Design Manager – A/E Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – A/E Services

Company: Element Consulting

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Management / Project Management (A&E Services Focus)

Date Posted: August 4, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in managing the end-to-end design process for Architectural and Engineering (A&E) services within a district, ensuring all projects align with functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal mandates.

• The Design Manager will be responsible for the strategic oversight and coordination of multiple capital projects, including critical repairs and modernizations, by fostering strong relationships with architects, consultants, and internal stakeholders.

• A key function involves establishing and maintaining rigorous design review processes to guarantee compliance with established standards, educational objectives, and community needs, thereby maximizing project value and longevity.

• This position requires a proactive approach to budget management, change order review, and status reporting, ensuring projects remain on track and within financial parameters.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager – A/E Services," the core responsibilities and requirements lean heavily into Project Management within the Architecture and Engineering domain, specifically for public sector facilities. The emphasis on managing projects through external consultants and ensuring compliance with district standards suggests a strong project controls and stakeholder management component, typical of senior roles in construction management or owner's representative firms. The role is not a direct design role but rather an oversight and management function of the design process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Process Management: Lead and coordinate the district's design process for A&E services, ensuring all project plans adhere to functional program requirements, budgetary constraints, environmental regulations, and legal compliance.

• Project Oversight: Manage multiple capital projects, including engineering repairs and critical repairs, through effective interaction with Architects, consultants, and District personnel to ensure timely project completion.

• Standards Compliance: Oversee the building design process, ensuring new and modernized structures meet LAUSD's (Los Angeles Unified School District, inferred from context) standards, educational requirements, and building codes by collaborating with design professionals and District administrators.

• Architect Selection & Direction: Establish and implement a process for identifying and selecting the most qualified architectural firms for each project, ensuring their ability to meet performance standards, and providing clear, consistent direction on project goals, objectives, site, schedule, and budget.

• Design Review & Value Engineering: Establish and maintain an effective and efficient design review process to ensure designs meet project goals and objectives, deliver maximum value for the allocated budget, and are appropriate and enduring for the district's functional needs, community, and environment.

• Change Management: Review design changes to ensure projects remain within budget and scope, assessing the impact of modifications on overall project objectives.

• Reporting & Monitoring: Monitor project planning and design status, reporting findings, recommendations, and updates to relevant stakeholders and leadership.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster collaborative relationships with internal teams, external consultants, and regulatory bodies to facilitate smooth project progression and problem resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description implies a significant focus on managing external design partners and ensuring their deliverables meet specific institutional requirements. This requires strong vendor management, contract administration, and negotiation skills, in addition to traditional project management. The mention of "LAUSD's standards" is an inference based on "district" and "educational facilities," which is a common context for such roles.

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

• A minimum of 4 years of this 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 capital projects from inception to completion, with a strong emphasis on the design phase.

• Facilities Design Oversight: Deep understanding of architectural and engineering design processes, standards, and best practices, particularly for institutional or public facilities.

• Contract Administration: Expertise in managing contracts with external A&E firms, including scope definition, negotiation, and performance monitoring.

• Budget Management & Cost Control: Strong skills in establishing project budgets, monitoring expenditures, reviewing design-related cost changes, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

• Scheduling & Timeline Management: Proficiency in developing, monitoring, and managing project schedules to ensure timely delivery of design milestones and overall project completion.

• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of building codes, zoning laws, environmental regulations, and public agency requirements relevant to facility design and construction.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to collaborate with and influence a diverse range of stakeholders, including architects, engineers, consultants, district administrators, and community representatives.

• Design Review Process: Experience in establishing and executing effective design review processes to ensure quality, compliance, and alignment with project objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Registration: 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/Educational Facility Experience: Extensive experience with the unique requirements and procurement processes of public agencies, particularly school districts.

• Construction Management: Familiarity with construction methodologies and their impact on the design process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "10+" years (derived from AI) aligns with the seniority of managing multiple capital projects and complex design processes. The emphasis on "educational facilities or similar public agencies" is critical and should be highlighted. Professional licensure is a significant plus and indicates a deeper level of technical expertise and credibility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Detailed examples of capital projects managed, showcasing the scope, budget, schedule, and key challenges overcome. Focus on projects involving A&E consultant coordination.

• Design Oversight Examples: Documentation or descriptions of processes used to review and approve architectural and engineering designs, illustrating how compliance with standards and functional requirements was ensured.

• Budget & Schedule Control: Evidence of successful budget management and schedule adherence, including how cost changes and schedule deviations were identified, managed, and reported.

• Vendor Management Documentation: Examples of how architectural and engineering firms were selected, managed, and evaluated, demonstrating effective contract administration and performance oversight.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing or optimizing workflows for project initiation, design development, consultant selection, and design review processes.

• Implementation & Automation: While not directly an automation role, showcase an understanding of how efficient processes and systems (e.g., project management software, document control systems) facilitate design management.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how project performance (design quality, budget adherence, schedule compliance) was measured, reported, and used to inform future project planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on managing the design process rather than direct design, the portfolio should emphasize project management capabilities, vendor management skills, and the ability to ensure compliance and quality through structured processes. Case studies that highlight successful navigation of public sector procurement and stakeholder engagement in the design phase would be particularly valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $150,000 - $170,000 per year. This range is based on the provided salary data and is dependent on the candidate's education and experience. Benefits:

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

• Retirement Plan: A competitive 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan, potentially with company match.

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

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, certifications, and professional growth relevant to project and construction management.

• Life Insurance & Disability: Employer-provided life insurance and long-term disability coverage.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday through Friday, aligning with business operational needs and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is explicitly stated as dependent on education and experience. The benefits listed are standard for full-time positions in this industry and location; specific details would need to be confirmed with Element Consulting. The role is on-site, so the working hours are likely fixed, though occasional overtime may be required for critical project phases.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Management & Consulting Services. Element Consulting specializes in providing program, project, and construction management services, focusing on delivering responsible and innovative solutions from project inception to completion.

Company Size: Based on LinkedIn data, Element Consulting likely falls within the small to medium-sized business category (e.g., 50-200 employees), suggesting a potentially collaborative and agile work environment.

Founded: Founded in 2008, Element Consulting has over a decade of experience in the construction management sector.

Team Structure:

• The A&E Services team likely consists of experienced project managers, construction managers, and specialized coordinators who liaise with external design and construction partners.

• The Design Manager will likely report to a senior director or VP of Project Management or Operations, overseeing a portfolio of projects.

• Close collaboration is expected with internal project controls, procurement, legal, and client relations teams, as well as external architectural firms, engineering consultants, and potentially contractors. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using project data (budgets, schedules, performance metrics) to inform decisions and manage risks.

• Process Optimization: A focus on establishing and refining project management methodologies to ensure efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Encouraging cross-functional teamwork to address project challenges and innovative solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Element Consulting's slogan, "Bringing the Right Elements Together for Our Clients' Success," highlights their commitment to strategic partnerships and client-focused solutions, which should be a key theme for candidates to understand. The company's focus on program, project, and construction management implies a comprehensive approach to project delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the project management and construction management domain, specifically focusing on the oversight of the design phase for capital projects. It requires a blend of technical knowledge in A&E services and strong project leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager likely reports to a Director or Vice President of Project Management or Operations. They will manage external consultants and potentially a small internal team or individual contributors focused on design coordination.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on the success of capital projects by ensuring designs are sound, compliant, and cost-effective. Their work lays the foundation for successful construction, directly influencing project budget adherence, schedule timelines, and the ultimate functionality and longevity of facilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Project/Program Management: Advancement to managing larger, more complex programs or portfolios of projects, potentially with broader budgetary and team responsibilities.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific types of facilities (e.g., educational, healthcare, public infrastructure) or project delivery methods.

• Leadership Roles: Opportunities to move into executive leadership positions within Element Consulting or other large organizations, overseeing entire departments or divisions.

• Business Development: Potential to contribute to client relations and business development efforts, leveraging their project success and industry expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in this context is typically within the broader umbrella of Project/Program Management. The focus on A&E services means growth can lead to specialized roles in construction management oversight or even client-side owner's representation. The "10+ years" experience level suggests that candidates are expected to be seasoned professionals ready for significant responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a need for regular presence at the company's Los Angeles office and potentially at project sites. The office environment is likely professional and collaborative, supporting the coordination of complex projects.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, CA. This location offers access to a large market for A&E services and capital projects.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely support focused individual work (planning, reporting, analysis) as well as collaborative meetings with internal teams and external partners.

• Access to standard office technology, project management software, and communication tools is expected.

• Opportunities for interaction will include team meetings, client presentations, and potentially site visits to observe design progress and project conditions. Work Schedule:

• The standard 40-hour work week (Monday-Friday) is typical, but the demands of managing multiple capital projects may require flexibility and occasional work outside of standard hours to meet critical deadlines or address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role in Los Angeles, candidates should be prepared for a standard office environment with the expectation of attending meetings and potentially visiting project sites. The company's commitment to "responsible and innovative solutions" suggests a culture that values both diligence and forward-thinking approaches.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A phone or video call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director or VP) to evaluate technical expertise, project management approach, and leadership style.

• Panel Interview/Case Study: This stage may involve meeting with key team members or stakeholders and could include a case study or presentation focusing on managing a complex A&E project. Candidates will be assessed on their problem-solving abilities, strategic thinking, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially a meeting with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Showcase accomplishments with quantifiable results (e.g., projects completed on time and within budget, cost savings achieved, successful resolution of complex design challenges).

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate the processes you used for project planning, consultant selection, design review, risk management, and stakeholder communication.

• Tailor to A&E: Select case studies that specifically demonstrate experience managing architectural and engineering design processes, particularly for public or educational facilities.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Prepare a concise executive summary and be ready to walk through key examples during the interview.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions asking how you would handle common challenges in A&E project management, such as scope creep, consultant performance issues, budget overruns, or conflicting stakeholder requirements.

• Strategic Thinking: Practice articulating your approach to strategic planning for design phases, risk mitigation, and ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.

• Communication & Leadership: Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and lead cross-functional teams, including external consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "A&E Services" means candidates should prepare to discuss specific challenges and best practices related to managing design consultants, architects, and engineers. A strong portfolio demonstrating successful management of the design phase of capital projects is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Oracle Aconex, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) for planning, scheduling, tracking progress, and managing documentation.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and accessing project documents, drawings, and specifications.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for financial analysis, cost tracking, and data manipulation.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to create clear and concise project reports, dashboards, and presentations using standard office software or specialized reporting tools.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how CRM principles apply to stakeholder management and client relations may be beneficial.

• Familiarity with any internal systems Element Consulting uses for client management or proposal tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific software proficiency will depend on Element Consulting's adopted stack. However, a strong command of core project management software, financial tracking tools, and document management systems is essential for overseeing A&E projects effectively. Procore is a widely adopted platform in construction management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Success: A core value focused on delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions that lead to client satisfaction and project success.

• Integrity & Responsibility: Upholding high ethical standards and taking ownership of project outcomes, ensuring responsible management of resources and client trust.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional teams and external partners work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the adoption of new approaches and technologies to enhance project delivery and drive efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Communicative: Emphasis on open and frequent communication with all stakeholders, anticipating needs and proactively addressing potential issues.

• Partnership-Oriented: Building strong, collaborative relationships with clients, consultants, and team members, viewing them as partners in project delivery.

• Results-Focused: A drive to achieve project objectives through diligent planning, execution, and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Element Consulting's slogan, "Bringing the Right Elements Together for Our Clients' Success," strongly suggests a culture that values strategic partnerships and a client-centric approach. Candidates should align their communication and approach with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including district administrators, architects, engineers, and community groups, each with potentially competing priorities.

• Navigating Public Sector Procurement: Understanding and adhering to the complex procurement processes, regulations, and compliance requirements common in public agency projects.

• Budgetary Constraints: Ensuring that design meets functional requirements and quality standards while staying strictly within allocated budgets, particularly with the potential for change orders and unforeseen issues.

• Maintaining Design Quality: Overseeing the work of external design professionals to ensure high-quality, constructible, and code-compliant designs that meet the district's long-term needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or CCM (Certified Construction Manager).

• Industry Seminars & Conferences: Opportunities to attend events focused on construction management, A&E services, and public infrastructure development.

• Mentorship: Potential for guidance from senior leaders within Element Consulting, offering insights into strategic management and career progression.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Gaining experience across a range of capital projects, broadening expertise in different facility types and project complexities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in public sector construction management. Growth opportunities are tied to expanding project scope, leadership responsibilities, and specialized expertise within the firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for selecting and managing architectural and engineering consultants for a major capital project. What criteria are most important?"

• "How would you ensure a design remains within budget while meeting all functional and regulatory requirements? Walk me through a time you managed a significant design change."

• "What is your approach to establishing and managing an effective design review process for educational facilities? What are the key checkpoints?"

• "How do you handle disagreements or conflicts between design consultants, internal stakeholders, or regulatory bodies?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Element Consulting and our approach to client success?"

• "How do you foster collaboration among diverse project teams and external partners?"

• "Describe a situation where you had to balance competing priorities or stakeholder demands. How did you resolve it?"

• "How do you ensure your work aligns with company values like integrity and innovation?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key project management phases (planning, design, execution) or by core competencies (budget management, stakeholder relations, risk mitigation).

• STAR Method: For behavioral questions and case study discussions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear, concise, and impactful examples of your experience.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to illustrate the scope of your projects, budget sizes, schedule impacts, and cost savings.

• Focus on A&E Specifics: Emphasize your experience managing the design process, not just construction. Highlight how you influenced design outcomes to meet project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate not just technical knowledge but also strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a clear understanding of the public sector/educational facility context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager – A/E Services position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Element Consulting careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that highlights 2-3 key capital projects where you managed the A&E design process. Focus on projects in public sector or educational facilities, showcasing your ability to manage budgets, schedules, and consultant performance.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 8+ years of relevant experience, specifically detailing your responsibilities in facilities design management, capital project coordination, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project management methodology, your approach to design review, and your experience with stakeholder management using the STAR method. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your portfolio.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Element Consulting's website, services, and project portfolio. Understand their mission and values to articulate how your experience and approach align with their client-centric philosophy.

⚠️ 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.