Design Director

Design Director

Reports To Managing Director  (or designated supervisor indicated in dwp organization chart)

Position Description

The Design Director provides creative leadership and strategic direction for design projects, ensuring alignment with dwp's design philosophy, client needs, and project goals. They lead and mentor design teams, oversee the design process from concept to completion, and collaborate with other departments to ensure project success and client satisfaction. The Design Director champions design excellence and innovation, including integrating AI tools and workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Architecture or Interior Design (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum 7 years of experience in architectural/interior design, with a focus on Specific Area e.g., corporate office, hospitality, etc.
• Proven track record of leading and successfully delivering design projects.
• Strong design portfolio demonstrating creative and innovative design solutions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to develop and articulate a clear design vision.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Adaptability and willingness to integrate new technologies, including AI, into design workflows.
• Capabilities to utilize AI tools, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI.
• Collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Communication skills (written, verbal, and visual), excellent.
• Experience with BIM software (e.g., Revit, ) and related tools.
• Google Workspace proficiency.
• Interpersonal and leadership skills, strong.
• Knowledge of design principles, building codes, and construction methods.
• Presentation skills, excellent.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in design presentation tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Enscape, Lumion, Twinmotion, Marq).

Responsibilities

1.  Design Leadership and Vision

• Provide creative direction and leadership for all design projects within the studio/portfolio.
• Ensure alignment of design solutions with dwp's design philosophy, brand identity, and client requirements.
• Mentor and guide design teams, fostering creativity and innovation.
• Review and approve design concepts, presentations, and documentation.
• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in design.

2.  Project Oversight and Management

• Oversee the design process from initial concept to completion. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to establish project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Conduct regular design reviews and provide constructive feedback to project teams.
• Monitor project progress and address any design-related issues or challenges.
• Ensure compliance with relevant building codes, regulations, and sustainability standards.

3.  Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of designers (senior designers, designers, and potentially junior staff).
• Provide regular performance feedback and conduct performance reviews.
• Identify training and development needs for the design team.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive studio environment.
• Assist in recruiting and onboarding new design team members.
  

4.  Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate effectively with other departments (business development, marketing, project management, finance) to ensure project success.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with clients, presenting design concepts, gathering feedback, and managing expectations.
• Represent dwp at client meetings, presentations, and industry events.

5.  Marketing and Business Development Support

• Collaborate with the business development team to prepare proposals and presentations.
• Contribute to the development of marketing materials showcasing dwp's design capabilities.
• Provide project information and updates for use in the company's CRM system (HubSpot) and marketing materials.

6.  Administration

• Prepare regular reports to the Managing Director on design and studio performance.
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with dwp policies.

7.  Quality Assurance

• Ensure that all design work meets dwp's quality standards and client expectations.
• Implement and maintain design review processes.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the design team.

8. AI Integration

• Adaptability and willingness to integrate new technologies, including AI, into workflows.
• Capabilities to utilize AI tools, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI, to enhance efficiency and innovation. 
• Design exploration and visualization Using AI to generate design options, create visualizations, and explore different aesthetic styles. 
• Information gathering and synthesis Employing AI to research building codes, gather project data, and summarize complex information. 
• Process optimization Leveraging AI to streamline project workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and improve collaboration. 
• Problem-solving and innovation Utilizing AI to analyze design challenges, identify potential solutions, and generate new ideas