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About the Role

The Workplace Design & Strategy Director is a client-facing expert who implements design strategy to win and lead workplace projects. This role involves understanding workplace strategy, processes, and data to develop and implement strategic design initiatives aligned with client goals. The Director will recruit, supervise, and mentor a team, build client relationships, and play an active role in business development and pursuits. This leader will also maintain an outward-facing profile as a workplace design thought leader and lead internal initiatives to grow the design strategy practice.

Responsibilities

Lead a multi-disciplinary team working on data-driven projects, from envisioning the future of work to optimizing global real estate portfolios.
Analyze and interpret client needs and aspirations into spatial scenarios.
Lead the creation of early-phase project delivery and content using quantitative data, benchmarking, and digital tools.
Collaborate with Design Leadership to plan, organize, direct, mentor, and coordinate project teams through all phases.
Provide technical, design, and management leadership for design concept development from pursuit through Schematic Design.
Demonstrate a collaborative and professional work ethic, motivating teams with an inclusive and positive approach.
Showcase knowledge of Interiors and Architecture Industry Best Practices, including programming, planning, and design.
Demonstrate thorough knowledge of Interior Architecture and Architectural design, leading teams through workplace planning and design concept development.
Participate in the planning, scheduling, and organization of project plans for design, technical, and project management tools.
Implement SOM standard procedures and protocols for technical, design, and management aspects of a project.
Support project document reviews and quality control in accordance with SOM’s quality control program.
Lead and deliver creative solutions to complex problems, guiding teams in research and documentation.
Participate in marketing and business development efforts, identifying opportunities to grow the practice.
Support the development of proposals articulating process, scope, and fee for workplace strategy.
Lead the development of pitch materials and client presentations.
Actively lead multiple projects, teams, and initiatives.
Serve as a firmwide resource in an area of expertise.
Directly train and mentor team members and other staff.
Develop and engage in talent strategy to find specialists and leaders for the firm.
Demonstrate leadership in implementing sustainable strategies and developing staff knowledge.
Advocate for sustainable approaches at an office-wide scale.
Create and drive new ways of working by contributing to the development of services, standards, and procedures.
Manage financial and legal risk for projects.

Requirements

Professional degree in Architecture and/or Interior Design.
Licensed in state of practice or NCIDQ Certified.
LEED accreditation preferred.
Minimum of 15 years of experience in design.
At least 5 years in a leadership role within a large or renowned design firm.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to articulate design concepts and decisions effectively.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Exceptional portfolio showcasing a variety of design projects.
General understanding of sustainable strategies and principles.
Familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.
Proficiency with data analysis, visualization, and management related to workplace performance and survey data.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking.
Enthusiastic collaborator and ability to work cross-disciplinarily.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Suite.
Proficiency in data analytic software such as Excel and Google Sheets.
Strong portfolio demonstrating command of fundamental communication design.

Skills

Workplace strategy
Design strategy
Client relationship management
Business development
Marketing
Communication
Presentation
Interpersonal skills
Data analysis
Data visualization
Data management
Workplace performance data analysis
Survey data analysis
Public speaking
Collaboration
Cross-disciplinary work
Microsoft Office
Google Workspace
Adobe Creative Suite
Excel
Google Sheets
Sustainable strategies
LEED
Interior Architecture
Architectural design
Workplace planning
Design concept development
Detailing standards
Building materials knowledge
Building systems knowledge
Building and fire codes knowledge
FF&E knowledge
Construction techniques knowledge
Market cost trends knowledge
Project planning
Project scheduling
Project organization
SOM standard procedures and protocols
Quality control
Creative problem-solving
Research and documentation
Proposal development
Pitch material development
Client presentations
Team leadership
Mentorship
Talent strategy
Financial risk management
Legal risk management

Work Type

Full-time

Experience Level

Minimum of 15 years of experience in design
At least 5 years in a leadership role

Education Level

Professional degree in Architecture and/or Interior Design
Licensed in state of practice or NCIDQ Certified
LEED accreditation preferred

Salary/Compensations

$150,000 to $200,000

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Accident insurance
Retirement support
Free access to employee assistance programs for employees and family members
Workplace flexibility
Paid holidays
Family leave
Paid time off
Reimbursement for professional licenses, certifications, and exams
Specialized, in-house career development programs
Mentorship programs

About the Company

SOM is a global practice of architects, engineers, and planners renowned for designing buildings, interiors, and public spaces that push the boundaries of technical and environmental innovation.
Interdisciplinary teams collaborate across an international network of studios to deliver projects of lasting impact.
SOM is advancing strategies to decarbonize the built environment through built work, research, and advocacy.
The practice was built to champion inclusivity of expertise, people, and ideas.
SOM cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset that equips teams to face new challenges.
The studio culture offers opportunities for mentorship, growth, and leadership across project teams, offices, and employee resource groups.

Equal Opportunity

SOM is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
SOM has been recognized with the highest ranking awarded on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.
SOM publishes an annual Impact Report as part of its ongoing commitment to advancing equity in its practice and the profession.