Technical Director - Workplace

Gensler • San Francisco, CA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Gensler San Francisco office is seeking a Technical Director to serve as a senior leader within one of their Workplace studios. This role involves guiding teams through all phases of the design and delivery process, from initial concept development to construction documentation and administration. The ideal candidate will be a passionate and experienced technical leader with deep expertise in executing complex architectural and interiors projects. This position requires exceptional technical knowledge, strong presentation and relationship-building skills, and the ability to understand and interpret client needs to deliver innovative and technically sound solutions. The role encompasses a comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end design process, from pursuit and marketing through construction completion, with proven experience across various project types and scales. As a self-motivated and collaborative team player, you will partner with colleagues across practice areas, clients, consultants, vendors, and stakeholders. You will also play a key role in mentoring junior staff and serving as a trusted technical advisor.

Requirements

• Architecture Licensure is required.
• Professional degree in Architecture required.
• Minimum 20 years of professional architectural experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in construction documentation, bid review, construction administration, and field observation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for mentorship, team development, and technical excellence.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD.
• Strong understanding of building codes, standards, regulations, and specification writing.
• Extensive experience in construction administration, construction contracts, and building systems including exterior enclosures, roofing/waterproofing, and primary building systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Word, and Excel preferred.
• LEED accreditation preferred.
• Experience building strong relationships with external design firms, corporate clients, and executive stakeholders.
• Experience advising leadership teams within professional services and financial services organizations.
• Skilled at facilitating meetings with diverse stakeholder groups to achieve alignment and consensus.
• Demonstrated success mentoring and developing emerging professionals.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Studio Directors, Principals, and project leadership to guide teams through all phases of project delivery.
• Lead the technical development and execution of projects, ensuring design intent, quality standards, budget, schedule, and regulatory requirements are achieved.
• Oversee the preparation and coordination of construction documentation, specifications, and construction administration activities.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for project teams, resolving complex design and construction challenges in collaboration with consultants and stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop junior staff through technical guidance, coaching, and day-to-day leadership.
• Ensure project teams remain informed of applicable building codes, legislation, industry standards, and firmwide quality management practices.
• Participate in Construction Administration efforts, including review of RFIs, submittals, change orders, and attendance at Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings as needed.
• Coordinate closely with Project Managers regarding staffing, scheduling, project execution, and technical resourcing.
• Collaborate with technical leaders across the office, region, and firm to maintain consistency in technical standards and best practices.
• Support a wide variety of project typologies including workplace, mixed-use, retail, government, sports, office buildings, and corporate interiors.
• Partner with studio leadership and legal counsel on matters related to project delivery, contracts, and construction-related risk management.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• disability
• wellness programs
• flex spending
• paid holidays
• paid time off
• 401 k
• profit sharing
• employee stock ownership
• twice annual bonus opportunities
• reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees
• reimbursement for tuition for certain eligible programs or classes

What This Job Offers

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