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Technical Design Associate Director
San Francisco, California

OVERVIEW:
Our client is a leading International multi-disciplinary Architectural practice consistently recognized and awarded at the highest levels for design excellence and technical innovation. The firm leverages its international expertise and in-depth knowledge of local markets through a network of culturally diverse global design studios focused on Commercial, Residential, Education, Aviation, Cultural, Sports, Health + Science, and Civic projects. Their innovative work encompasses Architecture, Interior Design, MEP/Building Services, Digital Design, Graphics, Industrial Design, Structural & Civil Engineering, Sustainable Design, Urban Design and Planning. Given the firm’s continued growth and success they are seeking a Technical Design Leader to be based in San Francisco or Los Angeles, to play a key role on projects in the U.S. and globally.

OPPORTUNITY: 
As part of a global design collective committed to shaping a better future for their clients, communities, and the planet, the Technical Design Leader will work closely with West Coast and Firmwide Leadership, leveraging their technical expertise and creativity to deliver large-scale, complex projects. With an affinity for problem solving and strong design and construction detailing, this key leader will provide technical design expertise and oversight in the development of the entire architectural design concept incorporating planning, engineering and interiors. S/he is responsible for a project’s technical design effort, subsequent detailed design development, project coordination and quality control efforts for all phases while providing major input in developing a design and building performance strategy.

The Technical Design Leader oversees the preparation of design documents and the detailed development of construction documents. Adept with the big picture and the smallest details, s/he will participate in and lead the review of design and construction documents for compliance with contract deliverables, mentor assigned Technical Associates and team members to elevate their knowledge and expertise, and oversee construction administration services.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Leads the Technical development of architectural projects in all phases and oversees the preparation of design development and construction phase services

  • Oversees project delivery efforts to establish efficient and innovative approaches to communicate design intent and scope throughout all project phases to meet Project Team requirements 

  • Manages the production resources and schedules of documentation for agreed upon deliverables

  • Supervises implementation of the Quality Management System for assigned projects. 

  • Confers with clients, consultants, contractors and others during various stages of project development

  • Leads the technical research and analysis required for the project

  • Directs team in selection and assessment of construction systems and determine the technical requirements for the project

  • Reviews deliverables for compliance with the project’s technical requirements 

  • Develops and reviews the technical specifications for the project

  • Works with the Senior Designers, Project Manager and Digital Coordinator to implement the computer management program for the project utilizing the Project BIM Execution Plan

  • Promotes digital innovation

  • Follows the HPD process and oversees tracking and submission of appropriate data for project milestones

  • When applicable, organizes and leads the design team’s construction phase services scope including, but not limited to the following:

    • • Establishes with the Project Team the Construction Phase Services procedures for the project based on contract requirements and monitors compliance of agreed upon protocols

    • • Attends construction meeting, testing mockups, etc.

  • Participates in local and firm-wide Technical Design Committees and makes meaningful contribution to the advancement of activities led by these groups

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Actively leads projects, teams and initiatives

  • Directly trains and mentors team members and, more broadly, architectural, engineers, interiors, planning and graphics staff in the office and at large as appropriate

  • Directly supervises staff and is committed to direct reports’ professional development

  • Develops and engages in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm through recruitment, resume reviews and interviews

  • Actively engages in internal and external professional development opportunities

  • Develops and/or manages, in collaboration with team members, a clear and consistent work plan to achieve the project budget, deliverables, and schedule

  • Demonstrates leadership in the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge

  • Coordinates and supports business development, public relations, and marketing opportunities

  • Leads in the development of standards, policies, and procedures

  • Protects firm from financial and legal risk

  • Effective at communicating and promoting the work of the firm

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Professional degree in Architecture

  • Licensed in state of practice

  • 15+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in all phases of architecture and substantial experience in the design of large-scale, complex projects

  • Demonstrates thorough knowledge of architectural design, delineation, detailing, building material, building codes, construction techniques and costs

  • Demonstrates thorough knowledge of general architectural practice including programming, site planning, civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering

  • Demonstrates awareness of latest A/E/C initiatives, technologies and processes

  • Responsible for the Technical Development of the project, for the preparation of construction documents and administration of the project through construction

  • Strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills with the ability to develop rapport with all level of employees, clients, consultants and vendors

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite

  • Familiarity with Revit and demonstrates practical understanding of the application of digital tools such as Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Navisworks, Ladybug, etc.