Design Director

Your Role

The Design Director 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 the Architecture & 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
- German market experience
- 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
- Fluency in English & German required

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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