Building Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Building Design Manager

Company: ATOMS Careers page

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations / GTM Strategy / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Experience Level: 7-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage multiple concurrent building design projects, ensuring adherence to national and regional standards.

• Lead and mentor a team of design associates, fostering efficiency and scalability within a small team structure.

• Manage and optimize consultant relationships to ensure effective resource deployment and project success.

• Drive process innovation and identify efficiency hacks to scale design operations effectively.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including development, project management, sales, and operations teams, to align project design and execution strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Building Design Manager," the description's emphasis on "scaling small teams," "process hacks and efficiencies," "coordinating with internal stakeholders (including sales/ops)," and "setting local strategy" strongly suggests this role requires a significant operations and GTM mindset. The role is not just about architectural design but about operationalizing the design process for rapid, scalable deployment in new markets, which is a core function of GTM and Revenue Operations in a physical product/service company. The "Physical AI" context of the company further amplifies the need for operational rigor in design deployment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end design lifecycle for 10-15 concurrent projects, from test-fitting to final drawing, ensuring design accuracy and adherence to standards.

• Develop and own regional standards for product, process, prototype development, design sequencing, and filing strategies.

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

• Engage in discussions with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and participate in political-level discussions when necessary to facilitate project approvals.

• Set local strategy concerning code issues and ensure compliance with all relevant building regulations and standards.

• Coordinate architectural and engineering systems cohesively, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by finding and implementing process hacks and efficiencies to enable the small team to scale effectively.

• Manage relationships with preferred consultants, ensuring their efficient and effective deployment across multiple projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of design leadership and operational management. The expectation to "find process hacks and efficiencies to effectively scale small team," "own regional standards for product and process," and "coordinate with internal stakeholders (including sales/ops)" indicates a need for strategic operations thinking beyond pure design execution.

🎓 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, or renovation/adaptive reuse projects.

• 2-3 years of people management experience, demonstrating the ability to lead and develop a team. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in architectural design software including Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Strong space-planning abilities and expertise in architectural representation, drafting, and detail development.

• Proven experience managing multiple concurrent projects with short timelines and tight deadlines.

• Exceptional detail orientation, with the ability to execute tasks with accuracy and identify potential issues.

• Experience in managing and coordinating architectural and engineering systems effectively.

• Demonstrated ability to manage consultant relationships and ensure efficient resource allocation.

• Understanding of code compliance and experience navigating discussions with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the robotics, AI, or physical technology sectors.

• Familiarity with prototyping and design sequencing best practices.

• Experience in developing and implementing filing strategies.

• Ability to engage in high-level, political discussions with stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

• Experience in setting local operational strategies for design and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "7-10 years relevant experience" and "2-3 years of people management experience" points towards a mid-to-senior level role. The strong emphasis on software proficiency (Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suites) and technical skills like space planning and drafting are standard, but the inclusion of "people management" and "managing consultant relationships" alongside "scaling small teams" and "process hacks" elevates this beyond a purely technical design role, suggesting a need for operational leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 10-15 concurrent projects demonstrating effective management of multiple design streams.

• Include detailed examples of space planning and test-fitting models, highlighting adaptability and efficiency.

• Present case studies of renovation or adaptive reuse projects, emphasizing problem-solving and creative solutions within existing structures.

• Demonstrate experience in developing and implementing regional design standards and process optimizations.

• Provide examples of successful consultant management and coordination for complex projects. Process Documentation:

• Document a specific process for adapting national standards to regional requirements, including any necessary modifications and rationale.

• Illustrate a workflow for identifying, prioritizing, and resolving gating issues within a design project lifecycle.

• Showcase a strategy for scaling a small design team through process hacks, efficiency improvements, and effective delegation.

• Present examples of how you have coordinated architectural and engineering systems cohesively for optimal project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on managing multiple projects and scaling a small team, a portfolio that clearly demonstrates process ownership, efficiency improvements, and successful project execution under constraints will be critical. The "process hacks and efficiencies to effectively scale small team" is a key indicator that the candidate's portfolio should highlight their ability to optimize workflows.

💵 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 Jakarta, Indonesia, the estimated salary range is IDR 350,000,000 - IDR 600,000,000 per annum. This range accounts for the high cost of living in Jakarta and the specialized skills required for managing complex design projects in a fast-growing tech company.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).

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

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

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options, reflecting company growth and individual contribution.

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

• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating to Jakarta.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week, aligned with a full-time employment type. However, given the project-driven nature of the role and the need to manage multiple concurrent projects, flexibility may be required, including occasional overtime or work outside standard hours to meet critical deadlines or address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on research of similar roles in Jakarta, Indonesia, considering the experience level and the specialized nature of the industry (Physical AI, robotics). Benefits are standard for such roles in established tech companies, with an emphasis on professional growth which is crucial for operations and GTM roles. The working hours are noted as standard but with an acknowledgment of potential flexibility required for project management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Physical AI, Robotics, Automation)

Company Size: The description implies a growing company with a small, high-impact team ("scaling small team," "2-4 associates"). This suggests a dynamic environment where individual contributions are highly visible.

Founded: The company's description indicates it has been operating for "over a decade," suggesting a mature yet innovative stage, likely past the initial startup phase but still agile and focused on growth.

Team Structure:

• The Building Design Manager will lead a small team of 2-4 design associates, indicating a flat hierarchy within the immediate design group.

• This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as Development, Project Management, Sales, and Operations, suggesting a matrixed or highly integrated organizational structure.

• The emphasis on "setting local strategy" and coordinating with various internal departments implies a decentralized decision-making process for regional operations. Methodology:

• The company's focus on "Physical AI" and "real-world robots" implies a data-driven and iterative approach to problem-solving, integrating hardware, software, AI, and operations.

• Process optimization, efficiency hacks, and scalability are core operational methodologies, driven by the need to deploy physical systems at scale.

• The company values invention, continuous change, and pushing beyond known boundaries, indicating a culture of innovation and proactive problem-solving.

Company Website: [Website URL is not provided in the input, but would typically be ATOMS.com or similar]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to build "Physical AI" and "real-world robots" positions it at the forefront of industrial automation. The culture is likely to be fast-paced, innovative, and focused on tangible, real-world impact. The organizational structure appears to balance specialized teams (like design) with strong cross-functional collaboration, essential for integrating complex physical systems.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Managerial level, overseeing a small team and regional design operations. It requires a blend of technical design expertise and operational leadership, making it a crucial link between product development and market deployment.

Reporting Structure: The Building Design Manager likely reports to a Director or VP of Operations, Development, or a similar senior leadership role responsible for physical infrastructure and deployment. They will manage a team of 2-4 design associates.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the company's ability to scale its physical operations. By ensuring efficient design, process optimization, and effective consultant management, the Building Design Manager enables the company to deploy its physical AI solutions reliably and cost-effectively across new markets. Their work directly supports Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies by ensuring the physical readiness of locations for product deployment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific regional building codes, adaptive reuse strategies, or hospitality/F&B design for complex physical deployments.

• Leadership Expansion: Grow into a Director-level role overseeing design operations for larger regions or multiple product lines, potentially managing larger teams and budgets.

• Cross-Functional Transition: Leverage operational and stakeholder management skills to move into roles in Project Management, GTM Strategy, or Operations leadership within the company, focusing on broader deployment or market entry initiatives.

• Process Innovation: Lead initiatives to develop and implement new operational processes and technologies for physical infrastructure management and design scaling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between engineering/design and operational execution in a cutting-edge industry. The growth path emphasizes operational leadership and strategic impact, aligning well with career trajectories in GTM and Revenue Operations, particularly in companies with significant physical footprints.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based in Jakarta, Indonesia, and requires an on-site presence five days a week. The company emphasizes working together, suggesting a collaborative office environment.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Jakarta, Indonesia. Specific details about the office facility (e.g., amenities, layout) are not provided but can be inferred to be a modern workspace supporting a tech-focused company.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace is expected, fostering interaction among design associates and with other internal teams.

• Access to necessary design software (Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suites) and hardware will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with cross-functional teams (Development, PM, Sales, Ops) are integral to the role.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. However, the dynamic nature of project management, especially with multiple concurrent projects and the need for stakeholder alignment, may require flexibility and occasional work outside standard hours to meet deadlines and address urgent operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site, five days a week" requirement highlights a company culture that values in-person collaboration and team synergy, which is common for companies focused on tangible, physical product development and deployment. This environment is conducive to rapid problem-solving and efficient cross-functional alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will assess your resume and cover letter for relevant experience in design, people management, and operations.

• Technical Interview: Expect questions focused on your proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suites, space planning, and architectural detailing. You may be asked to walk through specific design challenges or solutions.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, highlighting key projects, your role in them, and demonstrating your ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, implement process improvements, and lead a team. Focus on showcasing examples of regional standard adaptation and consultant management.

• Operations & Strategy Discussion: This stage will delve into your understanding of scaling operations, process optimization, stakeholder management, and how you would approach setting local design strategy and code compliance. Be prepared to discuss your experience with "process hacks and efficiencies."

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assess your leadership style, problem-solving approach, detail orientation, and how you align with Atoms' values of invention, continuous change, and real-world impact.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Operations/Development) to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase projects demonstrating your ability to manage 10-15 concurrent projects. Use a consistent format for each project, detailing the challenge, your specific role, solutions implemented, and outcomes.

• Highlight Operations & Scalability: Emphasize examples where you identified and implemented "process hacks and efficiencies" to scale a small team or improve design workflows. Quantify results where possible (e.g., reduced design cycle time, improved consultant efficiency).

• Demonstrate Regional Adaptation: Include case studies that illustrate how you adapted national standards to regional contexts, including code compliance strategies and AHJ interactions.

• Showcase Leadership: Clearly articulate your experience managing associates and consultants, including delegation, mentorship, and performance management.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present your portfolio concisely, focusing on the most relevant examples that align with the job description's emphasis on operational excellence and scalability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge or a case study related to optimizing a design process for a new market entry or a specific type of facility.

• Practice articulating your thought process, problem-solving methodology, and how you would collaborate with internal stakeholders (Sales, Ops) to align design with business objectives.

• Prepare to discuss how you would set local strategy regarding code issues and manage relationships with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only technical design skills but also operational leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive efficiency in a scaling organization. The portfolio is a critical component, needing to demonstrate practical application of operations principles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for 3D modeling, design coordination, and documentation. Expect to demonstrate advanced proficiency in creating complex building models and managing project information.

• AutoCAD: Required for 2D drafting, detailing, and site plans. Proficiency in generating precise technical drawings is key.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign): Used for creating visual representations, presentations, and refining design deliverables. Strong graphic presentation skills are expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, expect to utilize tools for project tracking and performance analysis. This might include project management software (e.g., Asana, Monday.com) or internal dashboards for monitoring project progress and team efficiency.

• Data analysis skills will be crucial for identifying process bottlenecks and areas for improvement. CRM & Automation:

• While a Building Design Manager role typically doesn't directly use CRM, understanding how design integrates with sales and operations pipelines is important. This may involve using internal systems for project intake, status updates, and stakeholder communication.

• Automation skills might be relevant in finding ways to automate repetitive design tasks or reporting processes, aligning with the "process hacks and efficiencies" requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the specified design software is non-negotiable. The role's operational component suggests familiarity with project management tools and a proactive approach to leveraging technology for efficiency and scalability.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Invention & Continuous Change: Embrace a mindset of constant innovation and adaptation, both in design solutions and operational processes.

• Real-World Impact: Focus on delivering practical, scalable design solutions that directly contribute to the company's mission of powering progress in physical industries.

• Collaboration & Trust: Work effectively with diverse internal teams (Development, PM, Sales, Ops) and external consultants, building strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

• Detail Obsession & Accuracy: Maintain an extremely high standard for design accuracy and process execution, ensuring reliability and precision in all deliverables.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Actively seek and implement process improvements that enhance team productivity and enable the company to scale its operations effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactively engage with Sales and Operations to understand deployment requirements and ensure designs are optimized for real-world use cases and scalability.

• Process Review & Feedback: Foster an environment where design processes are regularly reviewed and open to feedback from team members and stakeholders to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encourage the sharing of best practices, "process hacks," and learnings across the design team and relevant departments to build collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are deeply rooted in innovation and practical application. For operations professionals, this translates to a culture that rewards proactive problem-solving, efficiency, and a commitment to tangible results in the physical world.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Operations: Effectively managing 10-15 concurrent projects with a small team requires robust process management and delegation skills.

• Adapting Standards: Appropriately applying and adapting national standards to regional specifics while maintaining design integrity and efficiency.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the needs and expectations of diverse internal stakeholders (Development, PM, Sales, Ops) and external consultants.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Engaging with AHJs and addressing complex code issues in new or unfamiliar regions.

• Driving Process Innovation: Continuously identifying and implementing "process hacks and efficiencies" to enable team scalability in a fast-paced environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Operations Integration: Gain deep insights into how design impacts physical AI deployment, operations, and GTM strategies.

• Regional Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in building codes, construction practices, and market-specific design requirements across different regions.

• Leadership Development: Hone people management skills by leading a team, mentoring associates, and managing consultant performance.

• Strategic Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to refine and automate design workflows, directly contributing to the company's operational efficiency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges related to scaling operations and managing complexity, which are also the primary drivers for growth and development. Success in this role will build a strong foundation in operational leadership within a cutting-edge technology company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach adapting national building standards to the specific requirements of Jakarta, Indonesia, ensuring both compliance and efficiency?" (Focus on process, adaptation, and efficiency)

• "Describe a situation where you identified a 'process hack' or efficiency improvement within a design team. What was the impact?" (Highlight operational thinking and scaling capabilities)

• "How do you prioritize and manage 10-15 concurrent projects, ensuring no detail is missed and all stakeholders are informed?" (Demonstrate project management and detail orientation) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Atoms' mission to build Physical AI and real-world robots?" (Show genuine interest in the company's vision)

• "How do you align design decisions with the needs of sales and operations teams in a scaling company?" (Focus on cross-functional collaboration and GTM alignment)

• "Describe your experience managing and developing a team of designers. What is your leadership philosophy?" (Assess people management and team-building skills) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a story of successful project execution, problem-solving, and operational improvement. Start with an overview, dive into key projects, and conclude with lessons learned and growth opportunities.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, try to quantify your contributions, especially regarding efficiency gains, cost savings, or successful scaling efforts. Use metrics where possible.

• Focus on Operations: Explicitly highlight instances where you optimized processes, managed consultants effectively, or adapted designs for scalability, aligning with the operational aspects of the role.

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared for interactive questions during your presentation. Treat it as a collaborative discussion rather than a one-way delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their operational mindset, leadership capabilities, and how they can contribute to scaling Atoms' physical presence. The portfolio is key to substantiating these claims with concrete examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Building Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the ATOMS Careers page.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in managing multiple concurrent projects, people management, consultant coordination, and any process optimization or efficiency improvements you've implemented. Use keywords from the job description such as "Revit," "AutoCAD," "space planning," "project management," and "scaling operations."

• Portfolio Curation: Select 3-5 of your most relevant projects that showcase your ability to manage complex design challenges, adapt regional standards, lead teams, and improve processes. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your experience with interiors, hospitality, or adaptive reuse, and includes examples of your work with Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Suites.

• Prepare for Operations Focus: Research Atoms' mission and its focus on "Physical AI." Be ready to discuss how your design management skills can directly support the company's GTM strategy and operational scalability. Think about how design contributes to efficiency in physical deployments.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear articulation of your role, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented (especially operational ones), and the results achieved. Practice discussing your approach to managing a team and consultants.

⚠️ 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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