreams.
Maintaining a high standard of visual quality control across all projects.
Managing project process to clearly track the design consultant teams, schedules, and budgets.
Maintaining project deliverables and flagging any issues or concerns which hinder project objectives.
Understanding goals and objectives pertaining to projects.
Championing and maintaining the adoption of design standards, guidelines and procedures related to STUDIO while continuing to seek better design solutions, through technology, tools, and process.
Working collaboratively with SVP and Creative director to contribute to strategic objectives, and larger goals pertaining to the portfolio.
Leading actionable, implementable, pragmatic, and creative solutions within workstreams.
Overseeing the quality control and review of design drawings to ensure they meet standards of functionality and aesthetics.
Tracking milestones and deliverables, proactively identifying and resolving risks.
Reviewing submittals, RFIs, and shop drawings; supporting construction administration and site coordination.
Mentoring and collaborating with team members, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and excellence.
Creating new and maintaining relationships with vendors and consultants for purpose of receiving most economical and professional solutions.
Performing other duties as assigned.