Design Manager A/E Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager A/E Services

Company: DESTINATION ENTERPRISES INC (on behalf of LAUSD)

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Management / Architectural & Engineering (A&E) Services

Date Posted: 2026-08-12T17:35:10

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees and manages the architectural and engineering (A&E) design process for educational facilities and capital projects, ensuring alignment with functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.

• Coordinates and directs multiple projects simultaneously, interacting with external architects, consultants, and internal district personnel to ensure timely project completion and adherence to standards.

• Manages the selection of architectural firms based on qualifications and performance, providing clear direction and oversight throughout the design lifecycle.

• Establishes and implements efficient design review processes to ensure projects meet educational, building, community, and environmental standards.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is contracted by Destination Enterprises on behalf of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The primary focus is on managing the design phase of educational facility projects, requiring a strong understanding of public sector procurement, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder management within a large educational institution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end design process for LAUSD's A&E Services, ensuring all plans adhere to functional program requirements, budgetary constraints, environmental regulations, and legal mandates.

• Oversee multiple capital improvement, engineering repair, and critical repair projects by effectively coordinating with contracted Architects, engineering consultants, and various District administrators.

• Lead the building design process to guarantee compliance with LAUSD's established standards, guidelines, and educational facility requirements, ensuring new and modernized structures meet both pedagogical and building code standards.

• Develop and implement a robust process for identifying and selecting architectural firms that best align with project-specific qualifications, performance expectations, and LAUSD's strategic objectives.

• Provide clear, consistent, and actionable direction to architectural firms regarding project goals, objectives, design standards, site utilization, schedules, and budgets.

• Establish and maintain an effective and efficient design review process to meticulously ensure that all designs meet the overarching goals and objectives of each specific project.

• Ensure that design decisions deliver maximum value for allocated funds, resulting in appropriate, enduring, and functional facilities that serve the district, local community, and environmental sustainability.

• Review and approve design changes, meticulously tracking their impact on project budgets and timelines.

• Continuously monitor project planning and design status, preparing and presenting comprehensive reports on findings, recommendations, and project updates to relevant stakeholders.

• Perform other assigned duties to support the overall mission and operational efficiency of the A&E Services department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize proactive management and oversight of external design partners within a public sector environment. Candidates should demonstrate experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships, navigating public procurement processes, and ensuring compliance with stringent educational facility design standards.

🎓 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 this experience must specifically involve the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar projects within public agencies. Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex capital projects from inception through the design phase, ensuring scope, schedule, and budget adherence.

• Architectural & Engineering Design Oversight: Deep understanding of architectural and engineering principles, design processes, and standards relevant to educational facilities.

• Contract Administration: Expertise in managing contracts with external architectural and engineering firms, including scope definition, performance monitoring, and change order management.

• Cost Estimating & Budget Management: Proficiency in reviewing and validating cost estimates, managing project budgets, and controlling design-related expenditures.

• Scheduling & Timeline Management: Skill in developing, monitoring, and managing project schedules to ensure timely design completion.

• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of building codes, zoning laws, environmental regulations, and public agency requirements applicable to educational facilities.

• Design Review Processes: Experience in establishing and executing effective design review methodologies to ensure quality and compliance.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including architects, engineers, consultants, district administrators, and community members.

• Public Agency Operations: Familiarity with the operational dynamics, procurement processes, and reporting requirements of public sector entities, particularly school districts.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Educational Facility Design Expertise: Specialized knowledge and experience in the unique design considerations for K-12 educational environments.

• Advanced Project Management Software: Proficiency in using project management software for planning, tracking, and reporting on complex design projects.

• Negotiation Skills: Experience in negotiating contracts and design-related agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for California licensure and specific experience with educational facilities suggests a need for candidates who can immediately contribute to LAUSD's complex project landscape. Strong emphasis is placed on managing external consultants and ensuring compliance within public sector frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant capital projects managed from the design phase through to construction readiness, preferably within the public sector or educational institutions. Each case study should detail the project's scope, challenges, your specific role, design solutions implemented, and the successful outcome.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Provide examples of established or improved design review processes, architectural firm selection methodologies, or contract administration procedures you have implemented. Highlight the impact on efficiency, cost savings, or quality improvements.

• Budget and Schedule Management Examples: Include documentation or summaries demonstrating your ability to manage project budgets and schedules effectively, such as sample budget tracking reports, schedule adherence analyses, or change order logs.

• Stakeholder Communication Samples: Present examples of communication plans, progress reports, or presentations delivered to diverse stakeholder groups (e.g., school board, community members, internal departments) regarding design projects.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping, analyzing, and optimizing design workflows, including the architect selection process, design review cycles, and inter-departmental approvals.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how you've overseen the implementation of design standards, new technologies, or streamlined processes to enhance design delivery efficiency.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Showcase your approach to measuring design project performance, including metrics for budget adherence, schedule compliance, design quality, and stakeholder satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio focused on managing the design phase of projects is crucial. Candidates should emphasize their ability to select, direct, and review the work of A&E firms, demonstrating a strong understanding of project initiation, planning, and design development within regulatory and budgetary constraints.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $173,000 - $194,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

While specific benefits are not detailed in the provided listing, typical benefits for full-time roles in this sector and location often include:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Plan: 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan, potentially with employer matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance coverage.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, likely 40 hours per week.

• The role is on-site, requiring regular attendance at the Los Angeles office and project sites.

• Occasional flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or attend critical meetings outside of standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Design Manager role with significant experience requirements in a high-cost-of-living area like Los Angeles. Benefits are inferred based on industry standards for full-time positions in the US, particularly within large public organizations or their contracted service providers. It is advisable for candidates to inquire about the specific benefit package during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector (Education), Construction, Engineering, Architecture, Management Consulting (as a contractor for LAUSD).

Company Size: DESTINATION ENTERPRISES INC is likely a medium to large-sized consulting or project management firm. LAUSD itself is one of the largest public school districts in the United States, employing tens of thousands of people.

Founded: Information on the founding date of Destination Enterprises Inc. is not provided. LAUSD was founded in 1881.

Team Structure:

• Operations: This role operates within the A&E Services division, likely a specialized unit focused on managing the design and planning aspects of LAUSD's extensive facilities portfolio.

• Reporting: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level executive within the A&E Services department, such as a Director of Facilities Planning or Chief of Design.

• Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with internal LAUSD departments (e.g., Facilities Planning, Construction Management, Legal, Procurement), external architectural and engineering firms, consultants, contractors, and potentially community stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on utilizing project data, performance metrics, and compliance documentation to inform design decisions and contractor selection.

• Process Standardization: Development and adherence to standardized processes for design review, firm selection, contract administration, and budget/schedule management to ensure consistency across numerous projects.

• Risk Management: Proactive identification and mitigation of design-related risks, including budget overruns, schedule delays, regulatory non-compliance, and functional deficiencies.

• Quality Assurance: Implementing rigorous quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes throughout the design lifecycle.

Company Website: [Company URL not provided, but commonly associated with 'de-cm.com' for Destination Enterprises]

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is essentially an extension of LAUSD's internal facilities management team, acting as a crucial liaison between the school district and its external A&E partners. Understanding the public sector's emphasis on compliance, transparency, and due diligence is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position within the architectural and engineering design domain. It represents a significant step for individuals with extensive experience in project management and a deep understanding of the design and construction lifecycle, particularly within large public organizations.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager responsible for overall A&E Services or Capital Projects within LAUSD's facilities division. They will manage a team of project managers, designers, or administrative staff directly or indirectly through oversight of external firms.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on the functionality, safety, cost-effectiveness, and long-term utility of LAUSD's physical infrastructure. Their decisions influence the learning environment for thousands of students and staff, the efficient use of public funds, and the district's ability to meet its educational mission. Effective design management is critical for avoiding costly rework, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering facilities that support modern educational needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to higher leadership roles within LAUSD's Facilities department, such as Director of Design, Chief Facilities Officer, or similar executive positions overseeing broader aspects of capital planning, design, and construction.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of educational facility design, sustainability, or complex infrastructure projects.

• Broader Project Scope: Transition to managing even larger, more complex, or district-wide capital initiatives.

• Consulting Leadership: For those in contracting roles, growth into senior leadership positions within Destination Enterprises or similar firms, managing larger client portfolios or business units.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a chance to significantly impact a major public institution's infrastructure. Career progression is geared towards expanding responsibility within public sector capital project management, with a strong emphasis on leadership and strategic oversight.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is on-site, requiring the Design Manager to work from a designated office location in Los Angeles, likely within LAUSD facilities or a dedicated project management office. This environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, supporting the management of numerous concurrent projects.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, CA, 90017. This central Los Angeles location provides accessibility to various parts of the district for site visits and meetings.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will likely facilitate regular interaction with internal LAUSD teams, external design consultants, and other project stakeholders. Open communication channels and meeting spaces are anticipated.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, project management software, design review platforms, and communication tools will be provided to support the role's demands.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for frequent engagement with project managers, architects, engineers, and administrative support staff, fostering a team-oriented approach to project delivery.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, typical for full-time professional roles in the public sector.

• While the core hours are standard, the nature of managing complex projects may necessitate occasional flexibility to attend critical meetings, address urgent design issues, or meet project milestones.

• The on-site requirement ensures direct oversight and accessibility for project teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Los Angeles is a key factor. Candidates should be prepared for a structured, professional office environment that supports the intensive management and coordination demands of public sector capital projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with minimum requirements and key responsibilities. Emphasis will be placed on experience with educational facilities and public agency projects.

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Typically with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss your background, experience, and suitability for the role. Expect questions about your project management approach, design oversight capabilities, and understanding of public sector protocols.

• Second Interview (In-Person/Video): May involve a panel interview with key stakeholders from LAUSD's Facilities department, including directors, senior managers, and potentially lead architects or engineers. This stage will delve deeper into your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking.

• Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present key case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your project management methodology, design review capabilities, and successful outcomes. Be prepared to discuss challenges, solutions, and lessons learned.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with senior leadership, followed by a background check and offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select case studies that best highlight your experience in managing the design phase of educational facilities or similar public capital projects. Focus on projects where you had significant oversight of A&E firms.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate your impact. This includes budget savings, schedule adherence, reduction in change orders, or improvements in design quality.

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate the design management processes you followed, including firm selection, design review, stakeholder engagement, and compliance checks.

• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss specific challenges encountered during design phases and how you effectively navigated them.

• Tailor to LAUSD: If possible, research LAUSD's current facility needs and strategic goals, and tailor your presentation to show how your experience aligns with their objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions that present hypothetical design management challenges (e.g., a design firm is falling behind schedule, a budget conflict arises, a community group raises concerns about a design element). Prepare to outline your problem-solving approach.

• Process Walkthroughs: Be ready to explain your methodology for key processes, such as selecting an architectural firm, conducting a design review, or managing design changes.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of relevant building codes, ADA requirements, and California-specific regulations pertaining to educational facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be thorough, given the seniority and public sector nature of the role. A strong portfolio showcasing direct experience in managing the design phase of large-scale public or educational projects is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Procore, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and project tracking.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools used for document management, plan review, and collaboration with A&E firms (e.g., Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bluebeam Revu, PlanGrid).

• Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software: While not necessarily a user, understanding BIM concepts and workflows is beneficial for reviewing designs from firms that utilize it.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing and accessing project documentation, contracts, and correspondence.

Analytics & Reporting:

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

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint or similar for creating impactful presentations for stakeholders.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI could be advantageous for analyzing project data and presenting performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Systems: While not a sales role, understanding how CRM principles apply to managing relationships with external consultants and internal stakeholders can be useful.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can streamline processes within design management, such as document routing or approval workflows.

• ERP Systems: Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning systems may be beneficial for understanding how capital project data integrates with broader financial systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis here is on tools that support project management, document control, and stakeholder communication within a design and construction context. While direct use of complex CAD or BIM software might not be required, understanding their output and application in design review is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Transparency: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, particularly in public procurement and contract management, ensuring transparency in processes and decision-making.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of project outcomes, from design integrity to budget and schedule adherence, fostering a culture where individuals are responsible for their contributions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where internal teams and external partners work cohesively towards shared project goals, valuing diverse perspectives.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions that meet or exceed educational standards, building codes, and community needs, ensuring long-term value and durability.

• Efficiency & Resourcefulness: Striving for efficient project execution, optimizing resource allocation, and finding cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or compliance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with various LAUSD departments (e.g., Planning, Construction, Legal, Procurement, IT) to ensure design alignment and smooth project progression.

• Partnership-Oriented: Building strong, professional relationships with external A&E firms, viewing them as essential partners in achieving LAUSD's facility goals.

• Constructive Feedback: Encouraging a culture of open and constructive feedback during design reviews and project meetings to identify and address potential issues early.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions across design teams and projects to continuously improve operational effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely rooted in public service values, emphasizing accountability, compliance, and the responsible stewardship of public funds. A collaborative approach that balances directive oversight with partnership is key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Procurement: Understanding and adhering to the complex procurement regulations and processes of a large public school district can be challenging.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of numerous stakeholders, including district administrators, school staff, parents, community groups, and regulatory bodies, requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Budgetary Constraints: Working within fixed budgets for capital projects, especially in public education, often requires creative problem-solving to meet all functional requirements.

• Ensuring Design Quality & Compliance: Maintaining a high standard of design quality and ensuring strict adherence to building codes, educational standards, and environmental regulations across a portfolio of projects.

• Managing External Consultants: Effectively directing, motivating, and holding external architectural and engineering firms accountable for performance, quality, and timely delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced project management methodologies, risk management, and complex contract negotiation.

• Public Sector Operations: Gaining in-depth knowledge of public agency operations, capital planning, and regulatory frameworks within the education sector.

• Specialized Design Areas: Developing expertise in specific areas of educational facility design, such as sustainable building practices, seismic retrofitting, or modern learning environment design.

• Leadership Development: Potential for leadership training and development programs focused on managing large teams and strategic initiatives within the public sector.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing relevant certifications such as Certified Design Professional (CDP), Project Management Professional (PMP), or specialized construction/engineering credentials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a high-impact environment. The learning curve involves mastering public sector intricacies and leading diverse teams toward successful facility development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for selecting an architectural firm for a large-scale educational facility project. What criteria do you prioritize?"

• "How do you ensure that design proposals from A&E firms align with LAUSD's specific functional, budgetary, and regulatory requirements?"

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage a significant design change request. What was the situation, your approach, and the outcome?"

• "How do you balance the need for architectural innovation with the constraints of public sector budgets and strict building codes?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about LAUSD's current facility needs or capital improvement programs?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including community members and regulatory bodies, on public projects?"

• "Describe your experience working within a government or public agency framework. What are the key differences compared to the private sector?"

• "What are your strategies for ensuring ethical conduct and transparency in your project management and contract oversight?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role and responsibilities, the design solutions implemented, the challenges overcome, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, improved functionality).

• Focus on Design Oversight: Emphasize your role in directing and reviewing the work of A&E firms, rather than solely on construction management. Show how you guided the design process to meet project objectives.

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to articulate the specific processes you used for design review, stakeholder engagement, and compliance checks.

• Highlight LAUSD Relevance: Connect your past experiences and methodologies to the specific needs and context of LAUSD.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience managing the design phase of capital projects, with a strong emphasis on your ability to oversee external A&E firms and navigate public sector requirements. Quantifiable results and clear process descriptions will be highly valued.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Destination Enterprises Inc. career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that prominently features at least 3-5 detailed case studies of capital projects where you managed the design phase, ideally within educational or public sector settings. Ensure these highlight your oversight of A&E firms, budget management, and compliance.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords such as "Design Management," "A&E Services," "Capital Projects," "LAUSD," "Architectural Design," "Engineering Design," "Contract Administration," "Cost Estimating," "Scheduling," "Regulatory Compliance," and "Public Sector." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project management methodology, design review processes, and stakeholder engagement strategies. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer scenario-based questions related to design challenges.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research LAUSD's mission, current capital projects, strategic initiatives, and any publicly available information on their facilities department. Understand their commitment to educational excellence and community impact.

⚠️ 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.