Design Director - Architecture
Design Director - Architecture

Design Director - Architecture

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design excellence and strategic planning for impactful architectural projects.
  • Company: Join Gensler, a leader in meaningful design that transforms everyday experiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive benefits, including medical insurance, pension, and tuition reimbursement.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values creativity, collaboration, and sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Requires a degree in Interior Design or Architecture and 10+ years of design management experience.
  • Other info: Opportunity to mentor the next generation of leaders in a dynamic environment.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Your Role

TheDesignDirector will transform expectations.This is a multifaceted role that focuses on the areas of Design, strategic planning & support, with a primary focus of being accountable for Design Excellence in all aspects of a project. You will oversee the implementation of best practices across the team and must drive a passionately curious culture of work that transforms expectations for our clients, our peers and our communities. At Gensler we create emotional connections through meaningful design solutions that positively impact and transform people’s everyday experiences.

What You Will Do

  • Accountable for the design quality of all projects they are directing, and proactive involvement in the quality of design across the studio.
  • Is the main client interface for the direction and implementation of the design and foster a genuine, accountable relationship with the client throughout the entire project and beyond.
  • Is a passionate advocate for our clients, ensuring that the design vision exceeds goals and expectations.
  • Is a fearless integrator and advocate for diverse points of view and expansive thinking, the Design Director works with all design synergy axis to ensure true synergy on projects.
  • Defines a project’s creative foundation by distilling goals, strategy and articulating a clear conceptual direction. Guiding the team to deliver on the “big idea”. Extends the concept across all project touchpoints.
  • Represents expertise in all project phases, takes calculated risks, leading teams into uncharted explorations – Holds the ultimate responsibility of overall design quality for all projects they are directing.
  • Is the climate champion for the project, establishing an impactful design direction to ensure that climate goals can be met.
  • Make Design Resilience and Design Purpose an integral part of every project.
  • Assures mentoring next generation of leadership.
  • Continually improve design culture within studios (resources, discourse, initiatives and recruiting).
  • External promotional efforts regarding design, including leadership within the design community.
  • Is participating in the advocacy of a sustainable approach to design.
  • Assures a collaborative and integrated approach towards working with other disciplines in the studio.

Your Qualifications

  • Design Management experience, preferably in theArchitecture & Design industry
  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Interior Design or Architecture
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of Design Management experience is essential
  • Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
  • Knowledge and experience in all phases of interior design / architectural projects
  • Experience managing consultant teams and resolving complex technical and design issues
  • Proven ability to provide excellent client service and account leadership
  • Be proactive and adaptable with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong programming and space planning skills
  • High level of design competence with knowledge of building codes.
  • Proficiency in Revit desirable

Life at Gensler

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical and dental insurance, season ticket loans, pension, profit sharing and twice annual bonus opportunities.

As part of the firm’s commitment to professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional qualifications and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programmes or classes. We view our professional development programmes as strategic investments in our future.

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Design Director - Architecture employer: Gensler

At Gensler, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of creativity and collaboration. Our Design Director role offers the opportunity to lead transformative projects while benefiting from comprehensive health and wellness programmes, professional development support, and a commitment to sustainability. Join us in a vibrant environment where your passion for design can flourish and make a meaningful impact on communities.
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Contact Detail:

Gensler Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Director - Architecture

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Gensler's design philosophy and recent projects. Understanding their approach to design excellence and client relationships will help you align your vision with theirs during interviews.

Tip Number 2

Network within the architecture and design community. Attend industry events or webinars where Gensler representatives might be present. Building connections can give you insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've fostered collaboration in past projects. Gensler values a team-oriented approach, so showcasing your ability to integrate diverse perspectives will be crucial.

Tip Number 4

Stay updated on sustainable design practices and climate goals in architecture. Gensler is looking for a climate champion, so demonstrating your commitment to these principles can set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Director - Architecture

Design Management
Leadership Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Client Relationship Management
Strategic Planning
Creative Concept Development
Project Oversight
Team Collaboration
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of Building Codes
Proficiency in Revit
Space Planning
Sustainable Design Advocacy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in design management, particularly in architecture and interior design. Emphasise your leadership roles and any projects where you ensured design excellence.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for design and how you can transform expectations. Mention specific examples of how you've fostered client relationships and led teams to achieve design goals.

Showcase Your Design Philosophy: Include a section in your application that outlines your design philosophy. Discuss how you integrate sustainability and resilience into your projects, as well as your approach to mentoring the next generation of designers.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Be sure to mention your proficiency in Revit and any other design software. Also, detail your experience with programming and space planning, as these are crucial for the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Gensler

Showcase Your Design Philosophy

Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy and how it aligns with the company's values. Highlight specific projects where you've implemented innovative design solutions that transformed client expectations.

Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Design Director, you'll need strong leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed complex projects, and fostered collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Prepare for Client Interaction Scenarios

Since you'll be the main client interface, practice how you would handle various client scenarios. Be ready to discuss how you build relationships and ensure client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

Emphasise Sustainability and Resilience

Given the focus on climate goals, be prepared to discuss your approach to sustainable design. Share examples of how you've integrated resilience and purpose into your previous projects.

Design Director - Architecture
Gensler
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  • Design Director - Architecture

    London
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-09-01

  • G

    Gensler

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