Project Design Manager

Cushman & Wakefield•St. Louis, MO

5d•$74,375 - $87,500

About The Position

The Design Manager is a client-focused design program role responsible for managing the design strategy, standards, and execution across the client’s various real estate types. This role requires a “lead by example” approach, balancing design governance, prototype consistency, stakeholder alignment, and technical problem-solving with active participation in production, space planning, and project delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design from a NAAB or CIDA-accredited institution.
7+ years of design experience with demonstrated experience managing design standards, project types, or client design programs across multiple real estate formats.
5+ years of Revit experience in a professional setting.
Proficiency in MS Office and Adobe Creative Suite is required.
Working knowledge of IBC and ADA requirements for drawing review and compliance.
Ability to pivot seamlessly between management and production tasks.
Strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration with internal partners and external clients.
Takes full ownership of requests to ensure successful, high-quality completion.
Exceptional oral, written, and presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

NCIDQ certification or Architectural Licensure.
Experience managing project budgets, vendor relationships, and complex procurement processes.
Experience with Bluebeam, Dynamo scripts, or other BIM automation tools.
Background in corporate workplace design or retail prototype development.

Responsibilities

Manage design direction across the client’s different real estate types, ensuring each solution supports the intended business function, user experience, and operational requirements.
Maintain and evolve design standards, prototype guidelines, and planning criteria to drive consistency while allowing flexibility for site-specific needs.
Coordinate design requirements across multiple project types, ensuring scope, schedule, documentation, and deliverables remain aligned with client priorities.
Translate lessons learned, client feedback, and evolving business needs into scalable design processes, tools, and documented standards.
Actively produce and oversee high-complexity projects, templates, and design assets.
Perform rigorous reviews of test fits, space plans, and design documents to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with IBC and ADA codes.
Step into projects to resolve complex design or technical challenges alongside the team.
Review client business needs and suggest data-driven improvements that align with their goals.
Present design concepts and project updates to stakeholders at all levels, bridging the gap between technical execution and design objectives.
Stay current with design trends and software to recommend improvements to guidelines and internal processes.