Architect Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Architect Design Manager

Company: Dabri, Inc

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Construction Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-05

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end architectural and engineering design process for capital improvement projects within a public agency context.

• Manage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring adherence to functional program requirements, stringent budgetary constraints, and all legal and environmental regulations.

• Coordinate effectively with internal stakeholders, external architects, and engineering consultants to drive project success from conceptualization through to completion.

• Ensure all designs align with established District standards and guidelines, maintaining a high level of quality and value for public facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Architect Design Manager" and the core responsibilities focus on architectural and engineering design oversight, the context of managing "capital projects" and "facilities design" for a "District" (likely a public entity) indicates a strong operational component. This role bridges design strategy with project execution, requiring a blend of technical architectural knowledge and robust project management and operational oversight skills. The target audience for this enhanced description will be operations professionals who have experience managing complex construction or facilities projects from a design and administrative perspective.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the District's architectural and engineering (A&E) services design process, ensuring comprehensive compliance with functional program, budgetary allocations, environmental mandates, and legal frameworks.

• Oversee the strategic execution of multiple projects, including critical repair initiatives, by fostering seamless interaction and collaboration among architects, consultants, and District personnel to guarantee on-time project delivery.

• Direct the building design process to ensure strict adherence to District-specific standards and operational guidelines, in close collaboration with design professionals and District administrators.

• Establish and rigorously implement a systematic process for identifying and selecting architectural firms based on demonstrated qualifications, past performance, and suitability for specific project needs.

• Provide clear, consistent, and actionable direction to architectural teams regarding project objectives, scope, standards, site-specific requirements, timelines, and budget parameters.

• Develop and maintain an effective design review framework to meticulously assess and confirm that all designs align with the overarching goals and strategic objectives of each individual project.

• Ensure projects deliver maximum value and utility within approved budgets, effectively meeting the diverse functional requirements of the District, the local community, and environmental sustainability goals.

• Conduct thorough reviews of proposed design changes to proactively identify and mitigate potential impacts on project budgets, ensuring financial control.

• Continuously monitor project planning and design status, compiling and presenting detailed findings, strategic recommendations, and critical project updates to relevant stakeholders.

• Perform all other assigned duties that contribute to the successful management and execution of A&E projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are directly from the source. They have been rephrased slightly for clarity and to emphasize the operational aspects of managing design processes, budgets, and stakeholder coordination, aligning with the broader scope of operations management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering.

• A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board OR a valid Professional Engineer license by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of full-time paid professional experience managing facilities design or the planning and coordination of capital projects, encompassing overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling.

• Minimum 4 years of experience specifically in the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects. Required Skills:

• Architectural Design Management: Proven ability to manage and oversee the architectural design lifecycle for complex projects.

• Capital Project Planning & Coordination: Expertise in planning, coordinating, and executing large-scale capital improvement programs.

• Contract Administration: Strong understanding of contract negotiation, management, and oversight for A&E services.

• Cost Estimating & Budget Management: Proficiency in developing, reviewing, and managing project budgets and cost estimates.

• Project Scheduling & Timeline Management: Skill in creating, monitoring, and optimizing project schedules to ensure timely completion.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Ability to effectively liaise with internal teams, external consultants, regulatory bodies, and community stakeholders.

• Compliance & Standards Adherence: Deep knowledge of functional program requirements, environmental regulations, legal mandates, and adherence to District standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Public Agency Project Experience: Specific experience with educational facilities or similar public sector projects.

• Engineering Repair Management: Experience overseeing the design and execution of critical engineering repair projects.

• Design Review Process Optimization: Ability to establish and refine efficient and effective design review methodologies.

• Risk Management: Proactive identification and mitigation of design and project-related risks.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Experience guiding and developing design teams and consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications were extracted directly. The "Required Skills" and "Preferred Skills" sections have been populated by inferring key competencies from the "Key Responsibilities" and "Minimum Qualifications" provided, ensuring they are relevant to operations and project management in this context. The "Experience" section has been clarified to highlight the progressive nature of the experience requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Demonstrate successful management of multiple architectural/engineering design projects from initiation to completion, highlighting scope, budget, and schedule adherence.

• Budget & Cost Control Examples: Showcase instances where you effectively managed project budgets, performed cost estimations, and controlled design-related expenditures.

• Design Review Documentation: Provide examples of design review processes you've implemented or managed, including how feedback was incorporated and decisions were documented.

• Consultant Selection & Management: Illustrate your process for selecting and managing architectural and engineering consultants, including contract oversight.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase experience in defining, documenting, and optimizing workflows for architectural and engineering design processes within a public sector or large organizational framework.

• Standardization & Compliance: Demonstrate your ability to develop and enforce organizational standards (e.g., District standards) and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements through documented processes.

• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Provide examples of how you've established metrics and reporting mechanisms to track the progress, quality, and compliance of design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred based on the role's responsibilities, which heavily involve managing processes, coordinating external partners, and ensuring compliance. A professional in this role would be expected to demonstrate their process management capabilities through a portfolio. The requirements are tailored to highlight operations-centric aspects like workflow optimization, standardization, and performance monitoring.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $135,000 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance coverage.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual.

• Paid Holidays throughout the year.

• Opportunities for Professional Development, including training and continuing education relevant to architectural and project management fields. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Los Angeles office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits were directly extracted from the provided JSON. The working hours have been clarified to reflect the "40" hours and the "On-site" work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consulting (Program and Construction Management, Engineering Support, Project Controls, Cost Estimating, Scheduling, Environmental Compliance, QA/QC Oversight)

Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data is missing, but Dabri, Inc. states they have been supporting public agencies since 2001, implying a well-established firm with a significant project portfolio. Based on typical consulting firm structures supporting public infrastructure, it's likely a medium to large-sized organization.

Founded: 2001. Dabri, Inc. has a long history of supporting complex public infrastructure and capital improvement programs.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The team likely comprises experienced professionals in program management, construction management, engineering, project controls, and specialized support functions.

• Reporting: The Architect Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive in Program Management or a similar leadership role responsible for the District's capital projects.

• Collaboration: Expect extensive cross-functional collaboration with internal project managers, engineers, legal counsel, procurement teams, and external architectural/engineering firms, contractors, and District administrators.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Project Execution: Emphasis on using data from cost estimating, scheduling, and QA/QC to inform decisions and manage projects.

• Process Standardization: Development and adherence to standardized processes for design, procurement, and construction management to ensure consistency and quality across diverse projects.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages joint efforts between internal teams and external partners to resolve complex project challenges efficiently.

Company Website: http://dabri.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information was extracted from the provided JSON and the "About Us" section. The "Company Size" is an inference based on the company's longevity and scope of services. The "Team Structure" and "Methodology" sections are inferred based on the nature of the business and the role's responsibilities within the operations and project management domain.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, requiring extensive experience and a high degree of autonomy. It sits at the intersection of technical design expertise and strategic operations management within the capital projects domain. The role demands leadership in guiding design processes and ensuring operational efficiency and compliance for public infrastructure.

Reporting Structure: The Architect Design Manager likely reports to a Director or Vice President of Program Management or Capital Projects, overseeing a portfolio of significant public works. This position acts as a key liaison between the District's operational needs and the technical execution of A&E services.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the District's ability to deliver essential public infrastructure and facilities. Successful management of the design process ensures that projects are built to last, meet community needs, remain within budget, and comply with all regulations, directly contributing to the District's operational effectiveness and public service mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher executive roles within Program Management or Capital Projects, overseeing larger portfolios or broader operational functions.

• Specialized Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as sustainable design, complex facility types (e.g., hospitals, airports), or advanced project controls.

• Mentorship & Training: Potential to mentor junior design managers or project engineers, contributing to the development of future operations leaders within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred based on the "Experience Level" (10+ years), the seniority implied by "Manager" in the title, and the critical nature of the responsibilities in a public sector context. The growth opportunities are typical for senior operations and project management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role requiring regular presence at the company's Los Angeles office. This suggests a traditional office setting where collaboration and direct supervision are prioritized.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, CA. This location offers access to a major metropolitan hub with diverse infrastructure projects and a large professional talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close interaction with internal teams and external partners, suggesting an office setup that supports meetings, design reviews, and collaborative work sessions.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technology, project management software, and potentially specialized architectural/engineering design software and platforms.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct communication and problem-solving with project teams, consultants, and management.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, aligning with the "FULL_TIME" employment type.

• While the core hours are set, the nature of managing complex projects may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical deadlines or address urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred based on the "On-site" remote status and the general context of a consulting firm operating in a major city like Los Angeles. The focus is on how the physical workspace supports the operational demands of the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess minimum qualifications, experience, and licensing.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion on architectural design management principles, capital project planning, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling. Expect questions on managing consultants and ensuring compliance with standards.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of selected projects from your portfolio, focusing on your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved, particularly concerning design process management and operational efficiency.

• Behavioral & Situational Assessment: Questions assessing leadership style, problem-solving abilities, stakeholder management, and ability to work within a public agency framework.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term vision for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Operational Impact: Highlight projects where your management of the design process led to tangible operational benefits, such as cost savings, schedule adherence, improved functionality, or enhanced compliance.

• Detail Your Process: Clearly articulate your methodologies for consultant selection, design review, budget management, and risk mitigation. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., "managed a $50M capital program with 98% on-budget delivery," "reduced design review cycle time by 15%").

• California Public Sector Focus: Emphasize experience with public agencies, educational facilities, or similar entities, highlighting your understanding of their unique procurement, compliance, and operational needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Analysis: Be prepared to analyze a hypothetical project scenario, outlining your approach to managing design, identifying potential risks, and proposing solutions that align with District standards and operational goals.

• Process Improvement Proposal: You might be asked to propose improvements to an existing design process or workflow, demonstrating your understanding of operational efficiency and best practices.

• Stakeholder Communication Scenarios: Practice articulating complex technical and operational information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred based on the seniority of the role and the nature of managing design processes within a structured organization. The advice focuses on demonstrating operational management skills and the ability to present complex project information effectively, which is crucial for senior operations roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard platforms for tracking project progress, managing tasks, and facilitating communication (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, MS Project).

• CAD & BIM Software: Familiarity with viewing and interpreting architectural and engineering designs produced in AutoCAD, Revit, or similar BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms.

• Cost Estimating Software: Experience with software used for developing and managing project cost estimates (e.g., RSMeans, CostX, specialized internal tools).

• Scheduling Software: Expertise in using tools like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project for developing and managing complex project schedules.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data from various sources to inform decisions and generate reports.

• Reporting Platforms: Experience creating reports on project status, budget adherence, and compliance for senior management and stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Communication & Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or email clients for effective day-to-day communication and team coordination.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation and design files.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred based on the "Architect Design Manager" title and the responsibilities involving A&E services, capital projects, cost estimating, and scheduling. The tools listed are standard for professionals managing design and construction operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Delivery: A commitment to high-quality project outcomes that meet or exceed functional, budgetary, and compliance requirements.

• Integrity & Transparency: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with consultants, stakeholders, and public funds, ensuring transparent communication.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where internal teams and external partners work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency & Value: A focus on optimizing processes and resource allocation to deliver maximum value for public investment.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing feedback and data to refine processes, enhance project delivery, and adapt to evolving industry standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Directive: Engaging actively with design teams and consultants to provide clear direction and anticipate potential issues.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with various internal departments (e.g., legal, finance, operations) to ensure alignment and integrated project execution.

• Constructive Feedback Loop: Establishing a culture of open communication where feedback on designs and processes is provided and received constructively to drive improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred based on the company's stated mission (supporting public agencies, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance) and the nature of a senior management role in a consulting firm. The values and collaboration style are typical for organizations focused on public sector project delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the requirements and expectations of various internal departments, external consultants, community members, and regulatory bodies.

• Navigating Public Procurement & Regulations: Adhering to complex public agency procurement processes, legal requirements, and environmental regulations that can impact design and project timelines.

• Ensuring Budgetary Discipline on Complex Projects: Maintaining strict control over budgets for large-scale capital projects where unforeseen issues can arise, requiring proactive cost management and change order review.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Design & Construction Technologies: Integrating new technologies and sustainable design practices into projects while adhering to established District standards and operational constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Pursuing certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or specialized construction management credentials.

• Public Sector Operations Training: Participating in workshops or courses focused on public agency project delivery, procurement, and compliance.

• Leadership Development Programs: Engaging in programs designed to enhance strategic thinking, team leadership, and executive communication skills.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending events focused on architectural trends, sustainable design, construction innovation, and public infrastructure development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are inferred based on the role's responsibilities and the context of public sector capital projects. Growth opportunities are typical for senior management roles in operations and project management, focusing on skill enhancement and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for selecting an architectural firm for a complex public facility project. What are the key criteria you prioritize, and how do you ensure a good operational fit?" (Focus on methodology, operational alignment, and risk assessment.)

• "How do you manage conflicting priorities and feedback from diverse stakeholders (e.g., District administrators, community groups, technical consultants) during the design phase?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills.)

• "Walk me through a challenging project where design changes significantly impacted the budget or schedule. How did you identify, assess, and manage these changes operationally?" (Prepare a specific case study demonstrating budget/schedule control and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Dabri, Inc. and our work with public agencies, how would you ensure our design projects align with both operational efficiency and community needs?" (Research Dabri's mission and project types; articulate your operational philosophy.)

• "Describe a time you had to enforce a strict standard or guideline that was unpopular. How did you communicate its importance and ensure compliance?" (Demonstrate your ability to uphold standards and manage resistance.)

• "How do you measure the success of a design project beyond just completion? What operational metrics do you track?" (Focus on value delivery, compliance, functionality, and long-term operational impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role and responsibilities, the operational challenges, the solutions you implemented (especially regarding design process management), and the quantifiable results (budget, schedule, quality, compliance).

• Highlight Process & Operations: Emphasize the how – your methodologies for managing the design process, coordinating teams, controlling costs, and ensuring compliance. This is where you demonstrate your operations expertise.

• Visual Aids: Use clear visuals, flowcharts, or timelines to illustrate complex processes or project structures. For budget-focused examples, consider simple charts showing planned vs. actual costs.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific decisions, unforeseen issues, and how you leveraged operational data to make informed choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are crafted to probe the candidate's operational management capabilities, strategic thinking, and ability to apply them within the context of architectural design and public sector projects, aligning with the inferred requirements of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Architect Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Dabri's careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in facilities design management, capital project planning, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling, using keywords from the job description (e.g., "architectural design management," "public agency projects," "budget management"). Quantify your achievements with specific numbers and project scopes.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your ability to manage architectural and engineering design processes, control budgets, meet schedules, and ensure compliance, particularly within public sector or educational facility contexts. Be ready to articulate your specific role and operational contributions.

• Research Dabri, Inc.: Familiarize yourself with their project portfolio, company mission, and the types of public agencies they serve. Understand their approach to program and construction management.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clearly explaining your operational methodologies, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your project management on successful outcomes.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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