Design Director, Sports & Recreation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director, Sports & Recreation

Company: HDR

Location: Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Architecture & Design Leadership

Date Posted: April 10, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of highly innovative, creative, and integrated design solutions for sports and recreation facilities.

• Cultivate and maintain an established design reputation through awards, publications, and client references, driving design excellence.

• Guide multiple projects from pursuit and selection through successful completion, balancing design quality with project budgets and management goals.

• Mentor and develop junior design staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and inspiring others in the pursuit of design excellence.

• Act as a key design leader, partnering with global design directors, office management, and project management to advance design initiatives and business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within HDR's Architecture practice, focusing on the specialized Sports & Recreation sector. The emphasis on "employee-owners" suggests a culture that values collaboration, individual contribution, and a shared stake in company success. The role requires not only design acumen but also strong leadership, mentorship, and business development capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and present highly innovative, creative, and integrated design solutions for sports and recreation projects.

• Actively participate in project pursuits, leveraging an established design reputation to secure new business opportunities.

• Oversee the design process from initial concept through final project delivery, ensuring alignment with client objectives and HDR's design philosophy.

• Maintain design excellence standards while adhering to project management goals and budgetary constraints.

• Educate and train junior designers and interdisciplinary AE project teams on design best practices and HDR's core design tenets.

• Mentor and inspire junior design staff, fostering their professional growth and contributing to a robust talent pipeline.

• Collaborate effectively with the global design director, office leadership, project managers, and discipline leaders to drive strategic design initiatives.

• Identify, attract, and retain key design talent, developing strategies for hiring senior and junior design professionals.

• Engage actively in local, national, or international professional design organizations to represent HDR and stay abreast of industry trends.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of HDR's Design Philosophy across projects and teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design leadership, strategic business development, and team development. The expectation to "develop strategies for hiring senior and junior design talent" indicates a significant role in talent acquisition and team building within the design discipline.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or a closely related field is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of experience functioning as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities is required.

• Demonstrated experience in leading design efforts on large-scale projects, specifically including stadiums, arenas, and training facilities for both intercollegiate athletics and professional markets, is preferred.

• Proven track record of winning project pursuits and maintaining strong client relationships.

• Experience in leading a collaborative, iterative design process with clients and colleagues.

• Experience and/or interest in integrating sustainable building design and LEED principles.

Required Skills:

• Professional architectural registration is mandatory.

• Excellent leadership and mentoring skills, with a proven ability to guide and inspire design teams.

• Superior communication and presentation skills, capable of effectively articulating design concepts to clients and stakeholders.

• Strong collaborative abilities, with a demonstrated capacity to integrate and work effectively within existing teams and with interdisciplinary partners.

• A proactive attitude and commitment to contributing to HDR's employee-owned culture.

• Ability to lead a team and confidently make client presentations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience functioning as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities.

• Experience on large-scale projects, including stadiums, arenas, and training facilities in the intercollegiate athletics market and professional market.

• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED.

• Willingness to travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for architectural registration and 15+ years of lead design experience signifies a senior-level position. The specific mention of GSA's Design Excellence Program indicates a need for familiarity with government design standards and processes, particularly relevant for public sector projects. The preference for sports and recreation project experience is a critical differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of innovative and creative design solutions for sports and recreation projects, demonstrating a strong conceptual approach.

• Highlight successful project pursuits and the ability to win new business, potentially including proposal excerpts or case studies of successful pitches.

• Present evidence of leading collaborative design processes, illustrating how client and colleague input was integrated into the final design.

• Include examples of designs that meet both design excellence goals and project management/budgetary constraints.

• Provide documentation of mentorship and team development, showcasing leadership in nurturing junior design talent.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate the iterative design process from initial concept development through to project completion, detailing key stages and decision points.

• Detail methodologies for fostering collaboration and integrating feedback from clients, colleagues, and interdisciplinary teams.

• Showcase strategies for balancing innovative design with practical considerations such as project budgets and timelines.

• Provide examples of how design excellence was championed and achieved, potentially including award submittals or design review documentation.

• Document approaches to mentoring and developing junior design staff, including training methodologies and skill-building initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should strongly emphasize leadership in design, client engagement, and business development within the sports and recreation sector. Given the mention of GSA's Design Excellence Program, examples that demonstrate adherence to rigorous design standards and processes will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Employee-Owned Culture: As an employee-owner, you will have a stake in the company's success, fostering a sense of shared purpose and reward.

• Inclusive Environment: HDR is committed to creating a welcoming and respectful workplace where all employees are valued and empowered.

• Employee Network Groups: Access to various employee resource groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) that promote belonging and professional development.

• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Standard benefits likely include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, and potentially wellness programs.

• Retirement Savings Plan: A 401(k) plan or similar retirement savings option, potentially with company matching.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday policies.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and advancement within the firm.

• Travel Opportunities: Potential for travel related to client meetings, project sites, and professional development.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, regular position. Standard working hours are typically around 40 hours per week, with expectations for flexibility to meet project deadlines and client needs, particularly for a senior leadership role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for Design Directors with extensive experience and specialized expertise in major metropolitan areas. The benefits package emphasizes HDR's commitment to employee well-being and a supportive, inclusive work environment, aligning with their employee-ownership model.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Consulting (AEC) with a strong focus on the built environment, infrastructure, and community development. HDR is a global firm known for its commitment to design excellence and client service.

Company Size: HDR is a large organization, typically employing over 11,000 people globally. This scale offers extensive resources, diverse project opportunities, and a broad network of expertise.

Founded: HDR was founded in 1917. With over a century of experience, the company has a long-standing reputation for innovation and delivering impactful projects.

Team Structure:

• The Architecture practice is a significant component of HDR, with specialized teams focusing on various sectors. The Sports & Recreation design group operates within this broader practice.

• This role likely reports to a senior leadership figure within the Architecture practice, such as a Global Design Director or Regional Manager, and will collaborate closely with office leadership and project management.

Methodology:

• HDR emphasizes a data-driven approach to design, leveraging analytics to inform solutions and measure impact.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, ensuring efficient project delivery and client satisfaction.

• Automation and efficiency practices are integrated where possible to enhance productivity and design quality.

• The company champions design excellence, resilience, and sustainability as core tenets in its project execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: HDR's long history and employee-ownership model are key cultural differentiators. The company's commitment to "making great things possible" and its focus on societal impact are central to its identity, suggesting a mission-driven work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior leadership role within the Design discipline, specifically a Design Director. It requires extensive experience, a proven track record in design innovation, business development, and team leadership. The scope includes strategic influence on design direction, talent development, and client engagement.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a senior executive within the Architecture practice, such as a Global Design Director or a Regional Vice President of Architecture. They will also work closely with local office leaders and project managers, forming a matrixed reporting structure common in large AEC firms.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact extends beyond individual projects. They are instrumental in shaping the firm's design reputation, winning new business, developing future leaders, and influencing the built environment through high-quality, innovative sports and recreation facilities. Their work directly contributes to HDR's market position and revenue generation in this specialized sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to higher leadership positions within the Architecture practice, such as a Global Design Director or a senior executive role overseeing multiple disciplines or regions.

• Specialization & Expansion: Opportunity to deepen expertise in sports and recreation design or expand influence into related sectors like entertainment venues or large-scale public facilities.

• Mentorship & Talent Development: Significant opportunity to shape the next generation of designers, build high-performing teams, and establish best practices within the firm.

• Thought Leadership: Contribute to industry publications, speak at conferences, and become a recognized expert in sports and recreation design.

• Business Development Growth: Play a key role in expanding HDR's client base and securing major projects, leading to increased professional influence and compensation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a critical growth opportunity for experienced architects who aspire to leadership. The emphasis on "employee-owners" suggests that career progression is tied to contributions to the firm's success, with potential for significant long-term rewards and influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office-based work environment within HDR's Kansas City location. The office will likely feature collaborative workspaces, individual workstations, meeting rooms, and potentially design studios equipped for architectural work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Kansas City, Missouri. HDR typically has multiple offices, and this role is specific to the Kansas City operations, offering accessibility to local talent and resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among design teams, project managers, and other disciplines. Expect an open-plan or hybrid office layout that encourages interaction.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard architectural design software, visualization tools, and potentially advanced fabrication or VR/AR technologies will be available to support design innovation.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with design staff, project teams, and senior leadership, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the demands of a senior design leadership role, especially in project pursuits and client-facing activities, may require flexibility and occasional extended hours. The culture likely supports efficient work practices to manage workload effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is standard for senior leadership roles that involve direct team management, client engagement, and fostering a collaborative office culture. The Kansas City location places the role within a significant hub for the firm.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (e.g., Regional VP of Architecture or Global Design Director) to delve deeper into design philosophy, leadership style, and strategic vision.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your portfolio, focusing on key projects, design process, leadership contributions, and business development successes. Be prepared to articulate your role and impact.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with other senior designers, project managers, or discipline leads to assess collaborative capabilities and team fit.

• Client/Stakeholder Presentation (Potentially): In some cases, you may be asked to present to or interact with key clients or internal stakeholders.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview with senior leadership to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent your leadership in sports and recreation design, innovation, client engagement, and business development.

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role as a lead designer, mentor, and business developer on each project. Use "I" statements for your direct contributions and "We" for team efforts.

• Showcase Process: Detail your design methodology, iterative process, and how you integrated client feedback and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate success – e.g., project wins, client satisfaction scores, design awards, budget adherence, or team development achievements.

• Focus on Sports & Recreation: Ensure a significant portion of your portfolio is dedicated to relevant sports and recreation projects, showcasing your expertise in this niche.

• Demonstrate GSA Experience: If applicable, include projects or discuss your familiarity with GSA's Design Excellence Program.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation to tell a compelling narrative about your career journey and how it aligns with HDR's values and this role's requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Vision: Be prepared to discuss your vision for the future of sports and recreation design, including trends in sustainability, technology, and user experience.

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you handle challenging team dynamics, mentor junior staff, and drive consensus among stakeholders.

• Business Development Strategy: Think about how you would approach winning new sports and recreation projects for HDR and how you would foster client relationships.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research HDR's recent sports and recreation projects, their design philosophy, and their employee-ownership culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing heavily on design leadership, client relations, and the ability to drive business growth in a specialized market. A well-prepared and targeted portfolio is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Architectural Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and BIM software is essential. This likely includes:

  • Autodesk Revit: For BIM modeling, documentation, and collaboration.
  • AutoCAD: For 2D drafting and legacy project support.
  • SketchUp / Rhino / Grasshopper: For conceptual design, massing studies, and complex geometry.

• Visualization & Rendering Software: Tools to create compelling visual representations of designs:

  • 3ds Max / V-Ray / Lumion / Enscape: For high-quality renderings and real-time visualizations.
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign): For image editing, graphic design, and presentation materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Tools for tracking project progress, budgets, and resources. Examples might include:

  • Microsoft Project / Primavera P6: For complex project scheduling.
  • Deltek Vision or similar: For project accounting, resource management, and CRM within AEC.

• Data Analysis Tools (Basic): While not a primary data analyst role, understanding how to interpret project performance data, budgets, and client feedback is important. Proficiency with Excel is a given.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms used in AEC for client management and business development:

  • Deltek CRM / Salesforce (adapted for AEC): For tracking leads, client interactions, and pipeline management.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with platforms for organizing and sharing project documentation:

  • SharePoint / BIM 360 / ACC: For cloud-based document storage and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Director is broad, encompassing advanced design tools, project management systems, and business development platforms. While deep expertise in every tool might not be required, a strong understanding of how these systems facilitate design, collaboration, and business growth is critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A relentless pursuit of innovative, creative, and high-quality design solutions that solve societal challenges and advance community well-being.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working seamlessly with clients, colleagues across disciplines, and interdisciplinary teams to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging curiosity, embracing new technologies, and pioneering novel approaches to design challenges.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards, fostering transparency, and building strong, reliable relationships as employee-owners.

• Impact: A focus on creating meaningful, lasting positive impacts on communities through thoughtful and sustainable design.

• Inclusion & Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives and empowering every individual to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: HDR fosters a collaborative environment where design leaders partner closely with project managers, discipline leads, and business development professionals.

• Iterative Design Culture: The process encourages continuous feedback loops with clients and internal teams, allowing designs to evolve through constructive critique.

• Knowledge Sharing: There's an emphasis on sharing best practices, lessons learned, and design insights across teams and projects, often facilitated by mentorship and internal training.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: A key aspect is the seamless integration of architectural design with engineering, planning, and other technical disciplines to deliver comprehensive solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize innovation, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose tied to community impact. As an employee-owned firm, transparency, integrity, and a shared commitment to success are likely deeply embedded in the team culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Innovation with Client & Budgetary Constraints: A common challenge in AEC is delivering cutting-edge design while adhering to strict client requirements and project budgets. This role requires adeptness at creative problem-solving within these parameters.

• Mentoring and Developing Diverse Talent: Effectively guiding and inspiring a team of designers with varying skill sets, experience levels, and career aspirations requires strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

• Driving Business Development in a Competitive Market: Securing new sports and recreation projects in a highly competitive landscape demands strategic thinking, strong client relationships, and a compelling design vision.

• Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: The sports and recreation design sector is constantly evolving with new technologies, fan experiences, and sustainability demands. Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial.

• Navigating Large-Scale Project Complexity: Leading the design of major facilities like stadiums and arenas involves managing intricate stakeholder groups, complex technical requirements, and long project timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Training: Access to leadership development programs focused on strategic management, team building, and executive communication.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Opportunities to attend and present at leading sports and recreation design conferences (e.g., AIA COTE, industry-specific events) to gain insights and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship programs, both as a mentor and potentially as a mentee for executive-level guidance.

• Advanced Design Technology Training: Access to training on emerging design software, visualization tools, and digital fabrication technologies.

• Business Acumen Development: Opportunities to enhance skills in financial management, contract negotiation, and strategic business planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior design leaders but are intensified by the specialized nature of sports and recreation facilities and the demands of a global firm. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing well-rounded leaders who can drive both design innovation and business success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Vision: "Describe your vision for the future of sports and recreation facility design. What key trends do you see shaping the industry, and how would you integrate them into HDR's projects?"

  • Preparation: Research current trends (sustainability, fan experience, flexible use venues, technology integration, health & wellness) and articulate how HDR can lead in these areas.

• Leadership & Mentorship: "How do you approach leading and mentoring design teams, particularly junior staff? Provide an example of a time you successfully developed talent."

  • Preparation: Prepare specific examples demonstrating your leadership style, coaching techniques, and ability to foster a positive and productive team environment.

• Business Development & Client Relations: "What is your strategy for identifying and pursuing new sports and recreation project opportunities? How do you build and maintain strong client relationships?"

  • Preparation: Outline your approach to market analysis, lead generation, proposal development, and client engagement, highlighting past successes.

• Problem-Solving & Design Process: "Walk us through a complex sports or recreation project you led. What were the biggest design challenges, and how did you overcome them through your iterative process?"

  • Preparation: Select a strong case study from your portfolio and be ready to detail the problem, your approach, the solutions, and the outcomes, emphasizing collaboration and design excellence.

Company & Culture Questions:

• HDR's Culture: "What appeals to you about HDR's employee-owned culture and commitment to inclusion? How would you contribute to this environment?"

  • Preparation: Research HDR's values and employee network groups. Connect your personal values and experiences to theirs, emphasizing your collaborative and inclusive approach.

• Design Philosophy: "How does your design philosophy align with HDR's emphasis on design excellence, resilience, and sustainability?"

  • Preparation: Understand HDR's stated design principles and be ready to articulate how your own work embodies these concepts.

• Impact: "How do you measure the impact of your designs on communities and clients?"

  • Preparation: Prepare examples of how your projects have positively influenced user experience, operational efficiency, or community engagement.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation as a compelling story of your career, highlighting your growth as a designer, leader, and business developer.

• Focus on Leadership: Clearly delineate your specific contributions and leadership roles in each project. Avoid presenting as a team member without clarifying your individual impact.

• Visual Impact: Use high-quality imagery, renderings, and concise diagrams. Ensure clarity and aesthetic appeal.

• Process Demonstration: Verbally and visually explain your design process, showing how you navigated challenges and arrived at solutions.

• Quantifiable Results: Wherever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your projects and your contributions (e.g., awards, client satisfaction, revenue generated).

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it is engaging, informative, and fits within the allotted timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing not only design expertise but also robust leadership, strategic business acumen, and a strong cultural fit with HDR's employee-owned and collaborative environment. The portfolio presentation is a critical component and should be meticulously prepared.