Design Manager II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager II

Company: Modis Architects LLC

Location: Miami, FL

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Architectural Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: 7+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate the architectural design process from conceptualization through construction documentation, ensuring high standards of design quality and technical accuracy.

• Translate project goals, client requirements, and programmatic needs into innovative and functional design solutions that align with Modis Architects' design philosophy.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with clients, external consultants (structural, MEP, civil, landscape, interior design), and internal project leadership to ensure cohesive project delivery.

• Oversee the development and coordination of architectural drawings, models, specifications, and other design deliverables, ensuring continuity of design intent and constructability.

• Provide design direction, mentorship, and technical guidance to architectural staff and junior team members, promoting professional development and high-quality output.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input is for an architectural role, this enhancement focuses on translating those responsibilities into a format relevant to operations professionals by emphasizing process management, stakeholder coordination, quality assurance, and team leadership aspects inherent in such a role. This allows for a broader appeal if the user is looking for operations-adjacent roles or to understand the operational components of design management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Leadership & Project Coordination: Spearhead architectural design efforts from schematic design through construction documentation, ensuring alignment with project goals, scope, schedule, and quality.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Actively participate in client meetings, presentations, and design reviews, effectively communicating design intent and incorporating feedback while managing expectations.

• Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance: Review project documents for design consistency, technical accuracy, constructability, and coordination with all engineering disciplines and consultants.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure architectural designs adhere to all applicable building codes, zoning regulations, accessibility standards, life-safety requirements, and permitting processes, with a specific focus on South Florida requirements.

• Team Mentorship & Development: Provide design direction, guidance, and mentorship to architectural staff, fostering a collaborative environment and supporting the professional growth of team members.

• Construction Administration Support: Assist project teams during bidding, permitting, and construction phases by reviewing RFIs, shop drawings, submittals, and addressing design-related issues to maintain design integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities are framed to highlight the project management, cross-functional coordination, and quality control aspects that are critical in operations roles. The emphasis on process adherence and stakeholder management is key for attracting operations professionals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Professional degree in Architecture from an accredited program. Architectural licensure is preferred.

Experience: 7+ years of professional architectural experience, with a strong track record in leading or coordinating architectural design projects from concept to completion.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Strong command of Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam Revu; Microsoft Office Suite.

• Technical Expertise: In-depth understanding of architectural design principles, detailing, construction documentation, and consultant coordination.

• Code & Regulatory Knowledge: Working knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, accessibility requirements, life-safety standards, and permitting processes, particularly in South Florida.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and design deliverables concurrently.

• Leadership & Communication: Demonstrated ability to lead teams, provide clear design direction, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Visualization Software: Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Enscape, or similar design and visualization tools.

• Advanced Certifications: LEED accreditation or other relevant professional certifications.

• Safety Training: OSHA 10-hour safety training (required within 90 days); OSHA 30-hour preferred.

• Bilingualism: Proficiency in English and Spanish is highly preferred.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on technical proficiency with specific software (Revit, AutoCAD) and understanding of complex regulatory frameworks (building codes, zoning) are directly transferable to operations roles that require proficiency in specialized software and adherence to compliance standards. The "preferred skills" also highlight areas for potential development, aligning with operations' focus on continuous learning.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: Curated examples of architectural projects led or significantly contributed to, demonstrating a progression from conceptual design to detailed construction documentation.

• Technical Documentation Samples: Representative samples of drawings, specifications, and coordination documents that highlight attention to detail, clarity, and constructability.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Specific examples of how complex design or technical challenges were identified and resolved collaboratively, showcasing analytical skills and practical solutions.

• Client Interaction Examples: Evidence of successful client communication and collaboration, including how feedback was integrated to achieve project objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Documentation demonstrating understanding of the architectural design lifecycle, including key phases, decision points, and interdependencies with consultant workflows.

• Quality Control Procedures: Examples of how quality assurance and quality control were integrated into the design process to ensure technical accuracy and code compliance.

• System Integration: Evidence of coordinating architectural design with structural, MEP, civil, and other consultant systems, showcasing an understanding of integrated project delivery.

• Permitting Process Navigation: Documentation or case studies detailing experience navigating local and state permitting processes, including interactions with authorities and regulatory agencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for operations candidates. The request for process documentation, workflow design, quality control procedures, and system integration directly mirrors the expectations in operations roles for demonstrating process ownership, efficiency improvements, and cross-functional system alignment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager II role with 7+ years of experience in Miami, FL, the estimated salary range is $90,000 - $120,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the required experience, leadership responsibilities, and the competitive market in Miami.

Benefits:

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with company matching.

• Performance Incentives: Bonus opportunities based on individual and company performance.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive dental insurance, health insurance, and vision insurance.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off (PTO).

• Professional Development: Training and development programs to enhance skills and career growth.

• Employee Perks: Employee discounts and company parties.

• Workwear: Provided free uniforms.

• Competitive Compensation: A competitive salary commensurate with experience and role responsibilities.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Design Manager II role in Miami, considering the specified experience level and responsibilities. The benefits list is directly extracted from the provided data, with descriptions tailored to highlight their value for professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Design Services. Modis Architects operates within a highly collaborative and detail-oriented sector where precision, creativity, and client satisfaction are paramount.

Company Size: Modis Architects LLC is a medium-sized firm, likely employing between 50-200 individuals. This size typically fosters a balance between structured processes and a close-knit team environment, allowing for direct impact and visibility.

Founded: The founding date of Modis Architects LLC is not specified, but its establishment suggests a foundation built on experience and a proven track record in the architectural design space.

Team Structure:

• Design Studio Model: The architectural team is likely structured around design studios or project teams, each led by a Design Manager or Project Architect.

• Reporting Hierarchy: This role reports to the Director of Planning, indicating a clear line of management and strategic oversight.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Design Managers work extensively with project managers, architects, interior designers, engineers (structural, MEP, civil), landscape architects, and external consultants, requiring strong communication and coordination skills.

Methodology:

• Integrated Design Process: Emphasis on a holistic approach where architectural design is coordinated early and continuously with all engineering disciplines and consultants.

• Data-Driven Design Decisions: While creativity is key, design decisions are informed by client requirements, programmatic needs, site analysis, code compliance, and constructability considerations.

• Agile Project Management: Projects are managed with flexibility to adapt to client feedback, unforeseen challenges, and evolving project requirements, while maintaining core objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of company culture and team structure is inferred from the nature of an architectural firm and the role's reporting lines. This provides context for operations professionals on how a design-centric organization functions and the collaborative dynamics they might encounter.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the architectural design field. As a Design Manager II, the individual is expected to possess significant technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and a proven ability to manage complex design processes and mentor junior staff. This level signifies a transition from individual contributor to a leadership role focused on process execution, quality assurance, and team development.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager II reports directly to the Director of Planning. This implies a reporting line that focuses on strategic alignment, high-level project oversight, and resource management within the planning and design departments.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that client visions are translated into technically sound, compliant, and aesthetically coherent architectural designs. Their impact is measured through the successful delivery of design packages that meet project objectives, client satisfaction, regulatory approval, and efficient construction, ultimately contributing to the firm's reputation and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to a Senior Design Manager, Director of Design, or Principal Architect role, taking on greater project responsibility and firm-wide strategic influence.

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in specific building typologies (e.g., healthcare, hospitality, residential) or areas of expertise (e.g., sustainable design, urban planning).

• Project Management: Development into a full Project Manager role, with broader oversight of project financials, client relations, and overall project lifecycle management.

• Mentorship & Training: Continued development of leadership and mentorship skills, potentially leading training initiatives for junior staff and contributing to the firm's knowledge base.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the architectural career path in terms analogous to operations career progression, focusing on leadership, specialization, and strategic impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Miami, Florida, indicating a traditional office-based work environment within Modis Architects LLC. This setting is conducive to collaborative design sessions, team meetings, and direct interaction with colleagues and consultants.

Office Location(s): Miami, Florida. Specific office address details are not provided, but the location suggests operating within a vibrant urban development environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Spaces: The workspace likely includes open-plan areas for team collaboration, dedicated meeting rooms for client presentations and design reviews, and individual workstations equipped with necessary software and hardware.

• Technology Integration: Access to high-performance workstations, large-format printers/plotters, and potentially VR/AR equipment for design visualization and client presentations.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, including architects, designers, project managers, and administrative staff, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. While this provides a framework, the nature of architectural project deadlines may require flexibility and occasional work beyond standard hours to ensure timely delivery of critical design milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment emphasizes aspects relevant to operations professionals, such as structured workflows, technology utilization, and collaborative interaction, even within a design-focused context.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion focusing on architectural design principles, technical skills (Revit, AutoCAD), code knowledge, and project experience. Expect questions related to specific design challenges and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to present and discuss selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to articulate your role, design decisions, technical solutions, and the outcomes achieved.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Meetings with the Director of Planning and potentially other team members to assess collaboration style, leadership potential, and cultural fit with Modis Architects' values.

• Final Interview: Typically with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your leadership in design coordination, technical problem-solving, and successful project delivery. Highlight your specific contributions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate the impact of your design solutions (e.g., efficiency gains, code compliance achieved, client satisfaction).

• Showcase Process: Include examples that illustrate your understanding of the design process, from concept to construction documentation, and how you managed coordination with consultants.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize instances where you effectively collaborated with clients, consultants, and internal teams to achieve project success.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss software proficiency, code interpretations, and material/system detailing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design problem or a challenge from a past project and asked to outline your approach to solving it, focusing on process and coordination.

• Code Compliance Exercise: Be prepared to discuss specific code requirements relevant to South Florida and how you would ensure compliance in a design.

• Process Improvement Discussion: Expect questions about how you would improve design workflows, enhance team collaboration, or ensure quality control within the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for operations candidates preparing for interviews, focusing on portfolio presentation, problem-solving strategies, and understanding the "process" of design and project delivery, which are transferable operational skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for BIM (Building Information Modeling), creating intelligent 3D models, and generating coordinated construction documents. Proficiency expected for design development, documentation, and clash detection.

• AutoCAD: Standard for 2D drafting and design work. Used for detailed drawings, site plans, and specific technical documentation.

• Bluebeam Revu: Critical for PDF creation, markup, collaboration, and document management throughout the design and construction phases.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for communication, reporting, scheduling, and general productivity (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Potentially used for tracking project progress, resource allocation, and deadlines (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or similar).

• Reporting Tools: Internal reporting mechanisms for design progress, budget tracking, and team performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a primary tool for design, familiarity with how client interactions are managed and tracked within a CRM system is beneficial for understanding client relationship management.

• Document Management Systems: Systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documents securely (e.g., cloud storage solutions, dedicated DMS).

• Visualization Software (Preferred):

  • SketchUp: For quick 3D modeling and conceptualization.
  • Enscape / Lumion / Twinmotion: For real-time rendering and immersive visualization.
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign): For presentation graphics, image editing, and layout design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is vital for operations professionals, as it details the core technology stack. Highlighting proficiency in specific software and understanding how these tools support workflow efficiency and data management is directly relevant to operations roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A commitment to producing high-quality, innovative, and functional architectural designs that exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where open communication, mutual respect, and shared problem-solving are paramount across all project teams and disciplines.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings, client interactions, and professional conduct.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and fulfilling client needs, building strong relationships, and delivering exceptional service throughout the project lifecycle.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing learning, seeking feedback, and adapting to new technologies and methodologies to enhance design quality and project delivery efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Project Teams: Working closely with project managers, engineers, consultants, and clients in a highly integrated and communicative manner.

• Feedback-Driven Process: Encouraging constructive feedback within the design team and with stakeholders to refine designs and ensure alignment.

• Knowledge Sharing Culture: Promoting the sharing of technical expertise, design insights, and best practices among team members to elevate collective capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are framed to align with common operational principles such as efficiency, continuous improvement, stakeholder management, and team cohesion, making them relatable for operations candidates.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Technical Constraints: Integrating innovative design concepts with stringent building codes, budget limitations, and constructability requirements.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating the varying needs and priorities of clients, consultants, internal leadership, and regulatory bodies.

• Ensuring Design Consistency Across Complex Projects: Maintaining a cohesive design vision and technical accuracy across large, multi-disciplinary projects with multiple team members.

• Adapting to Evolving Building Technologies & Regulations: Staying current with advancements in materials, construction methods, sustainable practices, and changes in codes and standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Revit, BIM coordination, and advanced visualization tools.

• Code & Regulatory Updates: Access to training and resources for staying abreast of South Florida building codes, zoning laws, and accessibility standards.

• Leadership Development Programs: Mentorship and formal training to enhance team leadership, project management, and client relationship skills.

• LEED & Sustainability Certifications: Support for pursuing accreditations like LEED to specialize in green building design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are presented in a way that highlights problem-solving and adaptability, skills highly valued in operations. Growth opportunities are framed around skill enhancement and career progression, common themes in operations development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Coordination: "Describe your process for leading a design team from schematic design through construction documentation. How do you ensure seamless coordination with MEP, structural, and civil consultants?" (Focus on workflow, communication protocols, and problem-solving.)

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you approach incorporating client feedback while maintaining the integrity of the design vision? Provide an example." (Highlight communication, negotiation, and client-centric problem-solving.)

• Code Compliance & Problem Solving: "Walk us through a time you encountered a significant challenge with building codes or zoning regulations on a project. How did you resolve it?" (Emphasize analytical skills, regulatory knowledge, and practical solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Fit with Modis Architects: "What interests you about Modis Architects, and how do you see your design leadership style contributing to our firm's culture and project delivery?" (Research the firm's portfolio and values.)

• Team Collaboration: "Describe your ideal team collaboration environment. How do you foster accountability and creativity within a design team?" (Focus on communication, mentorship, and shared goals.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of a design project beyond aesthetics? What metrics or indicators are important to you?" (Discuss technical accuracy, constructability, client satisfaction, and regulatory adherence.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation with a clear narrative for each project: the challenge, your approach, the technical solutions, the outcome, and lessons learned.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities and contributions, especially in leadership and coordination aspects.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss the software and tools used, and how they facilitated the design and documentation process.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Select projects that exemplify your ability to tackle complex issues and provide effective, practical solutions.

• Engage and Interact: Prepare for questions and encourage discussion, showing your ability to articulate design concepts and respond thoughtfully to feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides tactical advice for operations candidates, focusing on how to frame their experience and prepare for interview questions that assess process understanding, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities, all within the context of a design management role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager II position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Modis Architects LLC career page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate strong design coordination, technical problem-solving, and successful project delivery from concept through documentation. Focus on examples that show your leadership in guiding teams and consultants.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 7+ years of experience, proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam Revu, and any experience with South Florida codes and permitting. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, coordination strategies, and problem-solving approaches for typical interview questions. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently and discuss your leadership style.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Modis Architects LLC's project portfolio, mission, and values. Understand their focus areas and how your skills align with their work and culture.

⚠️ 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.

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