K-12 Education Design Leader

DLR Group • Orlando, FL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

DLR Group is seeking a Senior Project Designer for its K-12 Education practice in its Orlando studio. The role leads the design vision for K-12 projects, translating educational goals into inspiring, functional learning environments from early concepts through project completion. The designer works with school districts, educators, stakeholders, Project Managers, and integrated multidisciplinary teams to develop solutions that reflect each school community’s needs and align with project scope, schedules, and budgets.

The role communicates design concepts through presentations, coordinates architecture, interiors, engineering, and sustainable design strategies, and helps maintain design intent through documentation and construction. It also includes leading design reviews and quality assurance, mentoring designers, supporting a collaborative studio culture, and contributing to marketing, pursuits, and business development. The position is based in the Orlando studio and follows a hybrid work model, with four days in the office and flexibility to work elsewhere on Fridays. DLR Group is 100% employee-owned.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Architecture; a graduate degree is not required unless mandated for licensure.
• At least 8 years of professional architecture experience, including experience designing K-12 educational environments.
• Portfolio demonstrating conceptual design ability, design development, and successful translation of design ideas into built work.
• Ability to lead design efforts and collaborate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong visual, verbal, and written communication skills, including presenting design ideas to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Revit, Bluebeam, and architectural design, visualization, and presentation software.
• Ability to integrate sustainable design principles and technical requirements into architectural solutions.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with attention to detail and design quality.
• Ability to manage multiple design priorities while meeting project commitments.
• Experience mentoring team members and supporting marketing and business development efforts.
• Submit a current portfolio or work samples in PDF format for consideration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design vision and development of K-12 Education projects from initial concepts through completion.
• Partner with school district leaders, educators, and stakeholders to translate educational priorities into design solutions.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and integrated design teams to align design goals with project scope, schedules, and budgets.
• Develop and present design concepts that communicate project vision and build client consensus.
• Guide the integration of architecture, interiors, engineering, and sustainable design strategies into learning environments.
• Maintain design intent through documentation and construction in coordination with project teams.
• Lead design reviews and support quality assurance processes consistent with firm standards.
• Mentor designers and foster a collaborative studio culture focused on creativity, continuous learning, and design excellence.
• Support marketing, project pursuits, and business development through design storytelling, interviews, and client engagement.

Benefits

• 100% employee ownership, offering employees the opportunity to have ownership in the firm.
• Hybrid work model with flexibility to work away from the office on Fridays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior