Design Manager - A&E Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - A&E Services

Company: The Tsui Group

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / Project Management (Construction & Facilities)

Date Posted: 2026-08-05

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees and manages the complete design process for A&E Services for educational facility construction projects, ensuring alignment with functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.

• Leads the coordination and interaction with architects, consultants, and internal district personnel to drive the timely completion of multiple capital and repair projects.

• Ensures new and modernized structures meet both educational and building standards by guiding design professionals and administrators through the building design process.

• Establishes and implements robust processes for selecting architectural firms based on qualifications and performance standards, and for conducting thorough design reviews.

• Monitors project planning and design status, providing clear direction, reporting findings, and making recommendations to ensure maximum value within budget constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description focuses on architectural and engineering (A&E) services, the "Design Manager" title and core responsibilities align with a critical operational role within a larger organization focused on facility management and capital project execution. This role requires a strong understanding of operational workflows, budget adherence, and cross-functional stakeholder management, typical of senior operations or project management positions in the construction and facilities sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the architectural and engineering design process for educational facility construction and repair projects, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and regulatory compliance.

• Develop and implement standardized processes for selecting and onboarding architectural and engineering firms, evaluating their qualifications, past performance, and capacity.

• Provide clear, consistent, and strategic direction to design professionals regarding project goals, educational standards, site constraints, timelines, and financial parameters.

• Establish and execute a rigorous design review process, identifying potential issues, ensuring alignment with educational objectives, and validating cost-effectiveness.

• Monitor and report on the status of project planning and design activities, identifying risks, proposing mitigation strategies, and forecasting potential budget impacts.

• Administer contracts with A&E service providers, ensuring deliverables meet contractual obligations and performance standards.

• Collaborate closely with various administrators, stakeholders, and end-users to ensure designs effectively meet the functional needs of the district, community, and environmental sustainability goals.

• Review and approve design changes, meticulously assessing their impact on project budgets, schedules, and overall objectives.

• Perform due diligence on project sites and existing conditions to inform design development and identify potential challenges early in the process.

• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including design plans, specifications, change orders, and review records, ensuring accessibility and accuracy for all project stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are directly extracted and elaborated from the provided job description, framed within an operational context. The emphasis is on process management, stakeholder coordination, and risk mitigation, which are core to operations management in capital projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

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

• A minimum of 4 years of the required experience must be specifically with the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects. Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex construction and renovation projects concurrently from inception through completion.

• A&E Coordination: Expertise in managing relationships and workflows with architectural and engineering consultants.

• Budget Management: Strong financial acumen for developing, monitoring, and controlling project budgets, including detailed cost estimating and change order review.

• Contract Administration: Demonstrated experience in managing contracts with external service providers, ensuring compliance and performance.

• Design Review & Standards: Proficiency in evaluating designs against educational program requirements, building codes, and district standards.

• Scheduling: Skill in developing, managing, and monitoring project schedules, ensuring timely delivery of milestones.

• Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of building codes, environmental regulations, and legal requirements relevant to educational facilities.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with district personnel, administrators, consultants, and community representatives.

Preferred Skills:

• California Architectural/Engineering Licensure: A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board or Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

• Public Agency Project Experience: Direct experience managing capital projects within a large public school district or similar governmental agency.

• Risk Management: Ability to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.

• Value Engineering: Experience in implementing value engineering principles to optimize project costs and functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements (8 years total, with 4 years in educational facilities) and the educational background (Bachelor's in Architecture/Engineering) suggest a mid-to-senior level role. The preferred licensure further reinforces this, indicating a need for deep technical expertise and credibility within the A&E field. The "10+ Years" AI experience level is derived from combining the minimum required years and the implication of managing complex projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Lifecycle Documentation: Showcase examples of managed projects, detailing their progression through planning, design, bidding, and construction phases.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Present documented instances where you identified inefficiencies in design or construction processes and implemented improvements, quantifying the impact (e.g., time saved, cost reduction).

• System Implementation Examples: If applicable, provide examples of implementing new design management software, project tracking systems, or communication platforms that enhanced operational efficiency.

• Budget & Schedule Control: Demonstrate your ability to maintain projects within defined budgetary and schedule parameters, including examples of change order management and cost forecasting.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of developing or refining workflows for A&E firm selection, design review, and stakeholder communication.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of how you've implemented new processes or tools to streamline operations, such as standardized templates for RFPs or automated reporting mechanisms.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how you track and analyze project performance metrics related to design quality, budget adherence, and schedule compliance, and how this data informs future decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role in A&E services, a portfolio should highlight not just project outcomes but also the processes and systems used to achieve those outcomes. Emphasis on documented workflows, systematic selection processes, and robust review mechanisms is crucial, reflecting the operational rigor expected.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $154,000 - $159,000 Annually This range is provided based on the explicit figures in the job description. For a Design Manager role in Los Angeles with 8+ years of specialized experience, this range is competitive, particularly for public sector or large institutional clients.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance with 100% employer coverage for the employee.

• Income Protection: Life and Disability Insurance policies.

• Paid Time Off:

  • 10.5 days of Vacation pay (accrued).
  • 6 days of Sick pay (available immediately).
  • 13 days of Holiday pay.

• Retirement Savings: 3% Employer Contribution to a 401k plan after 1 year of service.

• Technology & Communication Allowance: Monthly stipend for cell phone usage and a company-provided laptop for work purposes.

Working Hours:

• Standard Full-Time: Approximately 40 hours per week. While a standard work week is implied, the nature of project management in construction often requires flexibility to meet critical deadlines and site demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on health coverage and a valuable 401k contribution. The mention of a cell phone stipend and company laptop indicates support for remote or flexible work arrangements that might be necessary for site visits or off-hour communication, even if the role is primarily on-site.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Tsui Group operates within the professional services sector, specifically focusing on Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A&E) management and related services, likely serving institutional clients such as educational institutions.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the need for a Design Manager suggests The Tsui Group is a medium to large-sized firm capable of handling significant capital projects for major clients like the educational district mentioned. This implies an established organizational structure with specialized departments.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's involvement in large-scale educational facility projects suggests a history of stable operations and a proven track record in the industry.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The Design Manager will likely be part of an operations or project management division responsible for delivering capital projects.

• Reporting: The role likely reports to a Director of Project Management, VP of Operations, or a similar senior leadership position overseeing facilities and construction.

• Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with internal project managers, procurement teams, legal counsel, facilities maintenance staff, and external stakeholders including architects, engineers, contractors, and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Project Delivery: The company likely employs established project delivery methodologies (e.g., Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Construction Management at Risk) tailored to institutional clients.

• Process-Driven: A strong emphasis on standardized processes for procurement, design review, contract management, and quality control is expected, given the nature of public sector projects.

• Data-Informed Decisions: The role requires a data-driven approach to budget tracking, schedule adherence, and risk assessment to ensure successful project outcomes.

Company Website: https://jobs.workable.com/company/qPK7rx5ks1PvkUiZBbfuNT/jobs-at-the-tsui-group (This is a Workable link, not a direct company site, but points to their careers page.)

📝 Enhancement Note: Inferences about company culture and team structure are based on the nature of the role and the industry. A firm managing large educational facility projects typically operates with a high degree of process discipline, regulatory awareness, and collaborative project teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, indicated by the extensive experience requirements (8+ years, with 4+ years in a specialized sector) and the responsibility for managing complex, high-value projects. It represents a key operational leadership role within the capital projects domain.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager likely reports into a senior project management or operations leadership role. They will also lead and mentor project teams, potentially including junior designers, project coordinators, and administrative support staff.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the organization's ability to deliver critical infrastructure for its clients. Successful project delivery through effective design management contributes to client satisfaction, operational efficiency of the facilities, and the company's reputation and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Director of Project Management, VP of Operations, or a similar executive role overseeing larger portfolios or multiple project types.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of educational facility design, sustainable building practices, or advanced construction technologies.

• Professional Development: Access to industry conferences, certifications (e.g., PMP, LEED AP), and training programs focused on advanced project management, A&E best practices, and leadership skills.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger relationships with key educational clients, potentially leading to repeat business and strategic partnerships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in this sector typically involves progressing from managing individual projects to overseeing programs, teams, and ultimately strategic operational functions. The emphasis on client-side experience in educational facilities is a strong foundation for further growth within this niche.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a primary work location within a physical office environment. This office likely serves as the hub for project planning, coordination, and administrative tasks.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California. This metropolitan area offers a dynamic professional environment with access to a large talent pool and numerous large-scale construction projects, particularly in the educational sector.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is expected to foster collaboration among project teams, design professionals, and administrative staff.

• Tool Access: Employees will have access to necessary operational tools and technology, including project management software, design review platforms, and communication systems.

• Site Interaction: While based in an office, the role will necessitate frequent site visits to educational facilities under design or construction to ensure alignment with plans and address on-site issues.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is the baseline. However, project deadlines, site visits, and urgent client needs may require flexibility and occasional extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation for a Design Manager in A&E services is typical, as it requires direct interaction with project documentation, internal teams, and frequent site visits. The Los Angeles location places the role within a significant market for educational infrastructure development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the minimum experience and education requirements.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on your experience with A&E project management, design review processes, budget control, contract administration, and specific challenges faced in educational facility projects. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to present your portfolio, highlighting key projects, your role in them, and demonstrating your process management, problem-solving skills, and impact.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and/or senior leadership to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and fit with The Tsui Group's operational culture.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior executive to discuss strategic alignment and finalize hiring decisions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process, Not Just Projects: For each project, clearly articulate the design management process you employed, your specific contributions, and the operational systems you utilized.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics to demonstrate your success – e.g., projects completed on time/under budget, cost savings achieved through design efficiencies, reduction in RFIs or change orders.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Include case studies of complex design challenges you encountered and how you strategically resolved them, detailing the steps taken and the outcome.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience with educational facilities and public sector projects, aligning your portfolio with the specific needs of The Tsui Group and their clients.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "How would you handle a situation where an architect proposes a design significantly over budget?" or "Describe your process for selecting an A&E firm for a critical renovation project."

• Process Walkthrough: Be ready to walk through your typical process for managing a design phase, from initial scope definition to final design approval.

• Industry Knowledge: Brush up on current trends in educational facility design, sustainable building practices, and relevant California building codes.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is critical for this role, as it serves as tangible proof of a candidate's ability to manage complex design processes and deliver successful projects. The interview process will likely probe deeply into the candidate's operational methodologies and problem-solving capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms such as Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud (formerly PlanGrid, BIM 360), Oracle Aconex, or similar. These are crucial for managing project documentation, communication, scheduling, and financial tracking.

• CAD & BIM Software: Familiarity with or understanding of the outputs from CAD (e.g., AutoCAD) and BIM (e.g., Revit) software is essential for effective design review, even if not directly using them for drafting.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Project for scheduling, Excel for financial analysis and reporting, Word for documentation, and PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Budgeting & Estimating Software: Experience with specialized cost estimating tools or integrated PM software modules.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret project status reports and dashboards, often within PM software or using tools like Tableau or Power BI for custom analytics.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Relationship Management (CRM): While not a sales role, understanding client interaction management is key. Familiarity with CRM principles might be beneficial for managing client communications and project history.

• Workflow Automation: Experience with or understanding of how to leverage automation within PM software to streamline repetitive tasks like RFI processing or submittal reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Manager in A&E services is heavily reliant on project management and construction-specific software. The ability to navigate and leverage these tools for efficient workflow management, documentation, and communication is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings and taking ownership of project outcomes and responsibilities.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse perspectives are valued to achieve collective project success.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality design and construction services that meet or exceed client expectations and industry standards.

• Efficiency & Innovation: Continuously seeking ways to optimize processes, manage resources effectively, and adopt innovative solutions to improve project delivery.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and ensuring that project objectives align with their strategic goals and community impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with internal departments (e.g., procurement, finance) and external partners (architects, engineers, contractors) to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open, honest, and timely communication to address potential issues early and maintain alignment across all project stakeholders.

• Constructive Feedback: Creating an environment where feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement in design and project management processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of lessons learned and best practices across projects to enhance organizational learning and operational effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are inferred based on typical expectations for firms managing public sector or large institutional projects, which often prioritize reliability, quality, and strong stakeholder relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Competing Priorities: Balancing the demands of multiple projects, each with unique stakeholders, budgets, and timelines, while ensuring quality and compliance.

• Navigating Bureaucracy & Regulations: Dealing with complex approval processes, evolving building codes, and client-specific administrative requirements in the public sector.

• Controlling Scope Creep & Budget Overruns: Effectively managing client expectations and design changes to prevent uncontrolled expansion of project scope and budget.

• Ensuring Constructability & Maintainability: Bridging the gap between design intent and practical, cost-effective construction and long-term facility maintenance.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping abreast of new design technologies (e.g., advanced BIM, AI in design) and integrating them effectively into project workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Pursuing PMP, CCM (Certified Construction Manager), or other relevant credentials to formalize and enhance project management expertise.

• Specialized A&E Training: Attending workshops or courses on sustainable design (LEED), specific construction methods, or advanced BIM applications.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participating in programs focused on strategic planning, team leadership, and executive communication.

• Industry Networking: Engaging with professional organizations (e.g., AIA, ASCE, AGC) to stay current on industry trends, best practices, and build a professional network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in capital project management, requiring strategic thinking, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The growth opportunities focus on enhancing both technical and leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Management Philosophy: "Describe your approach to managing the design phase of a large-scale educational facility project. What are your key priorities?" Focus on your systematic approach, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

• Stakeholder Alignment: "How do you ensure that the design effectively meets the diverse needs of administrators, teachers, students, and the community, while staying within budget and schedule?" Prepare examples of consensus-building and managing conflicting requirements.

• Problem-Solving Case Study: "Walk me through a time you encountered a significant design challenge or conflict that threatened project delivery. What steps did you take to resolve it, and what was the outcome?" Be ready to detail the problem, your analysis, the solution, and the quantifiable results.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding The Tsui Group: "What do you know about The Tsui Group and your interest in this specific role managing A&E services for educational clients?" Research the company’s projects, mission, and values.

• Team Collaboration: "Describe your ideal working relationship with architects, engineers, and internal district personnel. How do you foster a collaborative and productive environment?" Prepare examples of successful cross-functional teamwork.

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of the design process and your own contribution to a project's overall success?" Focus on metrics related to budget, schedule, quality, and client satisfaction.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the project context, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (budget, schedule, quality improvements).

• Emphasize Process: Don't just show the final building; explain how you managed the design process, the tools and systems you used, and the methodologies applied.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., percentage of budget saved, reduction in RFI volume, adherence to schedule milestones).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decision-making process, technical choices, and how you handled specific project scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise in A&E, strong project management capabilities, and excellent stakeholder management skills. A well-prepared portfolio that highlights process and quantifiable results will be a significant asset.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link, ensuring all sections are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that specifically showcases your experience managing educational facility design projects, detailing your processes for A&E firm selection, design review, budget adherence, and contract administration. Include quantifiable achievements.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "educational facility design," "capital projects," "contract administration," and "budget management." Emphasize your 8+ years of experience, with at least 4 years in educational institutions.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project management methodologies, problem-solving approaches, and collaboration strategies. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your portfolio and prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Tsui Group's mission, past projects, and any publicly available information on their approach to A&E services and client management, particularly within the educational sector.

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