Design Director

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly organized, creative leader to join MBH as a Design Director. This individual will play a key role in developing and executing innovative design strategy and will focus on retail, restaurant, and hospitality design concepts for our clients.

This role requires a strong understanding of retail and restaurant design principles, technical expertise, and the ability to manage projects from concept to completion. The ideal candidate is a passionate designer with excellent communication and collaboration skills.

MBH is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. To request a reasonable accommodation during the interview process, please email resumes@mbharch.com.

What You'll Do

Design Development :

Develop innovative and functional design concepts that meet client objectives and brand standards

Create compelling design presentations, including renderings, sketches, and mood boards

Collaborate with the Client’s design team to refine and develop design concepts

Stay current on retail and restaurant design trends, materials, and technologies

Technical Expertise :

Oversee schematic-level construction documents, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and details

Ensure projects comply with building codes and regulations

Project / Client Management :

Develop project timelines and budgets for multiple design projects simultaneously, and manage these projects to ensure they are delivered on time and within budget

Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, managing their expectations to ensure satisfaction

Provide space planning, interior elevations, and other visuals based on the client’s design standards and specific site conditions

Present design concepts and proposals to clients

Address client feedback and incorporate changes into designs

Identify & negotiate additional services with the client in a timely manner

Assist with developing proposals and reviewing contracts

Coordinate with internal stakeholders for timely deliverables

Ability to direct the internal team on producing design documents that convey the design intent

Collaboration & Communication :

Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing and operations

Communicate design vision and concepts clearly and effectively to both internal and external stakeholders

Participate in team meetings and design reviews

Marketing & Business Development :

Lead and actively participate in business development initiatives to secure new design projects for the studio, including identifying opportunities, networking, and developing client relationships

Drive the strategic growth of Design opportunities within the retail and restaurant studio by identifying emerging market trends, cultivating new client segments, and expanding service offerings

Collaborate with firm leadership and marketing teams to create compelling proposals, presentations, and promotional materials that showcase MBH’s design capabilities and unique value proposition

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

Progressive career experience from Design Professional to Design Director, experience working at an Architectural firm as a Design Manager / Director

Experience leading a team of Designers & the ability to develop and grow a junior staff

Knowledge of design software, including Revit, Sketchup, Bluebeam, Enscape, and Rhino

Advanced knowledge of building codes and accessibility requirements, and the ability to implement them into construction drawings

Excellent project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects

Experience or ability to grow a design studio

Experience effectively presenting design concepts at industry conferences, including a track record of successful speaking proposal submissions

Ability to influence client stakeholders to align on design decisions

Strong leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and collaboration skills

Ability to travel on an as needed basis

The ability to work across multiple offices and time zones

Nice to have :

LEED accreditation and experience

About MBH Architects

MBH Architects offers the best of both worlds : the resources of a top-tier firm with the supportive culture of a close-knit team. With offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, Denver, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, we provide hybrid flexibility and global reach.

Our success is built on meaningful collaboration and continuous education. Through integrated services (architecture, environmental graphics, fixture and interior design), we deliver world-class projects, including multi-family housing, labs, retail experiences for iconic brands, and many more. We believe great work happens when people feel supported and inspired.

What sets us apart? A strong sense of community, dedication to sustainability and social impact, and a culture that celebrates creativity and connection—whether through design competitions or our legendary waffle-offs.

If you are passionate about your work, and strive for excellence in everything you do, MBH Architects could be the perfect fit for you.

MBH participates in EVerify for all of our US hires and follows applicable local and national hiring laws for all of our locations.

Compensation Range : $155K - $180K