Job Abstract

Your Role 

As a Design Director in our Oakland Workplace Studio, you are an innovative and award-winning designer who is a passionate in collaborating with our commercial clients to develop overall design concepts, formulate design presentation strategies and provide creative and process driven leadership to multiple design teams through all phases of projects. This role will provide you with an opportunity to work with some of the most innovative companies in the region and demonstrate your strengths in conceptual design, workplace planning, and knowledge of specialty architectural environments.   

The ideal candidate will have proven skills in establishing/developing design schemes and leading/coordinating design teams for interior architectural projects. Candidates must have significant knowledge of commercial furniture and finishes. Effective communication and presentation skills are required.  

Our vision is to reimagine the future of where we live, work and play through the power of design. Together, we have the opportunity to extend Gensler’s sphere of influence well beyond the place and spaces we create to positively impact our communities. 

What You Will Do 

• Leading design efforts through all phases of Workplace interior projects including guiding, advising, and mentoring other designers on projects, developing design directions and leading design critiques/forums 

• Acting as primary design interface with clients, selecting interior finishes, furniture and equipment 

• Overseeing the production of space plans, furniture plans, elevations, conceptual and finished design presentation documentation 

• Providing solutions to design problems and generate design alternatives 

• Reviewing drawings, mockups, materials, and finish samples submitted by internal teams as well as project contractors, delivering the highest quality of professional service 

• Client management, project organization, project start-up, and the development of new business in the market sector.  

• Work in collaboration with other regional Gensler leaders within multiple Practice Areas or focused within one growth Practice Area  

• Collaborate and deliver project solutions based on market expertise and deep understanding of client goals 

• Lead design presentations and interviews with clients, contractors, and agencies, as well as engineering and specialty consultants 

• Work closely with office leadership to identify and recruit best-in-class talent 

• Actively mentor staff in their growth in the design profession 

• Work with office and regional leadership in business development efforts to grow our practice in the Northwest region by developing new relationships and expanding existing client relationships while diversifying our lines of work 

• Strengthen our market reputation through thought leadership and a differentiated points of view 

• Participate in public speaking engagements at industry events and conference presentations, author publications and increase awareness through active social media outlets 

Your Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Architecture, Design or Interior Design. 

• Licensure of NCIDQ or Registered Architect 

• Ideal candidate will possess 15+ years of the design of Workplace interior projects, inclusive of 5 or more years’ experience in an architecture and design firm in marketing, client development, and/or management of a studio, practice group, or regional office.  

• Adept at storytelling, engaging as a communicator and inspiring with an energetic personality 

• Passionate about empowering and nurturing creative teams and to lead by example.  

• Exceptional and innovative designer who sees every project with fresh eyes.  

• Strong presentation skills with the ability to be articulate and convincing in interviews and other presentation 

• Demonstrated experience developing and cultivating relationships with new and existing clients 

• Substantial experience working directly with senior management representatives, facilities and project managers, and other project stakeholders leading planning studies to achieve programmatic requirements 

• Leadership experience, including managing client expectations, multi-disciplinary teams, and meeting scope/schedule/budget 

• Advanced knowledge of the architectural planning and design process, code requirements and design of building systems such as structural and MEP systems. 

• Skilled at developing and motivating teams of people both internally and externally, along with a desire to mentor team members 

• Demonstrated commitment to resilience and sustainable building practices required.? Experience must include completed works that focus on sustainable solutions, carbon neutral goals, Well/Fit/LEED accredited projects, and/or net-zero design. 

Life at Gensler 
 
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions 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, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

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.