Director of Design

Are you a talented architect and designer with excellent mentoring skills? Do you have career aspirations to become a member of the leadership team? Are you looking to become involved with initiatives. projects, and activities that advance your career and your Firm. Then this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for!

Spiezle is a 100% employee-owned firm! When you join Spiezle as an employee-owner, this is YOUR Company. By nature, employee ownership reinforces our culture of transparency and helps fuel our entrepreneurial spirit. As an award-winning architectural and engineering design firm, we collaborate with our clients to create innovative designs, build long-term value, and contribute to our clients' lives. Since our founding in 1954, our team has generated consistent and steady growth over the years and is one of the top architectural firms in the region, and within the top 200 firms within the country. Our vision, mission, and values guide us in everything we do, and employee ownership shapes our culture. Spiezle' s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) makes us accountable not only to ourselves, but to each other. It's our company, and our actions and engagement make the difference!

Director of Design Employee-Owners wanted! Spiezle employee owners don't have jobs, but careers! The Spiezle team has earned a reputation as preeminent professionals who provide the best possible design and service. With over 135 employees and seven locations along the East Coast, we assist clients with a variety of project types across the United States. Led by our passionate thought-leaders, our work is focused on Education, Healthcare, Senior Living, Corporate, Multi-Family and Government projects.

The Director of Design (Architecture) is a leadership role responsible for championing and advancing design excellence while shaping the future of the firm's design direction. This position demands a highly creative, collaborative, and strategic professional who can guide a team of architects and designers, interface with senior management, and align design initiatives with broader company goals. This individual will bring conceptual skill, deep technical rigor, and the leadership to drive exceptional design across a wide range of project types. They will lead multidisciplinary teams through all phases of design - from early visioning to delivery - ensuring that our work is innovative, contextually responsive, and consistently excellent. This individual shall be equally comfortable sketching before of a room full of people, standing in front of a client Board, or presenting to various types of owners. As the spearhead of the design process, the Director of Design reports directly to a Principal and ensures consistency in design and messaging across all platforms and projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Lead design vision and execution on complex projects across multiple market sectors

Drive and elevate the design process from concept through construction

Lead and manage design teams, providing mentorship to the next generation of design talent, and foster a collaborative environment across all offices

Oversee the creative process from concept to final execution on multiple projects simultaneously

Ensure consistency and quality of design across all market sectors

Collaborate with project managers, production teams, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive design product and adherence to budgets and timelines

Stay up to date with industry trends and incorporate relevant innovations into design practices

Conduct quality reviews on design of projects

Present design concepts and strategies to senior management, project teams and clients

Provide constructive feedback to applicable design team members

Mentor staff and foster a culture of curiosity, critique, and craft

Support business development through proposals, interviews, and client engagement

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Bachelors or Masters Degree in Architecture from an accredited college / university

Minimum 15 years of experience, with demonstrated successfully leading project teams

Exceptional creativity and innovative vision

Architectural License (or eligibility), or other related discipline certification or license.

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Proven ability to collaborate with various project teams

Experience in a senior design role within similar market sectors as Spiezle

Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch-up, Lumion, etc.

General knowledge of AutoCAD / BIM / Revit; and Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required

Strong portfolio showcasing successful design projects

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Track record of successful project delivery on time and within budget

Proven ability to lead and inspire a team

Knowledge of the latest design trends and technologies

LEED, Well or equivalent designation in sustainable design a plus

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU!

We are an employee-owned company and YES, you will be an owner and receive stock without purchase

Competitive pay, bonus opportunities, and year-round flexible Fridays to jump start the weekend

Flexible work hours

We offer a robust and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), ESOP, Group Life & Disability, Voluntary Life, plus many more!

Professional Development opportunities that align with the Firm's leadership succession plan and / or individual development plan

Social and team building events

We encourage our employees to pursue local and professional advocacy groups

We provide the opportunity to help with pro-bono initiatives that bring design initiatives to the community