At Gensler, we design for people. We
leverage
our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale.
We’re
not just designers.
We’re
tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators and thought
leaders.
Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring
new ideas
to solve challenging problems. Whether
you’re
into sketching
new ideas
, hacking a building or growing client relationships in global markets,
there’s
something here for everyone.
Our depth of
expertise
spans disciplines—from aviation and transportation to education, hospitality, retail, technology and more. At our core we embody an entrepreneurial spirit, always
looking ahead
for new ways to innovate and add to our clients' success. We share the belief that design has the power to transform organizations and change lives; whether
we’re
refreshing a retailer’s brand, planning a new urban
district
or designing a super tall building.
Our work reflects an enduring commitment to sustainability, and we believe that a diversity of voices and cultures is one of the most powerful strategic tools for securing lasting competitive advantage.
As the world’s largest design firm, Gensler has a unique obligation and opportunity to focus on sustainability in the built environment. We deepened our commitment to combat the impact on climate change in the built environment when we launched Gensler Cities Climate Challenge (GC3) in 2019. This is our pledge to meet an ambitious goal: the elimination of all greenhouse gases from our work by 2030.
Your Role
Gensle
r
is
seeking
a
Design Director for our
Commercial Office/Residential/ Mixed-
Use
Office Building
p
ractice
a
rea
s
. Gensler Design Directors are a select group of designers who provide creative and design process leadership to multiple design teams through all phases of client projects. If you are someone who enjoys leading design teams, developing next-generation talent, and helping clients redesign
what’s
possible, then this role is for you. Bring your unique design perspective to Gensler and work alongside industry trendsetters!
As a
Design Director
, you
w
ill
have had experience in leading design efforts for Commercial Office / Residential / Mixed Use
/
Architectural
environments.
The ideal candidate will have proven skills in
establishing
and
developing design schemes and leading/coordinating design teams for architectural projects.
You will
possess
a mix of strategic and creative skills, with the ability to create great form while embracing sound business strategy
.
Use your unique design perspective to lead design teams, develop next-generation talent, bring
new approaches
to the design process, and help our clients redesign
what’s
possible. You must have significant knowledge of commercial office buildings and should have extensive experience leading design teams on multiple projects.
What You Will Do
Develop and provide mentorship to design teams.
Lead the creative efforts on client architecture projects, developing overall design concepts and design presentation strategies from the
initial
marketing stages through construction and installation
.
Lead the orchestration and strategy of design presentations.
As a member of a studio’s leadership team,
collaborate
with practice leaders and colleagues to enhance Gensler’s culture for design excellence, elevate the quality of design, and achieve recognition for clients and the firm.
Continually improve the quality of our work, the manner in which we deliver it and the process we employ to attain it.
Build,
nurture
and foster new relationships with a broad client base.
Work closely with other Design Directors and Regional Design Directors across the firm to promote an inter-disciplinary design approach and philosophy and
facilitate
its advancement in respective offices and across the firm.
Be an integral part in the growth and success of architectural projects.
Participate in business development and marketing efforts
.
Build and sustain client relationships; act as the primary design interface with clients, team members, and a wide range of consultants and collaborators, both internal and external.
Your Qualifications
Bachelor
’
s degree in
A
rchitecture
from an accredited program.
Masters
from a reputed University preferred.
18+ years of related experience, with a strong background in commercial office
building projects
and some experience in
Residential / Mixed Use
design
; international
project experience of more than 8 years will be a plus
.
Understanding of master planning concepts and
expertise
with handling site planning for all architectural projects
is
a must
.
Ability to handle a variety of project types and complexities
Strong, persuasive communicator with excellent storytelling skills and the ability to communicate complex design concepts to clients.
Proven
track record
of success in
maintaining
and growing client relationships.
Strong graphic skills to communicate design ideas.
Leadership experience, including managing client expectations, multi-disciplinary teams, and meeting scope/schedule/budget.
Skilled at developing, inspiring and motivating teams of people both internally and externally, along with a desire to mentor team members.
Experience leading design teams through all phases of the design process.
Knowledge of finishes,
materials
and specifications.
Knowledge in sustainable design principles
required
.
LEED, WELL,
Fitwel
, LFA or other rating systems accreditation preferable.
Understand key principles for leading and achieving net zero projects.
Capacity
to drive sustainability focused discussions with clients and teams.
Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and sustainable building practices
required
.
Previous
experience in sustainable design projects preferred. At least one project of the candidate portfolio should
showcase
this focus.
Especially
built projects with LEED, Living Building Challenge, WELL Building Standard,
Fitwel
and /or Net Zero Building certification.
Understanding of
local codes / regulations
is
a plus.
Portfolio of ‘built’ work to use in pitching/winning work
.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
.
Service oriented and willing to foster a respectful, creative
,
and inspiring environment.
Your Design Technology Qualifications
Es
sential:
Experience in managing design teams with Revit/Rhino/Grasshopper skills.
Good knowledge and experience with collaboration within the BIM context, including cloud-based markups, consultant coordination and clash detection.
Basic understanding and familiarity with real-time rendering processes, and material creation & management within the context of integrated BIM and parametric workflows.
Familiarity with the BIM project lifecycle through design, construction and operational phases.
Understanding of BIM deliverables and terminology in contracts
Desirable
Experience in managing design teams with Revit/Rhino/Grasshopper skills.
Experience in establishing and managing BIM teams for project design and delivery.
Applications we work with:
Design Authoring - Revit, Rhino, Autocad, Navisworks
Collaboration - BIM360
Computational Design - Grasshopper, Dynamo
Building Performance Simulation - Insight, Sefaira, Diva, Ladybug tools
Visualisation – Vray, Enscape, Twinmotion, 3DSMax
Graphics & Productivity - Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite
Experiential – Unreal Engine, Unity
Development – C#, Python
Please include a portfolio/work samples along with your resume.
Life at Gensler
As a people-first organization, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From internal design competitions to research grants to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability and wellness programs. We also offer profit sharing and twice annual bonus opportunities.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.