Architectural Design Manager | Multifamily

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Architectural Design Manager | Multifamily

Company: Corgan

Location: Dallas, Texas, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Architecture & Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-22T15:23:17.156

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead innovative architectural design processes for multifamily projects, ensuring alignment with firm-wide design principles and brand objectives.

• Drive the development and implementation of effective and cutting-edge design solutions, leveraging firm-specific innovation tools and methodologies.

• Oversee and mentor project design teams, fostering a culture of design excellence, technical proficiency, and collaborative problem-solving.

• Serve as a subject matter expert on building systems, code implications, and industry best practices, guiding project teams towards successful outcomes.

• Engage directly with clients, presenting designs and maintaining strong relationships throughout the project lifecycle, from concept to construction administration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior management position within the architectural design function, specifically focused on the multifamily sector. The emphasis on "leading the design process," "challenging the project team," and "promoting design excellence" indicates a strong leadership component, requiring not just technical design skills but also the ability to inspire and guide others. The mention of "innovation tools" and "firm's design principles" suggests a structured design approach within Corgan.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct the overall design strategy and execution for multifamily architectural projects, under the guidance of Studio and Sector Design Directors.

• Lead the conceptualization, development, and refinement of innovative and relevant design solutions, utilizing Corgan's established design approach and innovation tools.

• Foster a collaborative environment within the studio, working alongside other designers and managers to uphold and advance the firm's core design principles and quality standards.

• Provide expert guidance on major building systems, code requirements, and regulatory implications across various building types relevant to multifamily developments.

• Oversee the work of Project Designers, ensuring the timely and accurate production of design materials, including functional concepts, imagery, schedules, and budget considerations.

• Actively participate in client presentations, developing and honing communication skills to effectively convey design intent and rationale.

• Collaborate with Principal-in-Charge (PIC) and Studio Design Directors to augment project teams, offering design intent interpretations and troubleshooting support during the Construction Administration phase.

• Champion the implementation of sustainable design methods and ensure familiarity and appropriate use of tools like AIA’s 2030 DDX.

• Mentor and guide project team members, providing constructive feedback, coaching, and reinforcement to support their professional development and project success.

• Stay abreast of current global design trends, industry best practices, regulatory changes, and construction innovations, integrating this knowledge into project work and team guidance.

• Identify opportunities for the adoption of new technologies in project production and communication, enhancing efficiency and design quality.

• Cultivate high-level design and planning excellence through rigorous facility requirements analysis, conceptual design, systems integration, and effective teamwork.

• Ensure strict adherence to all applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards throughout the design and documentation process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of high-level design leadership, project management, team mentorship, and technical expertise. The expectation to be an "industry expert" in building systems and code implies a deep technical foundation beyond schematic design. The emphasis on client interaction and presentation skills is also a key component of this senior role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Professional degree in Architecture or Interior Design.

Experience: 10+ years in the Architectural design industry, with a mandatory requirement for Multifamily project experience.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of exceptional design work in multifamily projects, with demonstrated success in built and published projects.

• Strong leadership capabilities, with experience in consistently creating and leading teams that produce high-quality architectural designs.

• Expertise in architectural design principles and methodologies, with a deep understanding of the multifamily housing sector.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Revit, and a strong command of Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Comprehensive knowledge of building codes, regulations, and major building systems relevant to multifamily residential architecture.

• Demonstrated ability to perform facility requirements analysis, conceptual design, and systems integration.

• Excellent programming and strategic planning skills for architectural projects.

• Proven experience in mentoring and guiding junior design staff.

• Familiarity with sustainable design methods and tools such as AIA’s 2030 DDX. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design and implementation of 3D modeling programs such as SketchUp.

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite for design visualization and presentation.

• Familiarity with current global design trends relevant to Corgan’s market sectors.

• Demonstrated track record of pursuing and achieving design awards and publications for projects where they played a primary role.

• Experience in public speaking on areas of architectural expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a senior-level professional with substantial experience specifically in multifamily design. The requirement for a "built and published track record" and "pursuing design awards" suggests that Corgan values recognized excellence and industry impact. The blend of technical software proficiency with soft skills like leadership and client presentation is critical for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of high-quality multifamily architectural projects that showcase exceptional design innovation, problem-solving, and aesthetic execution.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating leadership in guiding design teams, managing project lifecycles, and achieving project objectives from concept through construction administration.

• Evidence of successful application of sustainable design principles and integration of relevant building systems and code compliance.

• Documentation illustrating proficiency with Revit and other design visualization tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp) in presenting complex design solutions effectively.

• Examples of client presentations and engagement strategies that highlight strong communication and persuasive skills. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have implemented Corgan's design process or similar structured methodologies to achieve design and brand objectives.

• Illustrate your approach to using innovation tools and technologies to enhance design quality and efficiency.

• Provide documentation or descriptions of how you've managed design intent interpretation and troubleshooting during the Construction Administration phase.

• Demonstrate your ability to analyze facility requirements and integrate complex systems into cohesive architectural designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior design role like this, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just pretty pictures to demonstrate leadership, process, technical acumen, and business impact (e.g., award-winning projects, client satisfaction). The emphasis on "process documentation" indicates a need to show how the candidate structures their work and leads teams through defined architectural processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Architectural Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in Dallas, TX, the estimated salary range is approximately $110,000 - $150,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specified experience level, the specialized multifamily sector focus, and the cost of living in Dallas.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education credits (e.g., for AIA requirements).

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit sharing.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

• Firm-sponsored social events and team-building activities promoting camaraderie.

Working Hours: This is a full-time, on-site position requiring 40 hours per week during standard business hours (Monday through Friday).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for a senior-level architectural role in a major metropolitan area like Dallas. Actual compensation can vary based on Corgan's specific compensation structure, the candidate's precise qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits are typical for a firm of Corgan's size and industry, focusing on employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Design, and Planning. Corgan is a prominent architecture firm with a significant presence in the commercial, multifamily residential, and sports sectors.

Company Size: Corgan is a large firm, indicated by its extensive website and the depth of its project portfolio. It likely employs several hundred professionals across multiple offices.

Founded: Corgan was founded in 1938. This long history suggests a stable, established firm with a deep understanding of the architectural industry and a commitment to long-term client relationships and professional development.

Team Structure:

• The Multifamily team at Corgan likely comprises a mix of senior design directors, project managers, project designers, architectural staff, and potentially support roles.

• This role reports to Studio and Sector Design Directors, indicating a hierarchical structure where senior leadership sets strategic direction and design vision.

• Collaboration is emphasized, suggesting cross-functional interaction with project managers, technical specialists, and potentially marketing or business development teams. Methodology:

• Corgan emphasizes a "curious, passionate, hardworking" culture focused on "great design" and "building each other."

• The firm promotes an "in-office work environment" that fosters "camaraderie and collaboration," providing "significant career advantages" through shared learning and mentorship.

• A structured design process is implied, utilizing "firm's design approach and innovation tools" to achieve "design and brand objectives."

• The firm values "technical and professional excellence" and encourages the use of "new technologies relating to project production and communications."

Company Website: http://www.corgan.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Corgan's culture appears to be a blend of high-performance design excellence and a supportive, collaborative internal environment. The emphasis on "in-office" work is a key differentiator, suggesting a strong belief in the benefits of in-person collaboration for design and team development. The firm's longevity and stated values point to a professional and growth-oriented workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior management level within the architectural design discipline. It requires a deep technical foundation in architecture, specialized knowledge in the multifamily sector, and proven leadership experience. The responsibilities involve strategic design direction, team leadership, client engagement, and mentorship.

Reporting Structure: The Architectural Design Manager | Multifamily will report to Studio and Sector Design Directors. This indicates a clear chain of command within Corgan's design leadership structure. The role also directly oversees Project Designers.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the quality, innovation, and success of Corgan's multifamily projects. By leading design teams and ensuring adherence to design principles and standards, this manager contributes to Corgan's reputation, client satisfaction, project awards, and ultimately, its revenue and market position in the multifamily sector. Their expertise in building systems and codes also ensures project viability and risk mitigation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Studio Design Director, Sector Design Director, or other senior leadership roles within Corgan, taking on broader strategic responsibilities.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become an even more recognized expert in multifamily design or to explore other Corgan market sectors for diversification.

• Mentorship & Training: Continued development of leadership and mentoring skills, potentially contributing to Corgan's internal training programs and professional development initiatives.

• Industry Influence: Opportunity to contribute to industry publications, speaking engagements, and design award submissions, enhancing personal and firm reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical step for architects looking to move into senior design leadership and management. The growth path is clearly defined within Corgan's established structure, offering opportunities for both increased responsibility and industry recognition. The focus on mentorship and impact highlights Corgan's investment in developing its talent.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corgan emphasizes an "in-office work environment" that fosters "camaraderie and collaboration." This suggests a traditional office setting designed to encourage interaction and spontaneous collaboration among team members.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Dallas, TX. Corgan has multiple offices, but this specific position is tied to their Dallas operations.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to support collaboration, with opportunities for team members to interact closely on projects.

• Access to necessary design tools, technology, and potentially shared resources for 3D modeling, rendering, and documentation will be available.

• The environment encourages curiosity and creativity, providing a supportive atmosphere for design exploration and problem-solving.

• Regular interaction with a diverse team of designers, project managers, and leadership is expected.

Work Schedule: The role requires a commitment of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, during standard business hours. This is a full-time, on-site position with no remote work flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "in-office" environment is a defining characteristic of Corgan's work culture. Applicants should expect a highly collaborative and interactive workspace, designed to maximize face-to-face interaction and team synergy, which is seen as crucial for design excellence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly for multifamily projects.

• Hiring Manager/Studio Director Interview: A discussion focused on your design philosophy, leadership experience, project management approach, and understanding of Corgan's design principles. Expect questions about your experience with multifamily projects and your ability to lead design teams.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with other designers and managers from the multifamily studio. This stage assesses your collaborative style, technical expertise, and cultural fit within the team. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Presentation/Design Challenge: A potential requirement to present a design case study from your portfolio or participate in a design exercise. This will assess your presentation skills, ability to articulate design intent, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Final Interview: With senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm alignment with Corgan's strategic goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Focus on your strongest multifamily projects. Ensure projects clearly demonstrate your leadership, innovative design solutions, technical proficiency (Revit, 3D modeling), and understanding of sustainable design and code compliance.

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight your role in leading design teams, managing client relationships, and driving projects from conception to completion. Use clear descriptions of your responsibilities and impact.

• Detail Your Process: Explain your design methodology for each project. How did you approach programming, conceptualization, systems integration, and problem-solving? Use diagrams or workflow examples where appropriate.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs, such as awards, publications, client satisfaction, or efficiency gains.

• Tailor to Corgan: Research Corgan's multifamily projects and design aesthetic. Highlight aspects of your work that align with their known style and values. Be prepared to discuss how your approach complements their existing work.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. A digital format (PDF or online platform) is standard.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Corgan's Work: Familiarize yourself with Corgan's portfolio, especially their multifamily projects. Identify their design characteristics, approach to sustainability, and common project typologies.

• Rehearse Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your design philosophy, leadership style, and career trajectory concisely. Practice explaining complex design decisions and project challenges clearly and compellingly.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Brush up on multifamily building systems, current code requirements, and sustainable design strategies. Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Revit and other relevant software.

• Anticipate Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for questions related to leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and client management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process likely emphasizes a strong evaluation of design leadership, technical expertise in multifamily architecture, and cultural fit within Corgan's collaborative, in-office environment. The portfolio is critical and must go beyond showcasing designs to demonstrating leadership and process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for architectural design, modeling, documentation, and coordination. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign): Crucial for visual design, rendering, presentation materials, and graphic communication. Preferred skill.

• SketchUp: A popular 3D modeling tool for conceptual design and visualization. Preferred skill.

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel): Standard for documentation, project management, and data analysis. Proficiency is required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools for this role, familiarity with tools used for project performance tracking, budget management, and potentially energy analysis (related to sustainable design) could be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly mentioned for this design role, but an understanding of how design projects integrate with firm-wide CRM and project management systems would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack heavily favors industry-standard architectural design and visualization software. Revit is a non-negotiable requirement, underscoring its central role in Corgan's design production. Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp are highly desirable, indicating a need for strong visual communication skills.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A relentless pursuit of high-quality, innovative, and relevant architectural designs that push creative boundaries.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support within an in-office environment to foster shared learning and collective success.

• Curiosity & Passion: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and design approaches, fueled by a genuine passion for architecture and its impact.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all interactions with clients, colleagues, and partners.

• Growth & Development: A commitment to continuous learning, skill enhancement, and personal/professional advancement for all team members.

Collaboration Style:

• The culture is highly collaborative, with a strong preference for in-office interaction to facilitate spontaneous idea exchange and team synergy.

• Mentorship is a key aspect, with senior members actively guiding and developing junior staff.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected, working closely with project managers and other design disciplines to achieve project goals.

• A supportive environment encourages sharing knowledge and feedback to collectively improve outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Corgan's culture values both high-achieving design and a strong sense of internal community. The "in-office" mandate is central to their collaborative approach, aiming to build a cohesive and supportive team that drives exceptional design outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Client Needs: Leading design teams to create innovative, award-winning work while strictly adhering to client program requirements, budgets, and timelines.

• Mentoring Diverse Skill Sets: Effectively guiding and developing a team of designers with varying levels of experience, technical skills, and creative approaches.

• Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: Continuously integrating new technologies, sustainable practices, and evolving design trends into practice while maintaining core design principles.

• Navigating Complex Code and Systems: Ensuring accurate application of intricate building codes and integrating complex building systems effectively in multifamily projects.

• Client Presentation & Persuasion: Articulating complex design concepts and convincing clients of the value and vision of proposed solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Leadership Training: Opportunities to hone leadership, mentorship, and strategic planning skills through internal programs or external workshops.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of multifamily projects, potentially including different scales, typologies, and client types, to broaden expertise.

• Industry Conferences & Publications: Support for attending industry events and contributing to publications or award submissions to enhance professional profile and knowledge.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from other specialists within Corgan (e.g., interiors, sustainability, construction administration).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges at a senior level, with the support of a large, established firm. The growth lies in refining leadership capabilities, deepening specialized expertise in multifamily design, and contributing to Corgan's reputation for design excellence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a design team through the entire lifecycle of a multifamily project, from conceptualization to construction administration. How do you ensure design intent is maintained?"

• "How do you balance pushing for innovative design solutions with client budget constraints and project schedules? Provide an example."

• "What is your philosophy on sustainable design in multifamily housing, and how do you integrate it into your projects? How familiar are you with AIA's 2030 DDX?"

• "Discuss a complex building system or code challenge you encountered in a multifamily project and how you resolved it. What was your role?"

• "How do you foster collaboration and mentorship within your design team, especially in an in-office environment?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Corgan, and specifically to our multifamily practice? How do you see your skills aligning with our firm's values and design principles?"

• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you contribute to a collaborative and supportive team culture?"

• "How do you stay current with global design trends and emerging technologies in the architectural industry?"

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of an in-office work environment for design firms?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, guiding the interviewer through your project's context, your role, the design challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes.

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and leadership actions, not just the team's collective work. Use "I" when discussing your direct actions and responsibilities.

• Visual Storytelling: Use compelling visuals that showcase the design's strengths, but also include process diagrams, sketches, or technical details where relevant to illustrate problem-solving.

• Focus on Multifamily Expertise: Emphasize projects that specifically demonstrate your depth of knowledge and experience in the multifamily sector.

• Address Corgan's Values: Be prepared to connect your project experiences and design approach to Corgan's stated values (e.g., innovation, collaboration, curiosity).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical architectural skills but also strong leadership, client-facing abilities, and a cultural fit with Corgan's collaborative, in-office ethos. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Architectural Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Corgan careers portal at careers-us-corgan.icims.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a digital portfolio (PDF or online link) that prominently features your strongest multifamily projects. Ensure it clearly illustrates your design leadership, technical proficiency with Revit, sustainable design experience, and client presentation capabilities. Tailor the selection to align with Corgan's known work and design aesthetic.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight your 10+ years of architectural experience, specifically emphasizing your multifamily project leadership, management of design teams, and any built/published works. Use keywords from the job description such as "Architectural Design Manager," "Multifamily," "Revit," "Sustainable Design," and "Client Presentation."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership approach, and project experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss specific projects from your portfolio in detail, focusing on your role, challenges, and solutions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Corgan's website, project portfolio (especially multifamily), mission, values, and recent news. Understand their emphasis on an "in-office" culture and how your approach aligns with it.

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