Sr. Regenerative Designer

HKS, Inc.•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

Overview: Steers design excellence at HKS through four strategic bands of influence; creative design workshop and ideation, industry innovation in design, creative thought leadership and project innovation stretch work towards regenerative design. Leads outward facing thought-leadership through global conferences, publications, and within the local municipal and industry groups. Inward-facing thought leadership includes instilling creative and innovative thinking. Develops advanced blue-sky initiatives/projects, using available and new technologies as proof of new possibilities for positive impact on people, planet and ecosystems. Focuses on creating built environments that restore ecological balance, enhance biodiversity, social equity, human wellbeing, and contribute to climate-positive outcomes. Possesses deep experience in sustainability and design innovation, with a deep understanding of nature-based solutions, circular economic principles, and emerging technologies that support a regenerative future.

Requirements

Accredited degree in Architecture, Environmental Design, Sustainable Design, or related field; master’s degree or higher preferred
Typically 10+ years of experience in architecture, urban design, or sustainability consulting, with a strong focus on regenerative design
Experience with regenerative design guidelines, passive first design principles, net-zero strategies, and relevant guidelines
Advanced – expert-level experience, knowledge or skills
Intermediate – experience, knowledge or skills required to produce high-quality solutions or work
Basic – familiar with primary concepts or capabilities and may perform elementary functions depending on role
Intermediate skills in in MS Office Suite required
Intermediate knowledge of geospatial analytics, regenerative agriculture practices, and circular economy principles required
Intermediate knowledge of and engagement with broad holistic place-based context that may serve as the foundational understanding for regenerative design required, including an understanding of regional ecosystems, human wellbeing, and global supply chains
Intermediate understanding of the relationship of the built and natural environments, and fierce passion for creating harmony and regeneration
Advanced experience with the entire project lifecycle, through post-occupancy required
Advanced knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines required
Advanced knowledge of the appropriate use of building systems, materials and technologies record required
Advanced knowledge of architectural building systems, applicable codes and regulations required
intermediate presentation skills and graphic and visualization skills to communicate design ideas required
Advanced organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time required
Advanced ability to develop strong, candid, open working relationships with core consultants including MEP engineers, structural engineers, urban designers, and ecological landscape designers
Advanced ability to articulate the connections, implications, and impact between building systems, the building industry and contextual implications such as thriving human communities and regional or global ecosystems
Advanced ability inspiring, mentoring and managing a team and performing duties in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment required
Advanced leadership abilities with a track record of driving high-impact projects required
Advanced ability to collaborate across disciplines and navigate complex problem-solving scenarios required
Intermediate ability to facilitate an open integrated team dynamic that explores and delivers greater value through wholistic systems synergies required
Advanced ability to maintain existing client relationships and build new client relationships required
Advanced ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing required
Advanced ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions required
Advanced ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality required
Travel may be required

Nice To Haves

Architectural registration, professional engineer license, or equivalent preferred
Professional accreditation in LEED AP (BD+C, O+M, or ND), WELL AP, and Living Future Accredited (LFA) preferred
Knowledge of climate modeling tools such as Tally, Once Click LCA preferred

Responsibilities

Drives the integration of regenerative design principles across HKS projects, advocating for innovative approaches that move beyond industry sustainability standards to assist in making HKS the most influential firm in the industry and a leader in regenerative design
Collaborates with design teams to develop cutting-edge regenerative design solutions that prioritizes creating a positive impact on the planet, people, ecosystems, carbon neutrality, water-positive strategies, and social well-being
Leads regenerative design efforts on projects, ensuring solutions that align with client goals and HKS’s Intentional Design vision
Stays at the forefront of emerging trends in innovation, circular design, net-positive development, material innovation and works with others to translate research into actionable design strategies and processes
Works with internal teams, external partners, and clients to foster a culture of regenerative thinking, and provides mentorship to junior designers and intermediate designers
Possesses knowledge of certification systems such as LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge, Passive House, SE2050 and MEP2040
Works with HKS subject experts to integrate Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), Embodied Carbon Analysis, Circular Economy Strategies, and Advanced Energy Modeling into the design process.
Represents HKS in industry forums, conferences, and research collaborations related to regenerative design, innovation in design, climate resilience and policy

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