Design Strategist II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Strategist II

Company: Progressive Companies

Location: Detroit, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: GTM Strategy & Operations, Design Strategy

Date Posted: August 04, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years Post-Graduation Professional Experience

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead early-stage project strategy by synthesizing research, stakeholder engagement, and complex data into actionable insights.

• Drive "Performance Based Design" by aligning design decisions with organizational goals and measurable value.

• Serve as an integrator of enterprise capabilities, identifying opportunities for specialized expertise to enhance project outcomes.

• Develop strategic frameworks, guiding principles, and compelling narratives that connect evidence, client priorities, and design direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a firm that emphasizes "Performance Based Design," indicating a strong focus on measurable outcomes and strategic alignment of design initiatives with business objectives. The "Design Strategist" title, particularly at the "II" level, suggests a mid-to-senior level position requiring significant experience in strategic thinking, data analysis, and client-facing consulting. The role appears to bridge the gap between high-level business strategy and the practical execution of design projects, likely involving a blend of quantitative analysis and qualitative insight generation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead discovery efforts to thoroughly understand client organizational goals, challenges, and opportunities through research and stakeholder engagement.

• Design and facilitate strategic inquiry sessions with clients, users, and project teams to uncover critical insights and define clear problem statements.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative findings from diverse data sources (organizational, operational, demographic, spatial) into actionable strategic insights.

• Analyze data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities that will shape project strategy and inform decision-making.

• Develop forecasting and scenario models to evaluate future needs and potential impacts of design decisions.

• Translate client priorities and synthesized insights into strategic frameworks, guiding principles, and clear project success measures.

• Develop compelling strategic narratives that clearly articulate the connection between evidence, organizational priorities, and recommended design direction.

• Create clear, impactful visualizations, interactive dashboards, and decision-support tools to communicate complex information effectively.

• Present findings and strategic recommendations to clients and project teams in accessible and compelling formats, facilitating workshops to build alignment.

• Develop strategic roadmaps and phased implementation plans, recommending sequencing for renovations, relocations, or consolidations.

• Support long-range campus, workplace, and facility planning initiatives with adaptable frameworks that evolve with organizational needs.

• Partner with practice leaders to integrate strategic inquiry into project delivery and support pursuits by developing evidence-based project strategies.

• Contribute to the development of internal methodologies, tools, and best practices for strategic planning and design.

• Mentor project teams in data-informed planning approaches and identify opportunities to expand strategic services across markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and client-facing communication. The role requires not only identifying problems but also formulating solutions and roadmaps for implementation, bridging the gap between strategy and execution. The inclusion of "Performance Based Design" and "AIA 2030 Commitment" suggests a focus on sustainability and measurable impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required, such as Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Planning, Business or Organizational Development, Social Sciences, or Data Analytics.

• A Master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.

• Professional certification in strategy, foresight, research methods, or change management is preferred but not required. Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of post-graduation professional experience is typically expected.

• Experience should be in design strategy, organizational or workplace strategy, research, or a related consulting field. Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead discovery efforts and understand organizational goals and challenges.

• Expertise in designing and facilitating strategic inquiry with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong skills in synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data into clear problem statements and strategic insights.

• Proficiency in data analysis, including identifying trends, risks, and opportunities from organizational, operational, demographic, and spatial data.

• Experience developing forecasting and scenario models.

• Ability to translate client priorities into design principles and measurable success metrics.

• Skill in developing compelling strategic narratives and connecting evidence with design direction.

• Proficiency in creating clear data visualizations, dashboards, and decision-support tools.

• Experience presenting findings to clients and project teams in accessible formats.

• Ability to develop strategic roadmaps and implementation plans.

• Familiarity with facility planning, workplace strategy, and campus planning concepts.

• Experience partnering with cross-functional teams and leadership.

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of methodologies and best practices.

• Mentoring or team leadership experience is a plus. Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in Architecture, Design, Business, or a related analytical field.

• Professional certification in strategy, foresight, research methods, or change management.

• Experience with the AIA 2030 Commitment and sustainability-focused design strategies.

• Deep understanding of regenerative design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 7+ years suggests this is not an entry-level role. The emphasis on both hard skills (data analysis, visualization tools, Revit, AutoCAD) and soft skills (facilitation, communication, strategic thinking, client management) is critical. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their past experience directly translates to leading early-stage project strategy and driving measurable outcomes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant projects demonstrating your ability to lead early-stage project strategy and drive design outcomes.

• For each project, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your role in the discovery and strategy development process, the methodologies employed, and the resulting strategic insights or frameworks.

• Highlight your analytical process, including how you synthesized qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategic recommendations.

• Include examples of strategic roadmaps, implementation plans, or guiding principles you developed.

• Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex information through visualizations, dashboards, or presentations. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for conducting strategic discovery and stakeholder engagement.

• Detail your approach to synthesizing diverse information streams into actionable insights.

• Explain how you develop and present strategic narratives and recommendations to clients.

• Outline your methods for translating strategy into actionable planning guidance for design teams.

• Describe your experience in developing and utilizing data-informed forecasting and scenario models.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role. It should not just showcase completed designs, but critically, the strategic thinking and analytical processes that led to those designs. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to define problems, develop strategies, and articulate value, rather than just presenting final visual outputs.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Strategists with 7+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Detroit, a competitive salary range would typically fall between $110,000 - $150,000 annually. This estimate considers the blend of strategic consulting, data analysis, and design expertise required.

Benefits:

• Award-winning wellness program.

• Hybrid work schedule.

• Summer hours.

• Profit-sharing opportunities.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

• Comprehensive continuing education and mentorship programs.

• Paid service-learning hours for community involvement.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (assumed, standard for full-time roles).

• Paid time off and holidays (assumed, standard for full-time roles).

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work schedule that offers flexibility. Summer hours may also be available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are substantial and indicate a strong commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and long-term engagement. The ESOP and profit-sharing are particularly attractive for a role focused on driving organizational and project value. The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles and locations; candidates should confirm the actual range during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Design Services. The company specializes in creating high-performance structures and pathways, focusing on "Performance Based Design" and sustainability.

Company Size: Approximately 300 employees, indicating a medium-sized firm with significant reach and diverse projects.

Founded: 1962. This long history suggests stability, established methodologies, and a deep understanding of the industry.

Team Structure:

• The Design Strategist likely works within or closely with design leadership and project teams, potentially collaborating with architects, engineers, planners, and consultants.

• The role acts as an integrator, connecting various firm capabilities and expertise.

• It involves close partnership with practice leaders and project teams on client pursuits and delivery. Methodology:

• Performance Based Design: A core philosophy emphasizing measurable outcomes and strategic alignment of design with organizational goals.

• Data-Informed Planning: Utilizing qualitative and quantitative data for strategic discovery, insight generation, and decision-making.

• Sustainability & Inclusivity: Commitment to human-centered, sustainable, and inclusive design practices, aligned with the AIA 2030 Commitment.

• Regenerative Design: Potential integration of advanced strategies for climate responsiveness and positive environmental impact.

Company Website: weareprogressive.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Progressive Companies positions itself as a forward-thinking, employee-owned firm with a strong emphasis on performance, sustainability, and employee well-being. The "Performance Based Design" ethos is a key differentiator, suggesting that data-driven strategy and measurable impact are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Design Strategist II," indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires significant autonomy in leading early-stage project strategy and influencing design outcomes. The responsibilities suggest a role that is critical in shaping project direction and client relationships, moving beyond tactical execution to strategic advisory.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, the role likely reports to a Design Leader, Director of Strategy, or a similar senior position within the firm. The position is expected to partner with and mentor project teams, implying a degree of influence and leadership.

Operations Impact: The Design Strategist's impact is directly tied to shaping the strategic foundation of projects, ensuring they align with client objectives, drive measurable value ("Performance Based Design"), and incorporate sustainable and inclusive practices. This role is crucial in setting projects up for success by defining clear goals and pathways, thereby influencing client satisfaction, project efficiency, and the firm's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership: Advancement to Design Strategist III, Senior Design Strategist, or a leadership role within a specific practice area (e.g., Workplace Strategy, Campus Planning).

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in areas like strategic foresight, regenerative design, or advanced analytics for design.

• Business Development: Contributing to firm pursuits and client relationship management, potentially leading to roles with a stronger business development focus.

• Methodology Development: Playing a key role in evolving the firm's strategic planning methodologies and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" designation and the breadth of responsibilities suggest this is a role with significant individual contribution and potential for future growth within the firm's strategic practice. Candidates should look for opportunities to articulate their vision for how strategic design can drive business value.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work schedule, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. The company emphasizes work-life integration.

Office Location(s): Detroit, Michigan, with multiple regional offices mentioned, suggesting opportunities for collaboration across different locations.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as collaborative, with emphasis on team integration and cross-functional partnerships.

• Tools like Miro and Figma suggest a digital-first approach to collaboration and ideation, alongside traditional design software like Revit and AutoCAD.

• The culture of excellence and fun implies a dynamic and engaging workplace.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid model and summer hours. This schedule is designed to support both focused work and employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and emphasis on work-life integration are key attractions for professionals seeking balance. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they manage their work effectively in a hybrid setting and contribute to team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio, focusing on experience in strategic discovery, data analysis, and client engagement.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio piece or work through a hypothetical strategic challenge, demonstrating their analytical process, strategic thinking, and communication skills.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with Design Leaders, potential peers, and possibly clients to assess strategic acumen, collaboration style, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to confirm strategic alignment and overall fit with the firm's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase 3-5 key projects. For each, explicitly state the problem, your strategic approach, the data/research used, your key insights, the recommended strategy, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Demonstrate Process: Focus on how you arrived at your strategy. Highlight your analytical methods, stakeholder engagement techniques, and synthesis of information. Use diagrams, flowcharts, or narrative descriptions to illustrate your strategic process.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, quantify the impact of your strategic recommendations. This could include projected cost savings, efficiency gains, improved user satisfaction metrics, or alignment with organizational KPIs.

• Tailor to Progressive: Research "Performance Based Design" and the company's sustainability initiatives. Frame your portfolio examples to align with these values and demonstrate your understanding of their approach.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing and easy to navigate, with clear headings and concise descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to defining ambiguous problems, synthesizing disparate data, and developing strategic recommendations under pressure.

• Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely, using examples from your experience.

• Prepare to discuss how you would integrate "Performance Based Design" principles and sustainability considerations into a project strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily weigh the candidate's ability to articulate their strategic process and demonstrate tangible impact. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly outlines the "why" and "how" behind strategic decisions will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Collaboration: Miro, Figma (for digital collaboration, ideation, and workshop facilitation).

• Design & Modeling: Revit,

AutoCAD (for architectural and engineering design, likely used in conjunction with strategic insights).

• Data Analysis & Visualization: Proficiency in tools for data synthesis and visualization is essential. This could include:

  • Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation and basic analysis.
  • Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating interactive dashboards and reports.
  • Statistical Software (Optional but beneficial): R, Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib) for more advanced data analysis and modeling.

• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or similar for creating compelling client presentations.

• Research Tools: Proficiency in using search engines and various databases for market research, industry trends, and demographic data.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with BI tools for creating dashboards and reports that track project performance against strategic goals.

• Ability to interpret and present findings from various data sources to inform decision-making. CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and project management tools could be beneficial for understanding client data and project workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on data synthesis and visualization, alongside design software, indicates a need for a technically proficient candidate who can bridge analytical insights with creative output. Familiarity with collaborative digital tools like Miro and Figma is specifically called out.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to high-quality work and continuous improvement, reflected in their "Best and Brightest Companies" recognition.

• Performance: A dedication to "Performance Based Design," meaning outcomes and measurable value are paramount.

• Sustainability & Inclusivity: A strong focus on human-centered, sustainable, and inclusive design practices, aligning with industry standards like the AIA 2030 Commitment.

• Employee Ownership: A culture where individuals act and think like owners, fostering initiative, resourcefulness, and entrepreneurial spirit.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional integration.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative spirit and innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with a focus on integrating diverse expertise (architecture, engineering, design, strategy) to achieve project goals.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working closely with design leaders, project teams, and potentially clients.

• The firm fosters a culture of learning and mentorship, encouraging knowledge sharing and development.

• Workshops and digital facilitation tools are used to ensure alignment and build consensus among stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with these values, particularly the commitment to performance-driven outcomes, sustainability, and an ownership mindset. Highlighting examples of collaborative problem-solving and contributing to a positive team environment will be beneficial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining Ambiguity: Navigating complex client needs and translating them into clear, actionable strategies in the early stages of projects.

• Data Synthesis: Integrating diverse and potentially conflicting qualitative and quantitative data into coherent insights.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Facilitating consensus among various stakeholders with potentially different priorities and perspectives.

• Measuring Impact: Proving the value of strategic design through measurable outcomes ("Performance Based Design").

• Balancing Short-Term vs. Long-Term: Recommending strategies that meet immediate needs while ensuring long-term flexibility and sustainability.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Keeping