Design Researcher: Human Experience

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Researcher: Human Experience

Company: Corgan

Location: Dallas, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Research / Human Experience

Date Posted: 2026-08-13T14:26:02.32

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Dallas preferred, open to other locations)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute comprehensive design research initiatives focused on understanding and enhancing human experience within the built environment.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including architects, designers, engineers, and clients, to translate research insights into actionable design strategies and innovative solutions.

• Employ a diverse range of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research techniques to investigate complex design challenges and user behaviors.

• Identify and analyze emerging trends, technologies, and industry shifts to inform the firm's research agenda and drive future-forward design practices.

• Contribute to the firm's thought leadership through publications, presentations, and the development of new research methodologies and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled "Design Researcher: Human Experience" and the company is in architecture, the core responsibilities and required skills align with a specialized research function that can be analogous to certain aspects of User Experience (UX) Research or Applied Research roles within technology or consulting firms. The emphasis on translating insights into tangible design strategies and innovation is key. The role requires a blend of deep research expertise and strategic application within the context of the built environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement research plans, methodologies, and protocols for various projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives and business goals.

• Conduct in-depth qualitative research, including user interviews, contextual inquiries, behavioral observations, focus groups, and workshops, to uncover user needs, motivations, and pain points.

• Execute quantitative research methods such as surveys, data analysis, and behavioral analytics to validate qualitative findings and measure user engagement.

• Synthesize complex research data from multiple sources into clear, compelling insights and actionable recommendations that directly inform design decisions and strategic planning.

• Facilitate collaborative sessions, including visioning workshops and design charrettes, to engage stakeholders and co-create solutions based on research findings.

• Develop and prototype innovative approaches, tools, and frameworks that advance the practice of evidence-based design and enhance the human experience in architectural projects.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in technology, human behavior, and the built environment, proactively identifying opportunities for research and innovation.

• Contribute to the firm's knowledge base and external reputation by authoring publications, presenting at conferences, and participating in thought leadership initiatives.

• Foster relationships with academic institutions, external partners, and industry organizations to support collaborative research and knowledge sharing.

• Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality research outputs and maintaining effective project schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize a hands-on research role that also requires strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration. The role is not just about conducting research but about integrating research outcomes into the core design and innovation processes of the firm, acting as a bridge between human insights and architectural solutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a closely related design field is desirable.

• A professional degree with a strong focus on Design Research, Design and Environmental Analysis, Human-Centered Design, Environmental Psychology, Social Sciences, or a comparable field is required. Experience:

• 5–10 years of progressive experience in design research is mandatory.

• Demonstrated experience within the architecture, interior design, or broader built-environment industry is essential. Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in designing and executing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research studies.

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate research findings to diverse audiences, including design teams and clients.

• Systems thinking capability, understanding how people, place, organizational goals, and design intersect.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in ambiguous environments and collaborate across disciplines.

• A "curiosity-first" mindset with a passion for improving user experiences within the built environment.

• Proficiency in managing multiple research projects concurrently and meeting project deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with human subjects research protocols, ethical research practices, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes.

• Experience contributing to research publications, thought leadership pieces, peer-reviewed publications, grant-funded research, or conference presentations.

• Experience with research, survey, and visualization platforms such as UserTesting, Qualtrics, Microsoft Forms, Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools.

• Experience with design and implementation tools, including Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Revit, or other 3-D modeling programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are specific to the design and built environment sector, differentiating it from general UX research roles. The preference for publication/presentation experience suggests an expectation for contributing to the firm's intellectual capital. Familiarity with IRB processes is a strong indicator of the rigor expected in their research practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design research projects, clearly articulating the research problem, methodology, process, and impact.

• Include examples of how research insights directly informed design strategies, led to innovative solutions, or improved user experience within built environments.

• Demonstrate proficiency in applying various research methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods) with clear explanations of why specific methods were chosen.

• Present case studies that highlight your ability to synthesize complex findings into actionable recommendations and communicate them effectively to design teams and stakeholders.

• Quantify the impact of your research where possible, demonstrating value through metrics, client feedback, or successful project outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of your structured approach to research planning, including defining research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and outlining project timelines.

• Illustrate your process for data analysis and synthesis, showing how raw data was transformed into meaningful insights.

• Detail your methods for stakeholder engagement and the integration of research findings into design processes and decision-making workflows.

• Document your experience in presenting research findings and recommendations to multidisciplinary teams and clients, emphasizing clarity and persuasive communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design researcher role, the portfolio is critical. It should not just list projects but tell a story of the research process and its tangible impact. The emphasis on evidence-based design and innovation means portfolios should highlight how research directly influenced tangible outcomes or strategic direction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Researchers with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Dallas, TX, the estimated annual salary range for this position is between $95,000 and $135,000. This estimate accounts for the specialized nature of the role within the architecture/built environment sector, the required experience level, and the cost of living in a high-demand market.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package, reflecting the value of specialized research expertise.

• Emphasis on work-life balance, with policies and culture designed to support employee well-being.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and potential support for attending industry conferences.

• Comprehensive health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision).

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for career advancement within Corgan's research and innovation team. Working Hours:

Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. While flexibility may be offered to accommodate project needs and individual work styles, a consistent presence and engagement are necessary for collaborative research and design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on similar roles in the Dallas area and the specified experience level. The benefits listed are typical for a firm of Corgan's size and industry, with specific emphasis on professional growth and work-life balance as mentioned in the company description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning. Corgan operates within the professional services sector, focusing on creating innovative and impactful built environments.

Company Size: Corgan is a significant player in the architecture and design industry, indicating a mid-to-large-sized firm with established processes and a substantial client base. This size suggests opportunities for structured career growth and exposure to large-scale projects.

Founded: Corgan has a long history, founded in 1938. This longevity implies stability, deep industry expertise, and a well-established culture that values long-term relationships and continuous evolution.

Team Structure:

• The "Hugo" team is Corgan's dedicated Research and Innovation group, suggesting a specialized, forward-thinking unit within the larger firm. This team likely comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds in research, technology, and design.

• The Design Researcher will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary design teams (architects, interior designers, engineers) across various projects, requiring strong interpersonal and cross-functional communication skills.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Research Lead or Director within the Hugo team, with direct collaboration with project design leads and principals. Methodology:

• Corgan's approach emphasizes "great design" driven by "curiosity and creativity," fostered through "camaraderie and collaboration."

• The Hugo team specifically explores "human behavior, emerging technologies, and the built environment" to enhance "human experience and shape the future of architecture."

• The firm values "evidence-based design" and translating insights into "strategies, recommendations, and innovative solutions that create lasting value."

• A commitment to social responsibility, sustainability, equity, and inclusivity is woven into their operational philosophy.

Company Website: http://www.corgan.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Corgan's culture appears to balance a strong design ethos with a commitment to employee growth, collaboration, and innovation. The Hugo team's focus suggests a dedicated effort to push the boundaries of architectural design through rigorous research.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Design Researcher. It requires significant independent research experience (5-10 years) and the ability to lead research initiatives, synthesize complex information, and influence design strategy. This is not an entry-level position but a role for an experienced practitioner ready to contribute strategically.

Reporting Structure: The Design Researcher will report to a leader within the Hugo (Research and Innovation) team. They will work closely with project teams, design principals, and potentially client stakeholders, indicating a matrixed reporting or strong collaborative relationship structure.

Operations Impact: The Design Researcher's impact is crucial for Corgan's commitment to evidence-based design and innovation. By understanding human behavior and emerging trends, they directly influence the quality, performance, and user experience of architectural projects, thereby creating tangible value for clients and shaping the future of the firm's design output.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, human behavior within particular building typologies (e.g., healthcare, workplace, education), or emerging technologies impacting the built environment.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Design Researcher or Research Lead role within the Hugo team, managing research agendas, mentoring junior researchers, and overseeing larger research initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Become a key advisor to design teams and firm leadership, shaping the firm's overall research strategy and innovation pipeline.

• Thought Leadership: Develop and publish research, present at international conferences, and contribute to industry discourse, establishing a personal and firm-wide reputation in design research.

• Innovation Development: Lead the ideation and development of new design tools, frameworks, or proof-of-concepts based on research findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes both deepening research expertise and expanding influence within the firm's strategic and design processes. The "Hugo" team's mandate suggests a high level of visibility and impact for successful researchers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corgan is an established architecture firm, likely operating within a professional office setting. The mention of "camaraderie and collaboration" suggests an environment that encourages team interaction. While Dallas is preferred, the openness to other locations implies a potential for hybrid work arrangements, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Dallas, Texas. The company also has other locations, suggesting opportunities for cross-office collaboration or potential for candidates in other regions to be considered, especially if their work can be done effectively remotely.

Workspace Context:

• The role involves significant collaboration with design teams, suggesting a dynamic workspace that supports brainstorming, workshops, and frequent communication.

• Access to research tools, software, and potentially prototyping facilities within the Hugo team or firm is expected.

• The environment likely encourages a blend of focused individual work for analysis and synthesis, alongside active participation in team meetings and client engagements. Work Schedule:

A standard full-time schedule is anticipated, likely around 40 hours per week. The company culture emphasizes work-life balance, suggesting that while project demands may require occasional extended hours, there's an underlying commitment to preventing burnout and supporting personal time. Flexibility may be possible, especially for remote or hybrid arrangements, but consistent availability for team collaboration is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role (Dallas preferred, but open to other locations) indicates a modern work approach, balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. This is a significant factor for candidates considering location and work style preferences.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, research philosophy, and understanding of human-centered design within the built environment. Expect questions about your approach to research challenges and collaboration.

• Team/Panel Interview: You will likely meet with members of the Hugo team and potentially design leads. This stage will delve deeper into your technical research skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you translate insights into actionable design recommendations. Case study presentations may be requested.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, long-term vision, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful design research projects. Prioritize those that demonstrate a strong understanding of the built environment, human experience, and evidence-based design principles.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your research process from problem definition to insight generation and recommendation. Use visuals (diagrams, photos, user journey maps) to illustrate your approach.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. If direct metrics are unavailable, describe the qualitative impact on design decisions, client understanding, or user experience improvements.

• Tailor to Corgan: Emphasize projects that align with Corgan's focus on innovation, human experience, and shaping the future of architecture. Demonstrate your understanding of their company values and design philosophy.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio projects, explaining your role, methodology, key findings, and the resulting impact. Practice concise and compelling storytelling.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect potential case study exercises or hypothetical research scenarios. Be prepared to outline a research approach, identify key questions, and suggest methodologies for a given design challenge.

• Practice articulating complex research findings and recommendations clearly and persuasively, as if presenting to a diverse audience of designers, clients, and stakeholders.

• Consider how you would integrate emerging technologies or novel research methods into traditional architectural design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to conduct rigorous research and translate those findings into tangible design outcomes, with a specific emphasis on the built environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: UserTesting, Qualtrics, Microsoft Forms, SurveyMonkey, or similar for survey design, data collection, and analysis.

• Data Visualization: Power BI, Tableau, or similar for creating insightful dashboards and reports that communicate research findings effectively.

• Design & Modeling Software: Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Revit, or other 3-D modeling programs is a plus, indicating an ability to understand and potentially integrate with design workflows.

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Miro, or similar for team communication, virtual workshops, and collaborative ideation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in analyzing qualitative data (e.g., thematic analysis of interview transcripts) and quantitative data (e.g., statistical analysis of survey results).

• Ability to generate clear, concise reports and presentations that synthesize research findings for various audiences. CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how research insights can inform CRM strategies or client relationship management is beneficial.

• Familiarity with project management tools is likely helpful for managing research timelines and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of specific platforms like UserTesting, Qualtrics, Power BI, and Tableau indicates a need for practical experience with industry-standard research and analytics tools. The "plus" for design software highlights the importance of understanding the design context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity: A deep-seated desire to understand human behavior, emerging trends, and the complexities of the built environment. This drives the exploration of new ideas and research questions.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with multidisciplinary teams (designers, engineers, clients) to co-create solutions and integrate research into practice.

• Innovation: A commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural design through research, developing novel approaches, tools, and strategies.

• Evidence-Based Design: A dedication to grounding design decisions in rigorous research and data to ensure performance, functionality, and positive human experience.

• Social Responsibility: A belief in creating positive societal and environmental impact through thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable design practices.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates with a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary approach, fostering an environment where ideas are shared freely across different expertise areas.

• There is an expectation of open communication and constructive feedback, essential for iterative design and research processes.

• The firm values building strong relationships, both internally among associates and externally with clients and partners, suggesting a focus on clear communication and mutual respect.

📝 Enhancement Note: Corgan's values are deeply integrated with their design philosophy, emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, and a drive for innovation. The "Hugo" team likely embodies these values intensely, focusing on research that directly impacts the firm's creative output and client value.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Disciplines: Effectively translating complex human behavior and research findings into tangible, actionable insights that resonate with architects and designers accustomed to different modes of thinking.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the direct impact of research on design outcomes and client success, especially in a field where causality can be complex.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Thriving in an environment that requires defining research questions and methodologies for novel or ill-defined design challenges.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously identifying and integrating emerging technologies and behavioral shifts relevant to the evolving built environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge research techniques, potentially including computational social science, AI-driven analysis, or advanced simulation.

• Industry Conferences & Publications: Support for presenting research findings at leading conferences (e.g., ACADIA, EDRA, UPA) and contributing to peer-reviewed journals or industry publications.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Deep collaboration with architects, engineers, and urban planners to gain a comprehensive understanding of the design and construction lifecycle.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior researchers and design leaders within Corgan, guiding career progression and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the unique complexities of applying research to the built environment, requiring strong analytical, communication, and strategic thinking skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing expertise at the forefront of design innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design challenge you tackled using research. What was your approach, what were the key insights, and how did they influence the final design?" (Focus on process, methodology, and impact.)

• "How do you approach synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data to create a cohesive and actionable narrative for a design team?" (Demonstrate analytical and communication skills.)

• "Imagine we are designing a new type of flexible workspace. What research questions would you prioritize, and what methods would you use to explore user needs and preferences?" (Showcase your strategic thinking and research planning.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Corgan's approach to design and innovation, particularly the work of the Hugo team?" (Research Corgan's projects and values.)

• "How do you see design research contributing to the future of architecture and the built environment?" (Align your vision with the firm's forward-thinking goals.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with individuals from vastly different disciplines. How did you ensure effective communication and mutual understanding?" (Highlight your collaboration and interpersonal skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: For each project, structure your presentation with a clear beginning (problem/challenge), middle (your research process and insights), and end (recommendations and impact).

• Visual Storytelling: Use compelling visuals – sketches, diagrams, user journey maps, photos of your process – to illustrate your research journey and findings.

• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your methodological choices and how your insights directly addressed the core design problem.

• Quantify and Qualify: Present both quantitative data (if available) and qualitative insights to provide a well-rounded picture of your findings.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of research methodologies, the ability to translate findings into actionable design strategies, and a genuine passion for improving human experience within the built environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Corgan careers portal at http://www.corgan.com/.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating your expertise in human-centered design research within the architecture or built environment context. Emphasize case studies that show how your research led to tangible design improvements or innovative solutions.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5-10 years of experience in design research, detailing specific methodologies used, industries worked in, and key accomplishments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Be ready to walk through selected projects from your portfolio during interviews, focusing on your research process, key insights, and the impact of your work. Practice your storytelling.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Corgan, its design philosophy, recent projects, and the mission of the Hugo team. Understand their commitment to innovation and human experience.

⚠️ 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.