K-12 Education Design Leader
About The Position
DLR Group is hiring a Senior Project Designer for its K-12 Education practice in the Orlando studio. The role leads the design vision for educational projects from early concepts through completion, translating school communities’ educational priorities into inspiring, functional learning environments. The designer works with school district leaders, educators, stakeholders, Project Managers, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver solutions that align with project scope, schedules, and budgets. The position guides design development and presentation, integrates architecture, interiors, engineering, and sustainable design strategies, and helps maintain design intent through documentation and construction. It also leads design reviews and quality assurance, mentors emerging designers, and supports marketing, project pursuits, and business development. The role is part of a collaborative studio and an employee-owned firm. The position follows a four-day in-office model, with flexibility to work outside the office on Fridays. Applicants must submit a current portfolio or work samples in PDF format.
Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in Architecture; a graduate degree is not required unless mandated for licensure.
- At least 8 years of professional experience in architecture, including experience designing K-12 educational environments.
- A strong 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 the ability to present 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 project completion.
- Partner with school district leaders, educators, and stakeholders to translate educational priorities into meaningful 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 the project vision and build client consensus.
- Guide the integration of architecture, interiors, engineering, and sustainable design strategies into cohesive learning environments.
- Coordinate with project teams to maintain design intent through documentation and construction.
- Lead design reviews and support quality assurance processes consistent with firm standards.
- Mentor designers and foster a collaborative studio culture centered on creativity, continuous learning, and design excellence.
- Support marketing, project pursuits, and business development through design storytelling, interviews, and client engagement.
Benefits
- Employee ownership in the firm.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
