Design Manager AE - M&O

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager AE - M&O

Company: Triangle Decon Services Inc

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Project Management / Design Management (Operations & Infrastructure)

Date Posted: August 06, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees the strategic design and planning of capital improvement projects, focusing on K-12 educational facilities and public agencies, to ensure alignment with functional, budgetary, and legal requirements.

• Manages multiple concurrent projects, including engineering repairs and critical renovations, by effectively coordinating with architects, consultants, and internal district personnel to ensure timely project completion.

• Ensures comprehensive compliance with the Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) specific standards, guidelines, and building codes, including those set by the Division of the State Architect (DSA).

• Develops and implements robust processes for architect selection, design review, and value engineering to maximize project ROI and ensure enduring, functional facility designs that meet community and environmental needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is presented as a Design Manager within an "M&O" context, strongly implying a focus on Maintenance & Operations or similar infrastructure management for a large public entity like LAUSD. The emphasis on capital improvement projects, educational facilities, and specific regulatory bodies (DSA) positions this as a critical infrastructure operations role, rather than a typical corporate GTM or revenue operations function. The salary range and required experience align with senior-level project and design management within public sector infrastructure.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the district's architectural and engineering (A&E) design process for capital improvement projects, ensuring adherence to functional program requirements, budgetary constraints, environmental regulations, and legal mandates.

• Drive the successful execution of multiple projects, including complex engineering repairs and critical facility upgrades, through proactive interaction with external Architects, specialized consultants, and internal District stakeholders to guarantee on-time delivery.

• Implement and enforce LAUSD's design standards and guidelines for new construction and modernization efforts, collaborating with design professionals and District administrators to ensure facilities meet both educational program needs and stringent building code requirements.

• Establish and refine a systematic process for identifying and selecting architectural firms based on demonstrated qualifications, past performance, and the ability to meet defined project performance standards, ensuring optimal partner selection.

• Provide clear, consistent, and actionable direction to architectural teams regarding project goals, objectives, design standards, site constraints, timelines, and budget parameters.

• Develop and maintain an efficient and effective design review process to meticulously assess project designs, ensuring they fully align with the overarching goals and objectives of each initiative.

• Champion the delivery of maximum value for allocated budgets, ensuring facility designs are appropriate, enduring, and effectively meet the diverse functional needs of the District, the local community, and environmental sustainability objectives.

• Conduct thorough reviews of proposed design changes, meticulously analyzing their impact on project scope, schedule, and budget to maintain financial control and project integrity.

• Monitor project planning and design progress diligently, preparing and presenting comprehensive findings, strategic recommendations, and status updates to senior leadership and relevant stakeholders.

• Perform other assigned duties as necessary to support the strategic objectives of the A&E Services department and the broader District mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level role focused on the end-to-end management of the design phase for large-scale public infrastructure projects. The emphasis on compliance with specific public agency standards (LAUSD, DSA) and managing external consultants is a key differentiator from private sector design management.

🎓 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 in managing facilities design, or in the planning and coordination of capital projects that encompassed overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities.

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

• Capital Project Management: Proven ability to manage large-scale capital improvement projects from inception through the design phase.

• Design Process Leadership: Expertise in overseeing the entire architectural and engineering design lifecycle, including conceptualization, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation.

• Consultant Management: Skill in selecting, directing, and evaluating the performance of architectural and engineering consultants.

• Budget & Cost Control: Demonstrated proficiency in developing, monitoring, and controlling project budgets, including cost estimating and change order management.

• Schedule Development & Management: Ability to create, track, and manage complex project schedules to ensure timely completion.

• Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, and specific public agency requirements such as California's Division of the State Architect (DSA) standards.

• Contract Administration: Experience in managing contracts with design professionals and related service providers.

• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with diverse stakeholders including District personnel, community members, and external partners.

• Technical Design Review: Ability to critically review design documents for compliance, functionality, and constructability.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address design challenges and project issues effectively.

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.

• Public Sector Experience: Direct experience working within or managing projects for large public school districts or similar governmental agencies.

• K-12 Educational Facility Design: Specialized knowledge of the unique design considerations for K-12 educational environments.

• Design-Build Project Delivery: Familiarity with Design-Build methodologies and contract structures.

• LEED or Sustainability Certification: Experience with sustainable design principles and certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering, coupled with 8+ years of experience (4 specifically in public/educational facilities), clearly indicates a senior-level position. The preference for California architectural or engineering licensure is a critical qualification for roles involving public projects in the state.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing significant capital improvement projects managed. Each case study should highlight the project's scope, your specific role and responsibilities, key design challenges, solutions implemented, and the ultimate outcomes.

• Design Phase Management: Provide evidence of your systematic approach to managing the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept and programming through to the issuance of construction documents.

• Consultant Oversight Examples: Include documentation or descriptions of how you have managed external architectural and engineering consultants, including selection processes, contract management, and performance evaluation.

• Budget & Schedule Artifacts: Present examples of project budgets, cost estimates, schedule timelines, and reports demonstrating your ability to manage project finances and timelines effectively. This could include sample budget tracking sheets or project schedule Gantt charts.

• Compliance Documentation: Illustrate your understanding and application of relevant building codes and public agency standards (e.g., DSA requirements) through examples of review comments or project documentation that demonstrate compliance.

Process Documentation:

• Design Development Workflow: Detail your established workflow for developing and refining architectural and engineering designs, from initial client requirements to final approved plans.

• Design Review Methodology: Outline your structured process for conducting design reviews, including the key criteria assessed, stakeholders involved, and how feedback is incorporated into design iterations.

• Change Management Protocol: Describe your system for managing design changes, including assessment of scope, cost, and schedule impacts, and the approval process for modifications.

• Value Engineering Approach: Explain your methodology for identifying opportunities to optimize project costs and enhance value without compromising functionality or quality during the design phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role managing design for public infrastructure, a portfolio demonstrating structured processes for project delivery, consultant management, and regulatory compliance is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to walk through specific examples of how they navigated complex design challenges and ensured adherence to stringent public standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $170,000 - $185,000 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) Plan: Retirement savings plan to help employees plan for their future.

• 401(k) Matching: Employer contributions to enhance retirement savings.

• Competitive Salary: A strong base salary reflecting the senior level and responsibilities of the role.

• Dental Insurance: Comprehensive dental coverage for employees and potentially their dependents.

• Employee Discounts: Access to special offers and discounts on various products and services.

• Health Insurance: Robust health insurance plan covering medical needs.

• Tuition Assistance: Support for continued education and professional development.

• Vision Insurance: Coverage for eye care and vision needs.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours depending on project demands and deadlines. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the project locations and/or District offices in Los Angeles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $170,000-$185,000 for a Design Manager in Los Angeles, CA, with 8+ years of experience and specific public sector focus, is competitive and aligns with senior-level project management roles in high-cost-of-living urban areas. The listed benefits are standard for full-time positions and include strong retirement and health coverage options.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Advisory, Project Development, Construction Management (Specializing in Public Sector Infrastructure)

Company Size: Small to Medium (Boutique firm, but managing large-scale public projects implies significant operational capacity)

Founded: The company is described as "young," suggesting a dynamic and potentially growing organizational structure.

Team Structure:

• Core Team: Consists of licensed Professional Engineers (PE), certified Project Management Professionals (PMP), certified professionals with Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) credentials, licensed General Building Contractors, and other industry experts.

• Specialization: Focuses on entitlement, development, design, procurement, construction management, project management, expert witness, and litigation support.

• Client Base: Serves private developers and public organizations, with a strong emphasis on public school districts, college districts, universities, commercial developers, and hospitality owners.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated for this role, the "Design Manager AE - M&O" title suggests a reporting line within the Maintenance & Operations or a similar infrastructure/facilities division, likely reporting to a Director or Senior Executive overseeing capital programs.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Emphasizes delivering maximum value and building trust with clients.

• Professionalism & Ethics: Operates with a strong ethical compass and professional demeanor.

• Knowledgeable & Multilingual: Values expertise and the ability to communicate effectively across diverse groups.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Covers services from initial entitlement and development through design, procurement, and construction management.

Company Website: https://www.triangledcs.com/ (Assuming based on domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Triangle Decon Services Inc. presents itself as a specialized firm offering comprehensive real estate advisory and project management services, particularly for public entities. The "young, energetic" description, combined with the presence of highly credentialed professionals, suggests a firm that balances expertise with a dynamic, client-focused approach. The specific mention of LAUSD in the job summary indicates a significant partnership or contract.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Lead Design Professional. This role is a critical leadership position within the project management and design oversight function, specifically for infrastructure development within a large public agency. It demands significant experience, technical expertise, and the ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects.

Reporting Structure: The role is associated with a full-time position at Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). It is highly probable that this Design Manager will report to a Director of Facilities Planning, Director of Design and Construction, or a similar senior executive within LAUSD's infrastructure or operations division. The Design Manager will, in turn, manage and direct external architectural and engineering consultants.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful planning and design of educational facilities and capital improvements. This role is fundamental to ensuring that LAUSD's learning environments are safe, functional, modern, and conducive to education. Effective management of design processes directly influences project timelines, budget adherence, and the long-term quality and sustainability of the District's infrastructure, thereby impacting student success and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into roles such as Director of Design and Construction, Executive Director of Facilities Planning, or similar senior leadership positions within LAUSD or other large public agencies.

• Specialization Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like K-12 educational facility design, sustainable building practices, or complex infrastructure project management.

• Strategic Influence: The role offers a platform to influence the strategic direction of LAUSD's capital improvement programs and contribute to shaping the future of educational facilities.

• Mentorship: Possibility to mentor junior project managers, designers, and consultants, contributing to the development of future talent within the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for professionals looking to impact large-scale public infrastructure. The growth path is clearly within senior leadership roles in public sector facilities management and capital programs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) environment. While there might be a primary office location for administrative tasks, the nature of the job will involve frequent site visits to active construction projects, meetings with architects and consultants at their offices, and interactions within District facilities.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California. Specific office locations would be within the LAUSD administrative structure and project sites across the vast Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a highly collaborative setting involving extensive interaction with LAUSD facilities staff, project managers, architects, engineers, consultants, and potentially school administrators and community representatives.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard project management software, CAD/BIM viewing tools, communication platforms, and potentially specialized LAUSD systems for project tracking and reporting will be available.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with a team of professionals dedicated to managing and delivering capital improvement projects. This includes other project managers, design specialists, and administrative support staff. The role requires a proactive approach to coordination and communication across various teams and external partners.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. However, the demands of managing capital projects often necessitate flexibility, with potential for overtime or adjusted hours to meet critical deadlines, attend site inspections, or participate in essential meetings. The on-site requirement means predictable daily presence is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role in Los Angeles, coupled with its focus on public education facilities, suggests a dynamic work environment that balances office-based planning and coordination with frequent site visits and stakeholder engagements across a large geographical area.

📄 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, particularly the 8+ years of design/project management and 4 years in public/educational facilities.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions focusing on your experience with capital improvement projects, design management methodologies, consultant oversight, budget and schedule control, and familiarity with LAUSD/DSA standards. Be prepared to discuss specific project challenges and how you resolved them.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio. This is a critical stage to showcase your project management approach, design process, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions designed to assess your leadership style, communication skills, ability to manage diverse stakeholders, and how you handle conflict or high-pressure situations.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership (e.g., Director of Facilities) to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing specific skill sets (e.g., budget management, consultant coordination, compliance). Use clear headings and concise descriptions.

• Highlight LAUSD Relevance: Emphasize projects that are similar in scale, type (educational facilities), or complexity to those managed by LAUSD. Clearly articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate your impact. For example, "Managed a $50M renovation project, delivering it 5% under budget and 2 months ahead of schedule."

• Process-Oriented Explanations: For each case study, explain your process for tackling challenges, managing teams, and ensuring compliance, not just the outcome.

• Visual Aids: Include relevant visuals such as project photos, site plans, or sample reports (redacted for confidentiality) to make your presentation more engaging.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle disagreements, and your strategies for ensuring quality and compliance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready for hypothetical scenarios such as: "How would you handle a situation where a key consultant is consistently missing deadlines?" or "What steps would you take if a design review reveals a significant compliance issue with DSA regulations?"

• Process Walkthroughs: Be prepared to articulate your step-by-step approach to common tasks like initiating a new capital project design, conducting a design review, or managing a significant design change.

• LAUSD/DSA Knowledge: Brush up on current LAUSD facilities standards and DSA requirements. Demonstrating this knowledge will be key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily scrutinize practical experience and a structured approach to managing complex public infrastructure projects. A well-prepared portfolio and the ability to articulate processes and demonstrate compliance knowledge are paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with enterprise-level project management platforms (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project) for tracking schedules, budgets, documentation, and communication.

• CAD/BIM Software: Familiarity with viewing and navigating CAD drawings (e.g., AutoCAD) and BIM models (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) to understand design intent and conduct reviews.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project-related documents, drawings, and correspondence.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for financial analysis, budget tracking, data manipulation, and reporting.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate project status reports, budget summaries, and performance dashboards for various stakeholders.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI could be beneficial for presenting complex project data, though likely not a primary requirement.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal LAUSD Systems: Expect to utilize LAUSD's specific internal systems for project tracking, procurement, and administrative processes. Understanding and adapting to these systems quickly will be essential.

• Communication Platforms: Proficient use of email clients (Outlook), internal messaging systems (e.g., Microsoft Teams), and video conferencing tools (Zoom, Webex) for seamless collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements aren't listed, a Design Manager in this context would heavily rely on robust project management software, CAD/BIM viewers, and advanced spreadsheet skills. Familiarity with public sector procurement and project management systems is a strong advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to Education: A core value of contributing to the betterment of educational environments through safe, functional, and inspiring facilities.

• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings, particularly crucial in public sector projects involving taxpayer funds.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative spirit among internal teams, external consultants, and stakeholders to achieve shared project goals.

• Efficiency and Value: A drive to deliver projects effectively, maximizing the value of every dollar spent and optimizing project timelines.

• Accountability and Ownership: Taking responsibility for project outcomes and demonstrating proactive problem-solving.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the needs of students, educators, and the community served by the facilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engages with various departments within LAUSD, including facilities maintenance, educational programs, procurement, and legal, to ensure holistic project planning and execution.

• Partnership with Consultants: Works closely with architects and engineers as strategic partners, providing clear direction and constructive feedback to achieve optimal design outcomes.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactively communicates with and seeks input from a wide range of stakeholders, including school administrators, parents, community members, and regulatory bodies, to ensure project alignment and buy-in.

• Open Communication: Promotes an environment of open dialogue, transparency, and constructive feedback to address challenges and drive continuous improvement in the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be professional, results-oriented, and deeply committed to the public service mission of improving educational infrastructure. Collaboration and adherence to ethical standards are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Bureaucracy: The inherent complexities and lengthy approval processes within large public agencies like LAUSD can present significant challenges in terms of project timelines and flexibility.

• Balancing Competing Stakeholder Needs: Juggling the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of students, educators, administrators, parents, and community members requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Adherence to Strict Regulations: Ensuring absolute compliance with evolving building codes, DSA requirements, and LAUSD-specific standards for every project is a constant and critical challenge.

• Budgetary Constraints: Managing large capital projects within fixed budgets, especially in the public sector, requires meticulous financial oversight and strategic decision-making.

• Managing Consultant Performance: Ensuring that external architectural and engineering consultants deliver high-quality work on time and within budget requires diligent oversight and proactive issue resolution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Public Sector Projects: Gain unparalleled experience in managing the design and delivery of large-scale public infrastructure, particularly within the K-12 educational sector.

• Expertise in Regulatory Compliance: Become an expert in navigating and applying California's Division of the State Architect (DSA) regulations and other state/local building codes.

• Advanced Project Management Skills: Hone skills in complex stakeholder management, contract negotiation, risk assessment, and value engineering within a public sector context.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead significant capital programs and potentially mentor junior project managers, fostering leadership capabilities.

• Industry Networking: Build a robust professional network within the public education facilities management and construction industry in Southern California.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges related to public sector operations, but these challenges are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities in specialized public infrastructure management and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Lifecycle Management: "Walk me through your process for managing a capital improvement project from initial design concept to the issuance of construction documents. What are the key milestones and decision points?"

• Consultant Management: "Describe a time you had to manage a consultant who was not meeting performance expectations. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?"

• Budget & Change Management: "How do you approach budget forecasting and control for large capital projects? Explain your process for evaluating and approving design changes that impact the budget."

• Regulatory Compliance: "What is your experience with DSA requirements? How do you ensure a design project remains compliant throughout the review and approval process?"

• Problem-Solving: "Tell me about a complex design challenge you encountered on a project. What was your approach to solving it, and what did you learn?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• LAUSD Alignment: "What do you understand about LAUSD's mission and its facilities needs? How does your experience align with supporting these goals?"

• Teamwork & Collaboration: "Describe your preferred collaboration style when working with diverse teams, including internal staff, external consultants, and community stakeholders."

• Ethical Decision-Making: "How do you ensure ethical practices and accountability in managing public funds and projects?"

• Value Proposition: "Why are you interested in this specific Design Manager role at LAUSD, and what unique value do you bring?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The "STAR" Method for Case Studies: For each project presented, structure your explanation using the STAR method: Situation (project context), Task (your role/responsibilities), Action (steps you took), and Result (outcomes, achieved metrics).

• Focus on Process & Problem-Solving: Emphasize how you achieved results, detailing your methodologies for design review, consultant management, budget control, and compliance.

• Visual Engagement: Use clear, professional slides with relevant images, diagrams, or charts. Avoid overwhelming text.

• Concise & Impactful Narrative: Tell a compelling story about each project, highlighting your contributions and the impact of your work on the facility's functionality and the educational mission.

• Preparation for Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about any aspect of your portfolio projects, including specific technical challenges, financial decisions, or stakeholder interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating deep experience in managing complex public infrastructure projects, a thorough understanding of regulatory frameworks like DSA, and strong leadership and communication skills. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to prove these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Triangle Decon Services Inc. career portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in this job description, such as "capital improvement projects," "design management," "LAUSD standards," "DSA compliance," "consultant oversight," and "budgetary control." Quantify achievements with specific numbers and percentages.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your portfolio to showcase 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing architectural and engineering design for large-scale facilities, ideally educational or public sector. Ensure it highlights your processes for design review, consultant management, budget adherence, and regulatory compliance.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio using the STAR method, focusing on clear articulation of your processes, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable results. Prepare to discuss your experience with LAUSD and DSA requirements.

• Research LAUSD: Familiarize yourself with LAUSD's current capital improvement programs, facilities master plans, and any recent news or initiatives related to their infrastructure development. Understanding their context will be invaluable.

⚠️ 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.