Building Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Building Design Manager

Company: Atoms

Location: Jakarta, IND

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations (Building Design & Project Management)

Date Posted: 2026-08-11T22:51:14

Experience Level: 7-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage multiple concurrent building design projects, ensuring adherence to design standards and efficient project execution within the Jakarta region.

• Lead and mentor a team of 2-4 design associates, focusing on process optimization and scaling team capabilities to meet project demands.

• Drive the development and adaptation of regional design standards for product, process, prototype, design sequencing, and filing strategies.

• Act as a key liaison between internal stakeholders (Development, Project Management, Sales/Operations) and external consultants, managing relationships to ensure successful project delivery.

• Navigate and resolve complex design and code compliance issues, engaging with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and setting local strategy for code-related matters.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical operational hub for physical asset development, requiring a blend of design expertise, project management rigor, and leadership acumen. The emphasis on "Physical AI" and scaling operations suggests a need for individuals who can not only design but also implement and optimize processes in a rapidly evolving environment. The "Building Design Manager" title, when viewed through the lens of a company like Atoms, implies a focus on the operational aspects of their physical infrastructure, which likely includes facilities, manufacturing spaces, and deployment sites for their robotics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage 10-15 concurrent design projects, owning design work, coordination, and problem-solving from inception through completion.

• Develop and implement process hacks and efficiencies to enable the effective scaling of a small design team.

• Apply and adapt national design standards appropriately and efficiently for the specific regional context in Jakarta.

• Define and own regional standards for product development, design sequencing, prototype execution, and filing strategies.

• Proactively identify, prioritize, and navigate critical gating issues that could impact project timelines or design integrity.

• Engage in strategic discussions with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), demonstrating political acumen and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.

• Establish and lead local strategy concerning building codes, regulations, and compliance specific to the Jakarta region.

• Coordinate closely with internal stakeholders, including Development, Project Management, Sales, and Operations teams, to ensure alignment on project design and strategic goals.

• Manage and optimize relationships with preferred external consultants, ensuring their effective deployment and performance at scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant focus on process ownership and continuous improvement, which are core tenets of revenue and sales operations. The expectation to "find process hacks and efficiencies" and "effectively scale a small team" directly translates to operations management principles. This role requires not just design execution but also strategic operational planning for the design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field.

Experience: 7-10 years of relevant design experience, with a strong background in interiors, hospitality, F&B, and/or renovation/adaptive reuse projects. 2-3 years of people management experience is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Suites for design and documentation.

• Strong space-planning ability and adeptness in architectural representation, drafting, and detailed development.

• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with short timelines, demonstrating strong multitasking and organizational skills.

• Detail-oriented approach with the capacity to execute tasks with accuracy, identify potential issues, and communicate effectively with all parties.

• Experience in coordinating architectural and engineering systems cohesively.

• Experience managing consultants and navigating code compliance, including engagement with AHJs. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in robotics, AI, manufacturing, or real estate operations environments.

• Familiarity with design sequencing, prototype development, and filing strategies.

• Demonstrated ability in process optimization and finding operational efficiencies.

• Experience in adaptive reuse or renovation projects within the hospitality or F&B sectors.

• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific software proficiencies (Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suites) is standard for design roles. However, the emphasis on "process hacks," "scaling small teams," and "stakeholder alignment" points towards an operations mindset. The preferred skills suggest a strong advantage for candidates who can bridge the gap between design and the operational realities of deploying physical AI systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5-7 complex design projects, clearly detailing your role and contributions to each.

• Include examples of successful test-fitting models and drawings, demonstrating space planning and layout efficiency.

• Present case studies that highlight your ability to apply and adapt national standards to regional contexts and specific project needs.

• Demonstrate experience in managing the work of junior designers or associates, including examples of mentorship and performance oversight.

• Provide evidence of process optimization initiatives, illustrating how you identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions to improve design workflow or team productivity. Process Documentation:

• Documented examples of regional design standard development, including product specifications, design sequencing, and filing strategies.

• Workflow diagrams or process maps illustrating your approach to managing concurrent projects from initiation to completion.

• Examples of how you have coordinated architectural and engineering systems, ensuring seamless integration.

• Documentation of your experience engaging with AHJs, including strategies for navigating code compliance and obtaining necessary approvals.

• Evidence of stakeholder management processes, such as communication plans or feedback loops with internal teams like Development, Project Management, Sales, and Operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of design skills and project management capabilities. The emphasis on "process documentation" and "regional standards" indicates that the company values structured approaches to design and a proactive stance on operationalizing design processes. Candidates should prepare to walk through their portfolio, explaining not just the design outcomes but the operational methodologies employed.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Building Design Manager with 7-10 years of experience and 2-3 years of management experience in a major metropolitan area like Jakarta, the estimated annual salary range is IDR 400,000,000 - IDR 750,000,000. This range accounts for the complexity of managing multiple projects, leading a team, and navigating regional design and regulatory landscapes.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and potential for conference attendance.

• Access to company-provided tools and technology for design and project management.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Involvement in a mission-driven company focused on significant technological advancement.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. However, given the project-driven nature and the need to meet deadlines, occasional overtime may be required. Flexibility may be offered based on project demands and team coordination needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on research of similar roles in Jakarta, considering the experience level, management responsibilities, and specialized skills required for a Building Design Manager in a tech-focused company. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in Indonesia, with an emphasis on professional growth aligned with the company's innovative nature.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Robotics, Physical AI, Manufacturing, Real Estate, and Infrastructure Development. Atoms operates at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and foundational physical industries, aiming to revolutionize food, mining, and transport through advanced robotics and AI. This unique positioning requires a culture that embraces innovation, rigorous problem-solving, and a deep understanding of real-world operational challenges.

Company Size: Atoms is a rapidly growing startup, likely ranging from 50-250 employees, indicating a dynamic and agile work environment. This size suggests a lean structure where individual contributions have a significant impact, and cross-functional collaboration is essential. For operations professionals, this means opportunities to shape processes and influence strategy.

Founded: Founded in the last decade, Atoms is a relatively young company. This suggests a culture that is still evolving, likely emphasizing agility, experimentation, and a forward-thinking approach. The company's mission to build the machines powering the next era of progress implies a strong focus on innovation and long-term vision.

Team Structure: The Building Design Manager will likely be part of a broader Operations or Engineering department. The team structure is expected to be relatively flat, with direct reporting lines to a Director or VP of Operations/Engineering. The role involves managing a small team of 2-4 design associates, fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment. Cross-functional collaboration with Development, Project Management, Sales, and other operational teams is a key aspect of this role.

Methodology: Atoms' methodology is centered around "Physical AI"—building real-world robots for critical industries. This implies a hands-on, iterative approach that integrates hardware, software, AI, operations, manufacturing, and real estate. For design operations, this means a focus on practical, scalable solutions that can be deployed and operated effectively in complex physical environments. Data analysis, process optimization, and continuous learning from real-world deployments are likely core to their operational philosophy.

Company Website: https://www.atoms.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "Physical AI" and revolutionizing core industries suggests a culture that values tangible impact, technical excellence, and resilience. The "startup" environment implies a fast-paced, often challenging, but rewarding atmosphere where individuals can directly influence the company's trajectory.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level management position within the operations and design functions. It requires a blend of technical design expertise, project management proficiency, and leadership capabilities. The "Manager" title, coupled with the responsibility for 10-15 projects and managing a team, indicates a significant scope of responsibility and a crucial role in operationalizing the company's physical infrastructure.

Reporting Structure: The Building Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Vice President of Operations, Engineering, or potentially a head of Real Estate/Facilities if such a department exists. The role also involves managing direct reports (2-4 design associates) and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as Development, Project Management, Sales, and Operations. This structure emphasizes a collaborative and integrated approach to project execution.

Operations Impact: The Building Design Manager has a direct impact on the company's ability to deploy and scale its physical AI systems. By ensuring accurate, efficient, and compliant building designs for facilities, manufacturing sites, and operational hubs, this role directly supports the company's mission. Effective management of design processes, consultant relationships, and regional standards contributes to cost savings, reduced project timelines, and enhanced operational reliability for Atoms' robotic deployments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like adaptive reuse, hospitality design, or advanced robotics facility planning.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to senior management roles, overseeing larger teams, multiple regions, or broader operational portfolios within Atoms.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead initiatives to further refine and scale design and operations processes across the organization.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into roles in Project Management, Development, or broader Operations strategy, leveraging a strong understanding of physical asset lifecycles.

• Industry Impact: Contribute to the development of cutting-edge physical infrastructure for the robotics and AI industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential is tied to the company's expansion and the increasing complexity of its physical footprint. Professionals in this role can expect to develop a unique skill set at the intersection of design, operations, and technology, making them valuable assets in the growing field of physical AI deployment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based in Atoms' Jakarta office, which is described as a place where "all of our office-based teams work onsite, five days a week." This indicates a traditional, collaborative office environment designed to foster teamwork and direct interaction. The emphasis on "serving those who serve others" suggests a purpose-driven workplace.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Jakarta office. Specific details about the office's accessibility, amenities, or proximity to public transport would typically be provided during the interview process. For operations professionals, understanding the daily commute and local infrastructure is important.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The onsite, five-day-a-week work model emphasizes face-to-face collaboration, team meetings, and spontaneous knowledge sharing. Expect a dynamic workspace where design teams work closely with project managers and other operational stakeholders.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suites) and potentially project management tools will be provided. The company's focus on "Physical AI" may also mean exposure to innovative technologies and systems relevant to robotics and automation.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design associates, project managers, development teams, and potentially other functional leads, facilitating a holistic understanding of project lifecycles.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Given the project-based nature of the role and the company's fast-paced environment, flexibility may be required to meet critical deadlines. This could involve occasional overtime or adjustments to the daily schedule to accommodate urgent tasks or cross-time zone collaborations if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit "five days a week" onsite requirement is a key differentiator, signaling a preference for in-person collaboration and a structured work environment. This is important for operations roles where team cohesion and direct communication can significantly impact project success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and relevant experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Building Design Manager's direct report (likely a Director of Operations or Engineering) to delve into your experience, leadership style, and technical skills. Portfolio walkthrough and discussion of past projects are expected.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with design associates, project managers, and potentially other stakeholders to evaluate collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit. Expect scenario-based questions related to project challenges and team management.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (VP level) to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall fit with Atoms' mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience in interiors, hospitality, F&B, and adaptive reuse, specifically highlighting your leadership and project management contributions.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, timeline adherence).

• Showcase Process: Include examples of your process for managing multiple projects, developing regional standards, and coordinating with consultants and internal teams.

• Highlight Leadership: Use case studies or specific examples to demonstrate your people management skills, including how you've mentored, guided, and scaled design teams.

• Prepare for Depth: Be ready to discuss design decisions, technical challenges, code compliance strategies, and stakeholder management in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions related to managing difficult stakeholders, resolving design conflicts, prioritizing competing projects, and implementing process improvements within a team.

• Code Compliance Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach specific code compliance challenges in the Jakarta region.

• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've handled performance issues, motivated teams, and fostered a collaborative environment.

• Strategic Thinking: Consider how your role contributes to Atoms' broader mission of building Physical AI and how you would align design operations with these goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a thorough evaluation of both technical design skills and operational leadership capabilities. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates process, impact, and leadership is crucial for success. Be prepared to discuss not just what you designed, but how you managed the process and why certain decisions were made from an operational and strategic perspective.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for BIM modeling, design documentation, and coordination of architectural and engineering systems. Proficiency in creating and managing complex models is expected.

• AutoCAD: Required for 2D drafting, site plans, and detailed drawings where BIM may not be fully implemented or for specific legacy project requirements.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign): Crucial for design visualization, presentations, graphic design elements, and creating compelling visual narratives of design concepts.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, proficiency with project management software that offers reporting features (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, or similar) would be beneficial for tracking project progress, team capacity, and identifying bottlenecks.

• Experience with tools for creating dashboards and performance reports for design metrics, such as project completion rates, budget adherence, and consultant performance. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with how design processes integrate with broader CRM systems (if applicable) for client/project tracking.

• Experience with workflow automation tools or methodologies to streamline repetitive tasks in design and documentation processes, thereby improving team efficiency.

• Understanding of integration between design software and other operational systems, such as project management or procurement platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is standard for architectural and interior design. However, the "operations" aspect of the role implies a need for candidates who can leverage these tools not just for design output but for process management, efficiency gains, and data-driven decision-making within the design function.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong focus on delivering tangible results that contribute to Atoms' mission of building Physical AI and powering progress in physical industries. Operations professionals are expected to drive measurable improvements.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages creative thinking, experimentation, and finding novel solutions to complex challenges, particularly at the intersection of technology and the physical world.

• Collaboration & Ownership: A commitment to working effectively across teams, taking ownership of responsibilities, and contributing to a shared sense of purpose. Open communication and mutual support are key.

• Efficiency & Scalability: A drive to optimize processes, find efficiencies, and build scalable solutions that can support the company's rapid growth and ambitious goals.

• Integrity & Rigor: A dedication to accuracy, attention to detail, and ethical practices in all aspects of work, especially concerning safety, compliance, and quality in physical deployments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design interacts closely with Development, Project Management, Sales, and Operations teams to ensure alignment and seamless project execution.

• Process Review Culture: An environment that encourages open feedback, constructive critique, and continuous improvement of workflows and methodologies.

• Knowledge Sharing: A practice of sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned across teams to foster collective growth and problem-solving. Mentorship and peer-to-peer learning are likely encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: Atoms' culture likely reflects a blend of startup agility and the rigor required for physical industry transformation. Operations professionals will thrive in an environment that values proactive problem-solving, data-informed decision-making, and a strong sense of collective mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Operations: Effectively scaling the design team and processes to support Atoms' rapid expansion and increasing project volume while maintaining high quality and efficiency.

• Navigating Regional Regulations: Adapting and applying national design standards to the specific regulatory environment of Jakarta, which may involve complex or evolving local codes and approval processes.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless integration and communication between design, engineering, development, and operations teams, especially given the complexity of integrating physical hardware with software and AI.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Meeting aggressive project timelines inherent in a fast-paced startup environment while ensuring the accuracy, safety, and long-term viability of building designs.

• Managing Consultant Performance: Effectively overseeing and optimizing the performance of external design consultants to ensure alignment with Atoms' standards and project objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Operations Integration: Gain deep experience in integrating cutting-edge robotics and AI infrastructure with physical facilities and operational workflows.

• Leadership Development: Hone people management skills, strategic planning, and team-building capabilities within a high-growth technology company.

• Industry Exposure: Become an expert in the unique design and operational requirements of industries being transformed by robotics and AI (e.g., food production, mining, logistics).

• Process Innovation: Contribute to the development and implementation of innovative design and operations processes for a rapidly evolving industry.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential access to mentorship from experienced leaders within Atoms or through industry networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to scaling, cross-functional collaboration, and navigating complex operational environments. However, these challenges are also the source of substantial growth opportunities, allowing individuals to develop unique expertise in a pioneering field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing 10-15 concurrent design projects. How do you prioritize, delegate, and ensure quality across such a portfolio?" (Focus on project management methodologies, delegation strategies, and quality control processes.)

• "How would you go about developing and implementing new regional design standards for Atoms in Jakarta? What factors would you consider, and how would you gain buy-in from stakeholders?" (Highlight process development, stakeholder engagement, and adaptability to local context.)

• "Imagine a critical design issue arises late in a project that threatens to delay deployment. How would you navigate this situation, involving both internal teams and external consultants?" (Demonstrate problem-solving skills, crisis management, and communication strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Atoms' mission to build Physical AI and revolutionize industries like food, mining, and transport?" (Connect your passion for innovation and real-world impact to the company's vision.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and efficient environment within a design team, especially in a fast-paced startup setting?" (Discuss leadership style, team motivation techniques, and experience with cross-functional collaboration.)

• "How do you ensure that design decisions align with broader operational goals and the company's mission to scale its physical infrastructure?" (Showcase strategic thinking and an understanding of how design impacts overall operations.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating key skills (e.g., Project Management, Team Leadership, Process Improvement).

• Tell a Story: For each featured project, present a clear narrative: the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the quantifiable results. Emphasize your specific contributions and leadership.

• Highlight Process & Operations: Beyond aesthetics, showcase your process for managing projects, coordinating teams, and implementing standards. Explain how you achieved success operationally.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., percentage increase in efficiency, reduction in project timelines, cost savings achieved).

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your design rationale, project challenges, and operational strategies. Treat it as a collaborative discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design competence but also strong operational thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with Atoms' innovative mission. Be ready to articulate your methodologies for managing processes, teams, and projects at scale.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Building Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on greenhouse.io.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your experience in interiors, hospitality, F&B, or adaptive reuse, with a strong emphasis on your project management and leadership contributions. Ensure each project clearly outlines the challenges, your role, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Project Management," "Revit," "AutoCAD," "Space Planning," "People Management," "Code Compliance," and "Consultant Management." Quantify your achievements with specific numbers and metrics related to project scope, team size, and efficiency improvements.

• Prepare for Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on telling a compelling story for each project. Be ready to discuss your design process, problem-solving strategies, and how you managed teams and stakeholders.

• Research Atoms: Familiarize yourself with Atoms' mission, "Physical AI," and the industries they aim to transform. Understand their emphasis on innovation, real-world impact, and their operational approach to deploying robotics.

⚠️ 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.