Design Director
Webcor · San Diego · $215,000–$245,000 (stated in the posting)
The Design Director provides leadership and oversight for the planning, coordination, and execution of design activities throughout the project lifecycle. This role serves as the primary liaison between owners, architects, consultants, and construction teams, ensuring design solutions align with project objectives, budget, schedule, quality standards, and constructability requirements. The Design Director leads multidisciplinary collaboration, manages design consultants, drives design quality and technical excellence, and supports project delivery from concept through construction. Leveraging strong leadership, technical expertise, and relationship management skills, the Design Director champions the owner's vision while balancing cost, risk, and operational objectives to achieve successful project outcomes.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Leads coordination with the Owner's Architect and design consultants to ensure the timely development, integration, and delivery of high-quality design documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
- Manages the project's design process and technical execution, ensuring alignment with contractual requirements, project objectives, budget, schedule, and quality standards.
- Oversees design activities through all project phases, including Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration, driving timely decision-making and issue resolution.
- Partners with the Project Executive, Project Director, and Design Manager to provide leadership for design documentation efforts, identify project risks and opportunities, and support project goals.
- Facilitates collaboration among design teams, construction teams, consultants, and client representatives to ensure effective communication, coordination, and project alignment.
- Advocates for the Owner's design intent while balancing project budget, schedule, constructability, and operational objectives.
- Supports client relationship management efforts and contributes to business development activities by fostering positive relationships with owners, architects, consultants, and industry partners.
- Develops and manages project permitting plans and schedules to support overall project milestones and requirements.
- Coordinates with BIM, VDC, and project technology teams to ensure effective integration of digital design and project delivery tools throughout the design process.
- Provides design and technical input during preconstruction, bidding, procurement, and buyout activities to support project execution and value-driven decision-making.
- Collaborates with Preconstruction and Estimating teams to support Target Value Design (TVD) initiatives, evaluate design impacts on cost, and maintain alignment with budget objectives.
- Develops Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for design services and supports the selection and procurement of architects, engineers, and specialty consultants.
- Reviews consultant proposals, scopes of work, and design deliverables to ensure completeness, quality, coordination, and alignment with project requirements.
- Develops and implements project-specific Design Quality Control Plans and conducts reviews to ensure design deliverables meet established standards.
- Provides leadership and guidance to project teams throughout the design process, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
TECHNICAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Advanced systems-thinking capability, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through complex design challenges, integrate diverse perspectives, and develop innovative solutions that optimize project outcomes, constructability, cost, schedule, and risk.
- Working knowledge of Constructability Issues and overall review process.
- Demonstrated ability to build alignment across design, construction, client, and consultant teams while providing objective leadership and independent professional judgment to drive sound decision-making and successful project outcomes.
- Working Knowledge of code requirements and appropriate applications.
- Proficiency in electronic programs including Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, AutoCAD and Revit. An understanding of 3D BIM modeling is preferred but not required.
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
- Demonstrates the ability to effectively lead, develop, and mentor teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, professional growth, and high performance.
- Exhibits exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to establish clear direction, align diverse stakeholders around shared objectives, facilitate productive discussions and decision-making, and drive successful outcomes in complex environments.
- Demonstrates sound judgment and strong decision-making capabilities, effectively evaluating risks, opportunities, and competing priorities to make timely, strategic, and well-informed decisions.
- Exhibits a strong client service mindset and stakeholder management capability, building trust and credibility while effectively balancing client expectations, project objectives, and business priorities.
- Builds and sustains strong relationships with clients, consultants, trade partners, and internal stakeholders, successfully navigating complex challenges, resolving conflicts, and driving alignment to achieve project and business goals.
- Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills, fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and engaging stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- Communicates complex technical, strategic, and business concepts with clarity and confidence, adapting messaging to diverse audiences to support understanding, alignment, and decision-making.
- Possesses strong presentation and public speaking skills, effectively representing the organization with professionalism, credibility, and executive presence in client meetings, project reviews, industry forums, and business development settings.
- Demonstrates a proactive, solutions-oriented approach, identifying opportunities for improvement and driving initiatives that enhance project performance, client satisfaction, and organizational success.
- Leads with integrity, accountability, and resilience, effectively managing change, ambiguity, and competing priorities while maintaining focus on achieving results.
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
- Licensed Architect with typically 12 years of industry experience as a technical architect.
- Proven experience in technical design development and managing design consultants and effective design documentation (Architectural, Structural, MEP/ HVAC etc.) and other relevant trades.
- Prior experience managing construction projects is preferred.
- DBIA Certification is highly preferred.
The range of base pay is $215,000-$245,000. Actual pay is based on individual skill level and experience.
Webcor is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.