Design Manager – A/E

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – A/E

Company: O2EPCM, Inc. dba O2 Engineering, Projects & Construction Management

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Architecture & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-06

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees and manages the entire A&E (Architectural & Engineering) design process for capital projects to ensure alignment with functional programs, budgetary constraints, environmental regulations, and legal requirements.

• Coordinates and manages multiple complex projects simultaneously, including engineering repairs and critical facility upgrades, through effective collaboration with architects, consultants, and internal district personnel.

• Ensures all building designs adhere to specific LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District) standards and guidelines, working closely with design professionals and administrators to meet both educational and building code requirements for new and modernized structures.

• Drives the selection process for architectural firms, establishing criteria based on qualifications and performance standards to ensure the best fit for each project.

• Provides clear, consistent direction to architectural teams regarding project goals, objectives, standards, site utilization, schedules, and budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specific to the public sector (educational facilities) and requires a deep understanding of project lifecycle management within a regulated environment. The "A/E" designation points to a focus on the integration of architectural and engineering disciplines, demanding a manager who can bridge these often-distinct areas. The emphasis on LAUSD standards suggests a need for familiarity with public procurement processes and specific building codes relevant to educational institutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the district’s A&E design process, ensuring all plans meet functional program requirements, budgetary limits, environmental considerations, and legal mandates.

• Manage multiple capital projects, including engineering repairs and critical facility upgrades, by fostering effective collaboration among architects, consultants, and District personnel to ensure timely project completion.

• Oversee the building design process, ensuring strict compliance with LAUSD's established standards and guidelines, working with design professionals and administrators to meet educational and building standards for new and modernized facilities.

• Establish and implement a robust process for identifying and selecting architectural firms based on their qualifications, ability to meet performance standards, and suitability for specific project needs.

• Provide architects with clear, consistent direction on project goals, objectives, standards, site utilization, schedules, and budgets to ensure alignment and efficient execution.

• Implement and maintain an effective and efficient design review process to guarantee that designs meet the overall project goals and objectives.

• Ensure maximum value is delivered for the allocated budget, with designs being appropriate, enduring, and meeting the functional needs of the district, local community, and the environment.

• Review design changes diligently to ensure the project remains within its approved budget.

• Monitor project planning and design status, reporting findings, recommendations, and updates to relevant stakeholders.

• Perform other assigned duties to support the overall objectives of the design and construction management team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, stakeholder coordination, and compliance within a public sector context. The role requires a proactive approach to budget control and quality assurance throughout the design phase, acting as a central point of contact for all A&E related activities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

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

• 4 years of this experience must specifically involve the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects. Required Skills:

• Project Lifecycle Management: Proven ability to manage all phases of the design process for large-scale capital projects from inception to completion.

• Architectural & Engineering Coordination: Expertise in coordinating the work of diverse A&E teams, ensuring integrated and compliant designs.

• Budget & Cost Control: Strong financial acumen for managing project budgets, reviewing cost estimates, and controlling design-related expenditures.

• Contract Administration: Experience in managing and administering design contracts, ensuring adherence to terms and conditions.

• Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with architects, consultants, government agencies, and internal stakeholders.

• Regulatory Compliance: Deep understanding of building codes, LAUSD standards, environmental regulations, and legal requirements pertinent to public facilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional 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.

• Educational Facility Design Experience: Specific, in-depth knowledge of the unique requirements and challenges of designing educational institutions.

• Public Procurement Processes: Familiarity with public sector bidding, selection, and contract negotiation processes.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks.

• Scheduling Software Proficiency: Experience