Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Construction Management

Date Posted: July 29, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive design services for advanced/alternative design and construction delivery contracts, ensuring design excellence.

• Partner with project and discipline leads to integrate design seamlessly into overall project execution.

• Guide all design decisions from project inception through completion, maintaining program requirements, schedule, budget, and quality.

• Facilitate team coordination, constructability reviews, and design quality assessments.

• Act as a liaison and translator between the design and construction disciplines, fostering clear communication and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for bridging the gap between the conceptual design phase and the practical realities of construction, requiring a unique blend of architectural understanding and project management acumen. The focus on "advanced/alternative design and construction delivery contracts" suggests a need for experience with modern project delivery methods beyond traditional design-bid-build.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide experienced leadership for Comprehensive Design Services on design and construction contracts.

• Partner with designated project and discipline leads from design and construction teams to ensure design integration.

• Guide all design decisions from project inception through completion, focusing on program requirements, schedule, budget, quality, and customer satisfaction.

• Facilitate team coordination, constructability reviews, and design quality reviews.

• Act as a liaison and translator between design and construction teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

• Support proposal development by contributing written narratives, visual images, and graphics, and guiding the "Winning" strategy during project pursuits.

• Review Architect/Engineer (A/E) scope, contract terms, and lead design fee discussions.

• Guide the design team through testing programs, materials, codes, building systems, and constructability considerations.

• Champion innovation and optimal project solutions for the customer within program, quality, budget, schedule, and sustainability constraints.

• Assist project teams in maintaining design alignment with the owner's approved budget and schedule through routine reviews.

• Provide peer reviews and detailed write-ups to document design considerations and decisions.

• Lead meetings and monitor the Design Decisions Log to track progress and action items.

• Assist in determining the functionality and quality of the design team's solutions and documentation.

• Track follow-up items for the design team and coordinate information needed from Whiting-Turner, subcontractors, vendors, and/or the client to advance the design.

• Manage the flow of information between the client and the design team.

• Regularly attend construction meetings and conduct site walks with the design team.

• Assist the WT project team with design-related issues that arise during construction.

• Ensure the design team completes their project construction phase and close-out commitments.

• Support the Design Management initiative by building resource tools and improving approaches to benefit customers, build partners, and design/trade teammates.

• Maintain professional licensure and participate in approved associations and regional/national professional organizations.

• Facilitate a healthy, integrated team structure and workflow, fostering an environment of idea sharing, fairness, inclusion, diversity of thought, and professionalism.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: technical design oversight and team/client management. The emphasis on "customer delight" and "champion innovation" suggests a client-centric approach. The role requires active participation in both pre-construction (pursuit, proposal) and post-construction phases, indicating a full project lifecycle involvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• College Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Architectural Engineering, or a similar design-related major. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of post-college experience in Design, Construction, and/or Program/Project Management.

• Graduate architects with a 5-year degree and a minimum of 3 years of experience working for design firms may be considered.

• Experience with an Architectural/Interiors Design Firm, Design-Builder, and/or General Contractor is strongly recommended.

• Preference for exposure to both design and construction phases outside of academic experience.

• Proven experience managing projects from the Programming phase through Construction Administration.

• Proven experience collaborating effectively with clients, design consultants, builders, and subcontractors.

• Experience in Project Management, Conceptual Estimating/Cost Management, and Design Phase Scheduling. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Comprehensive understanding and leadership of the design process from inception to completion.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple project tasks, timelines, and budgets effectively.

• Construction Administration: Proven experience overseeing design-related aspects during the construction phase.

• BIM Software Proficiency: Experience with Autodesk Suite (AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks) and other BIM software.

• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with Bluebeam, ProCore, Touchplan, JOIN, and similar collaboration platforms.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive self-starter with a strong aptitude for identifying and resolving issues.

• Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail for organizing and managing complex project tasks.

• Communication: Ability to act as a liaison and translator between design and construction teams, as well as clients and stakeholders.

• Contract Management: Understanding of A/E scope, contract terms, and fee discussions.

• Cost Management & Estimating: Experience with conceptual estimating and cost management during the design phase.

• Scheduling: Proficiency in design phase scheduling.

Preferred Skills:

• Architectural License: Holding a professional Architectural License (RA) or other applicable design licensure (CID, PE, etc.).

• DBIA Certification: Design-Build Institute of America certification.

• Advanced/Alternative Project Delivery: Experience with methods beyond traditional design-bid-build.

• Office365 Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint.

• Primavera P6: Experience with advanced scheduling software.

• Sustainability & Building Codes: Comprehensive working knowledge of sustainability measures and building codes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a degree in Architecture or a related field, combined with practical experience in both design and construction, is key. The emphasis on "exposure to both design and construction outside of college" suggests a preference for candidates who have hands-on experience in both environments, rather than solely academic or theoretical knowledge. The inclusion of specific software like ProCore and Primavera P6 indicates a need for practical, modern construction technology skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Demonstrating successful management of design projects from programming through construction administration, showcasing problem-solving, and client satisfaction.

• Design Integration Examples: Showcasing how you've integrated design considerations with construction realities, including constructability reviews and value engineering.

• Collaboration & Communication Artifacts: Examples of project documentation, meeting minutes, design decision logs, or communication strategies used to align diverse project teams (client, design consultants, builders, subcontractors).

• Budget & Schedule Management: Evidence of managing design fees, conceptual estimating, and design phase scheduling, with examples of how you've maintained alignment with project constraints.

• Innovation & Quality Improvement: Examples of how you've championed innovative solutions, sustainability measures, or improved design quality on past projects.

Process Documentation:

• Design Process Flow: Clearly articulate your understanding and methodology for managing the end-to-end design process, from initial client requirements and programming to final construction close-out.

• Team Coordination Workflows: Document how you establish and maintain effective communication and collaboration channels among multidisciplinary teams (architects, engineers, contractors, owners).

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Outline your approach to identifying and mitigating design-related risks, including constructability issues, code compliance challenges, and budget overruns.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Methods: Detail your methods for ensuring design quality, including peer reviews, constructability reviews, and adherence to client standards and building codes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but detail the candidate's specific role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating the ability to translate design intent into constructible reality while managing stakeholder expectations and project constraints.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager position in Los Angeles, California, with 5-10 years of experience in construction and design management, the estimated salary range is $85,000 to $230,000 USD per year. This range accounts for the diverse nature of projects, the company's reputation, and the specialized skill set required for this role. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match to support long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Support for continuing education, licensure maintenance, and professional organization memberships (e.g., DBIA, RA, CID, PE).

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for bonuses based on individual and company performance.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek is typically 40 hours. However, project demands, especially during peak design or construction phases, may require extended hours or weekend work. Flexibility and commitment to project deadlines are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is based on data from similar roles in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, considering the specified experience level (5-10 years) and the specialized nature of design management within a large contracting firm. The upper end reflects significant experience, leadership in complex projects, and potentially advanced certifications like DBIA. Benefits are standard for a large, established construction firm.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & General Contracting. The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company is a leading provider of construction management services, known for its expertise in delivering complex projects across various sectors including healthcare, education, science & technology, and commercial real estate. Their approach often involves advanced and alternative project delivery methods.

Company Size: Large (typically 1,000-5,000+ employees). This indicates a well-established organization with robust processes, resources, and opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: 1971. With over five decades of experience, Whiting-Turner has built a strong reputation for quality, integrity, and innovation in the construction industry.

Team Structure:

• Design Management Group: This specialized group focuses on integrating design and construction, acting as a central hub for design-related activities throughout the project lifecycle.

• Project-Specific Teams: The Design Manager will work closely with dedicated project teams, including Project Executives, Project Managers, Superintendents, and discipline leads.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaboration is essential with clients, architectural and engineering consultants, subcontractors, and internal Whiting-Turner stakeholders. The "big room" or integrated project team environment is a key aspect of their methodology.

Methodology:

• Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) & Alternative Delivery Methods: A strong emphasis on collaboration, shared risk/reward, and early involvement of all key stakeholders from the design phase.

• Design Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions that meet or exceed client expectations.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Focus on understanding and fulfilling client needs, ensuring "customer delight."

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing project data, performance metrics, and constructability analysis to inform design and construction decisions.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging innovation and seeking ways to enhance processes, tools, and team collaboration.

Company Website: https://www.whiting-turner.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Whiting-Turner's reputation as a large, established, and respected construction management firm suggests a professional and structured work environment. The emphasis on alternative delivery methods and integrated teams points towards a forward-thinking culture that values collaboration and innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Professional / Managerial. This role sits at a critical juncture, requiring significant experience and the ability to lead and influence design processes. It's a step beyond a project architect or design coordinator, involving strategic oversight and integration with broader project management functions.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within the Design Management Group or a Project Executive, depending on the project structure. They will, in turn, lead and mentor design teams and consultants.

Operations Impact: This role has a substantial impact on project success by ensuring that design objectives are met within budget and schedule, constructability is maximized, and client satisfaction is achieved. Effective design management directly influences project profitability, risk mitigation, and the overall quality of the built asset.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to senior leadership roles within the Design Management Group, such as Senior Design Manager, Director of Design Management, or even executive positions within project management.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific project types (e.g., healthcare, advanced technology facilities) or advanced delivery methods (e.g., Integrated Project Delivery, Design-Build).

• Broader Project Management: Transitioning into larger, more complex program management roles or executive project leadership.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to mentor junior design managers and contribute to the development of internal design management best practices and training programs.

• Industry Influence: Contributing to professional organizations and potentially shaping industry standards through certifications and thought leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at a firm like Whiting-Turner is typically one of increasing responsibility and strategic influence. The role provides a strong foundation for leadership within the construction industry, especially for those interested in the intersection of design and execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, involving significant time at project sites, client offices, and design firm offices, in addition to potentially a home office or a Whiting-Turner regional office. The nature of the work requires frequent face-to-face interaction and site presence.

Office Location(s): The specific project location is Los Angeles, California. Travel will be required to project sites within this region and potentially to other project locations as needed during pursuit, design, and construction phases. Travel is not typically for extended periods but may be necessary based on project requirements.

Workspace Context:

• Dynamic & Collaborative: The work environment is fast-paced and requires constant interaction with a diverse range of stakeholders. Expect to work within integrated project teams, often in "big room" settings or project trailer environments on-site.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to and utilization of advanced design and construction management software is standard. This includes BIM platforms, collaboration tools, and project management systems.

• Team-Oriented: Strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and a shared commitment to project success. The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in fostering this collaborative atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are the baseline. However, project timelines, client needs, and construction schedules often necessitate flexibility, which may include extended hours, early mornings, or occasional weekend work, particularly during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is critical. Candidates should expect to be actively involved in project sites and client meetings, emphasizing the need for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to various work environments, from corporate offices to active construction zones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions focused on your design management philosophy, experience with specific project types, technical skills (BIM, scheduling, cost), and problem-solving abilities. This may involve scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key component will be presenting your portfolio, showcasing your most relevant projects, your specific contributions, and the outcomes achieved. Be prepared to discuss your process, challenges, and solutions in detail.

• Behavioral and Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews with senior leadership or project executives to assess your leadership style, collaboration skills, ability to work in a team environment, and alignment with Whiting-Turner's culture and values.

• Final Interview/Offer: Potential final discussions and the extension of an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your experience relevant to Whiting-Turner's work (e.g., large-scale, complex, alternative delivery).

• Detail Your Role & Impact: For each project, clearly define your specific responsibilities, the challenges you addressed, the strategies you employed, and the quantifiable results (e.g., budget savings, schedule improvements, quality enhancements, client satisfaction).

• Showcase Process: Illustrate your design management process – how you initiated, planned, executed, monitored, and closed out design phases. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively managed and communicated with diverse teams (clients, consultants, contractors).

• Address Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio explicitly demonstrates proficiency in BIM, cost management, scheduling, and understanding of codes and sustainability.

• Be Concise & Visual: Use clear, concise language and compelling visuals (renderings, site photos, key drawings, charts) to support your narrative.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be ready for case studies or hypothetical scenarios where you'll need to outline your approach to resolving design conflicts, budget issues, or schedule delays.

• Constructability Analysis: Prepare to discuss how you assess and ensure the constructability of designs.

• Client Communication: Practice articulating complex design and construction concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Team Integration: Be prepared to discuss strategies for fostering collaboration and resolving interdisciplinary disputes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Manager role at a firm like Whiting-Turner will heavily emphasize practical experience and the ability to demonstrate past success through a portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies and problem-solving approaches clearly and confidently.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Autodesk Suite: AutoCAD (2D drafting), Revit (BIM modeling, documentation), Navisworks (model coordination, clash detection). Proficiency is essential.

• BIM Software: Other BIM platforms and related tools for modeling, analysis, and visualization.

• Bluebeam Revu: Critical for PDF markup, collaboration, and document management in design and construction.

• ProCore: A comprehensive construction management platform for project management, including document control, field management, and financial tracking.

• Primavera P6: Advanced project scheduling software, often used for complex construction projects.

• Touchplan / JOIN: Tools for advanced planning, scheduling, and workflow management, particularly in collaborative environments.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: Advanced Excel skills for data analysis, cost tracking, and reporting.

• Power BI / Tableau (Potential): While not explicitly listed, experience with data visualization tools can be beneficial for reporting on design progress and performance.

• Custom Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports from project management and BIM software.

CRM & Automation:

• Office365 Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint for daily productivity, communication, and document sharing.

• Project Management Software: Beyond ProCore, familiarity with other integrated project management systems is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with BIM software (especially the Autodesk Suite) is non-negotiable. Experience with construction management platforms like ProCore and advanced scheduling tools like Primavera P6 is highly valued. The role requires someone comfortable leveraging technology to manage complex design and construction processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, team members, and partners.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and team members support each other. The concept of an "integrated team" is central.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, ensuring "customer delight" through exceptional service and project delivery.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, challenging the status quo, and constantly seeking ways to enhance processes, efficiency, and project outcomes.

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to delivering superior design and construction services that set industry standards.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive and resourceful approach to identifying and resolving challenges effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Team Approach: Working within a "big room" or highly collaborative setting, encouraging open communication, idea sharing, and mutual respect among all project stakeholders.

• Liaison & Translator: Acting as a bridge between distinct disciplines (design vs. construction), facilitating understanding and alignment to prevent conflicts and ensure smooth project flow.

• Proactive Engagement: Actively engaging with clients, design consultants, builders, and subcontractors to build trust and maintain strong working relationships.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging a culture where constructive feedback is shared openly and used for continuous improvement of processes and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes strong ethical conduct, collaborative teamwork, and a client-centric approach. The Design Manager is expected to be a leader who embodies these values and actively promotes them within their project teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Interests: Effectively managing the often-conflicting demands of clients, design teams, construction teams, budgets, and schedules.

• Navigating Complex Projects: Overseeing design for large-scale, technically intricate projects with multiple stakeholders and stringent requirements.

• Bridging Design and Construction Gaps: Ensuring seamless translation of design intent into constructible reality, mitigating clashes and constructability issues.

• Maintaining Design Quality under Pressure: Upholding high standards of design excellence while adhering to tight deadlines and budget constraints.

• Fostering True Integration: Cultivating a genuinely collaborative and trusting environment among diverse project participants who may have different primary objectives.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in BIM, project management software, and new construction methodologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Delivery Methods: Deepening expertise in Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Design-Build, and other alternative contracting models.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Advanced training in BIM coordination, scheduling software (Primavera P6), cost management, and digital construction technologies.

• Leadership & Management Training: Developing skills in team leadership, negotiation, stakeholder management, and strategic planning.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing and maintaining professional licenses (RA, CID, PE) and certifications like DBIA.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced leaders within Whiting-Turner for guidance and career development.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Gaining experience across various project types and sectors, broadening expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges, particularly in managing complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring the successful integration of design and construction. However, these challenges are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities, allowing professionals to develop a comprehensive skill set and advance into senior leadership positions within the construction industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a design team on a complex project. How do you ensure alignment with construction goals?" (Focus on your process, communication methods, and how you bridge design/construction gaps).

• "Walk me through a challenging design decision you had to make. What was the situation, your analysis, the decision, and the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving, analytical skills, and impact on project objectives).

• "How do you ensure a design is constructible and stays within budget and schedule from the programming phase through construction administration?" (Emphasize your experience with constructability reviews, cost management, and scheduling tools).

• "Describe your experience with alternative project delivery methods, such as Design-Build or IPD. What are the key advantages and challenges?" (Showcase your understanding of modern construction practices). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Whiting-Turner and our approach to design and construction?" (Research their website, recent projects, and company values).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and integrated team environment, especially when dealing with diverse stakeholders?" (Provide examples of building trust and facilitating communication).

• "How do you champion innovation and ensure customer delight in your projects?" (Share instances where you proactively sought better solutions or enhanced client experience).

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between design intent, construction feasibility, and budget constraints." (Demonstrate your negotiation and decision-making skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar framework to clearly articulate your contribution and impact.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the success of your efforts (e.g., "reduced design changes by 15%", "contributed to a $2M cost saving through constructability reviews").

• Highlight Key Deliverables: Showcase examples of design documents, coordination reports, meeting minutes, or presentations that demonstrate your management capabilities.

• Focus on Collaboration: Explicitly show how you worked with and influenced different team members (architects, engineers, contractors, owners).

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your technical expertise, problem-solving approaches, and leadership style. Be ready to elaborate on any aspect of your portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to articulate their experience in a structured and results-oriented manner. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to visually and verbally demonstrate their capabilities and fit for the role and company culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Whiting-Turner Careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in design management, project management, construction administration, and proficiency with BIM software (AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks) and construction management platforms (ProCore, Bluebeam). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-5 key projects that best showcase your experience with complex design and construction projects, alternative delivery methods, and your ability to manage cross-functional teams. Focus on quantifiable achievements and your specific role.

• Research Whiting-Turner: Understand the company's history, values, project portfolio, and approach to design and construction management. Familiarize yourself with their emphasis on integrated teams and customer satisfaction.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear communication, concise explanations, and demonstrating your problem-solving and leadership capabilities. Be ready to answer technical and behavioral questions.

⚠️ 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.