Facility Design Manager (Project Based Role)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Facility Design Manager (Project Based Role)

Company: Meow Wolf

Location: New York, NY (On-site)

Job Type: Full-time, Project-Based (Anticipated duration of 12+ months)

Category: Project Management / Facility Design & Construction

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 7-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the architectural and engineering design and construction administration efforts for new exhibitions, sustainment, and expansion projects.

• Direct and implement facility design and construction to meet project schedules, budgets, quality standards, and creative targets.

• Act as the primary point of contact for all project-related issues, fostering a collaborative partnership approach with internal and external stakeholders.

• Manage project resources, finances, and schedules to ensure successful project delivery from planning through commissioning.

• Ensure the creative design intent is maintained throughout all design and construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is project-based, indicating a need for individuals who thrive in dynamic, time-bound environments and can adapt quickly to evolving project scopes. The emphasis on "turn-key project experience" suggests a need for end-to-end project lifecycle management capabilities. The industry context (themed entertainment, immersive arts, hospitality) is critical for understanding the unique challenges and requirements of designing complex, experiential spaces.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination between the Architecture of Record, engineering consultants, and Meow Wolf's internal creative, show tech, and scenic teams.

• Develop and manage the Architecture and Engineering scope of work, including RFP documentation, vendor selection, and proposal analysis.

• Oversee the Architecture/Engineering schedule for facility design, ensuring vendors meet milestone delivery dates.

• Manage contractual obligations of Architecture and Engineering vendors, including evaluation of additional services, directives, and change negotiations.

• Review drawings and specifications to ensure alignment with design intent, creative appearance, and constructability.

• Monitor construction in the field, resolve discrepancies, and manage the Request for Information (RFI) process.

• Assist in the development and enforcement of Meow Wolf's BIM standards and guidelines.

• Manage 3D models, exporting files for collaboration with all vendors.

• Coordinate facility agenda items from Show and Creative teams.

• Create technical design exhibits and sketches for field and construction clarifications.

• Track and close out redlines and outstanding markups from AOR/EOR reviews.

• Identify and eliminate design conflicts during construction.

• Ensure designs meet applicable building, fire/life-safety, accessibility, environmental, and occupational requirements.

• Coordinate permitting and authority-having-jurisdiction reviews, tracking critical code and compliance decisions.

• Review field conditions and proposed deviations, performing weekly building scans for internal record-keeping.

• Participate in OAC (Owner, Architect, Contractor) meetings and conduct periodic site walks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on collaboration and communication, essential for integrating diverse teams (creative, technical, architectural, engineering) and external partners. The emphasis on BIM, 3D modeling, and specific software (Revit, Navisworks) indicates a requirement for advanced technical proficiency in digital design and construction management processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering from an accredited university or college is required.

• Licensed Architect or actively in the process of taking licensing exams. Experience:

• 7-10 years of turn-key project experience, with a strong preference for experience within the entertainment, themed attraction, immersive arts, or hospitality industries.

• Proven experience in supervisory and contract/vendor management. Required Skills:

• Expertise in managing the full project lifecycle, from planning, budgeting, and scheduling to design, construction, fabrication, delivery, and commissioning.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Revit, Navisworks Manage, Sketch Up, and Autodesk Construction Cloud (Design Collaboration, Model Coordination, Build modules).

• Familiarity with BIM technology and best practices.

• Strong knowledge of forecasting and budget allocation techniques.

• Ability to work effectively in a multi-faceted, collaborative team environment.

• Familiarity with general building codes and life safety requirements.

• High degree of tact and diplomacy for effective stakeholder engagement and decision-making.

• Proven ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Skilled in problem-solving and anticipating changes within project scope.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

• Exceptional organizational and creative thinking abilities.

• Proficiency with Google Suite and Bluebeam Revu. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design and construction administration for large-scale, complex, and experiential environments.

• Understanding of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) protocols within construction settings.

• Experience coordinating permitting processes with local authorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design skills, project management expertise, and strong interpersonal capabilities. The specific software requirements are critical and indicate the need for candidates to have hands-on experience with these tools, particularly in a BIM-centric workflow. The "licensed architect or in process" requirement suggests a need for foundational architectural knowledge and commitment to professional development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 7-10 years of project management experience, with a focus on architectural and engineering design and construction administration.

• Include detailed case studies of completed projects, ideally within the entertainment, immersive arts, or hospitality sectors, demonstrating end-to-end project lifecycle management.

• Highlight projects where you successfully managed budgets, schedules, and vendor contracts, illustrating your ability to deliver on time and within financial constraints.

• Demonstrate your experience in coordinating with cross-functional teams (creative, technical, show tech) and external consultants (architects, engineers).

• Present examples of your work involving BIM technology, including 3D models, clash detection, and coordination processes. Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to developing project scopes of work, RFPs, and vendor selection criteria.

• Illustrate your methods for tracking project schedules, managing vendor milestones, and ensuring timely delivery of design documents.

• Provide examples of how you have managed vendor contracts, evaluated change orders, and negotiated terms.

• Showcase your process for reviewing architectural and engineering drawings and specifications to ensure design intent and constructability.

• Detail your strategies for field monitoring, RFI management, and resolving construction discrepancies.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will serve as tangible proof of the candidate's ability to manage complex design and construction projects. The portfolio should not only showcase completed projects but also the candidate's understanding and application of key processes and systems, particularly BIM and project management methodologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $121,391 to $167,520 annually. Note: "Off-scale salaries" may be offered to meet competitive conditions for exceptional candidates.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance options (PPO & HDHP) for regular or project-based full-time positions.

• Dental and Vision Insurance for regular or project-based full-time positions.

• Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for regular or project-based full-time positions.

• 401k Retirement Plan.

• Company-paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s) for regular or project-based full-time positions.

• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies for regular or project-based full-time positions.

• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program.

• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks.

• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch and Cafes.

• Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests. Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a project-based, specialized role requiring significant experience and technical expertise in a high-demand industry. The comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and attraction access, reflects Meow Wolf's commitment to employee well-being and engagement. The note about "off-scale salaries" indicates flexibility in compensation for highly qualified candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Experiential Art and Entertainment. Meow Wolf operates within a unique sector that blends art installation, immersive storytelling, and interactive entertainment, creating a distinctive market position.

Company Size: Meow Wolf is a growing, innovative company, likely scaling its operations and project management capabilities to support its ambitious expansion plans. This scale suggests opportunities for impact but also requires adaptability.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly stated in the provided text, Meow Wolf is known for its origin as a DIY art collective, which has evolved into a significant cultural and entertainment entity. This history likely informs a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and a "outsider" perspective.

Team Structure:

• The Facility Design Manager will be part of a project management team, likely working closely with dedicated creative directors, show technical directors, scenic designers, and external architectural and engineering firms.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a senior project manager or director overseeing multiple projects.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, requiring close interaction with various internal departments to ensure design and construction align with the overall creative vision and operational needs. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not explicitly detailed for this role, Meow Wolf's operations likely rely on data to inform project decisions, track performance, and optimize processes. The Facility Design Manager will need to interpret project data (budgets, schedules, RFI logs) to provide insights.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role inherently involves defining and optimizing workflows for design review, construction administration, and vendor management to ensure efficiency and adherence to project goals.

• Automation & Efficiency: Proficiency with BIM software and digital collaboration tools is key to driving efficiency in design coordination and information sharing, aligning with automation principles.

Company Website: www.meowwolf.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: Meow Wolf's culture is defined by its core values: Collaborative Creativity, Provocative Playfulness, Outsiders Welcome, Authentic Compassion, and Audacious Courage. These values are central to how teams operate and make decisions, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and a unique approach to art and storytelling. Understanding and embodying these values is critical for success in this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within project management and facility design. It requires a strong foundation in architectural/engineering principles and substantial experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects, particularly within specialized industries.

Reporting Structure: The Facility Design Manager will likely report to a senior project director or head of project management within Meow Wolf's operations or construction division. They will collaborate extensively with creative leads and other project stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Facility Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on Meow Wolf's ability to launch new attractions and maintain existing ones. Successful project delivery ensures that the company can continue to create its unique immersive experiences, driving revenue, guest engagement, and brand expansion. Their work is foundational to the guest experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to deepen expertise in specialized areas of construction administration, BIM management, and complex project phasing within the entertainment sector.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge, large-scale immersive art installations, providing unique project experience that is highly valuable in the themed entertainment and experiential design industries.

• Leadership Potential: Successful project delivery and demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and external vendors can pave the way for senior project management roles, program management, or leadership positions within Meow Wolf's facilities or operations departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The project-based nature of this role, while offering a defined scope, also presents an opportunity for individuals to prove their capabilities on high-profile projects, potentially leading to permanent roles or further project engagements within Meow Wolf's expanding portfolio. The focus on creative integration means growth can also occur by developing a deeper understanding of art and storytelling within an operational context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in New York, NY. While the specific office environment details are not provided, Meow Wolf's culture suggests a creative and collaborative workspace, likely with open areas, meeting rooms, and access to necessary technology.

Office Location(s): New York, NY. Specific office location details are not provided but will be within a major metropolitan hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that encourages interaction between project teams, creative departments, and external partners. This environment is designed to foster innovation and rapid problem-solving.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office equipment, high-performance computing for BIM software, and digital collaboration platforms will be essential for the role.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face meetings, site visits, and brainstorming sessions with colleagues and stakeholders will be integral to the workflow.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the expectation of occasional evening and weekend work as project demands dictate. This flexibility is typical for project-based roles requiring critical deadline management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in New York, NY, combined with the project-based nature, means candidates should be prepared for a demanding but rewarding on-location experience. The emphasis on collaboration in the workspace context suggests that strong communication and interpersonal skills are as vital as technical proficiency for success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications against job requirements, with a focus on relevant project experience and technical skills.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion about your project management experience, understanding of architectural/engineering design, and familiarity with the entertainment industry. Expect questions about your approach to budget and schedule management.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve a technical assessment or case study related to facility design challenges, BIM coordination, or vendor management. You will likely meet with members of the project management or creative teams to evaluate your collaboration style and problem-solving abilities.

• Final Interview: A potential conversation with senior leadership to discuss cultural fit, long-term contributions, and alignment with Meow Wolf's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects that best showcase your turn-key project management experience in facility design, construction administration, and the entertainment/experiential sector.

• Highlight Key Contributions: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, responsibilities, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, successful design integration).

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples of BIM models, design reviews, coordination efforts, and any documentation related to code compliance or permitting processes.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Demonstrate your ability to work effectively with diverse teams by providing examples of stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination. Use visuals where appropriate to illustrate complex designs or site conditions.

• Prepare a Narrative: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, explaining the context, your decision-making process, and the lessons learned from each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• BIM Workflow: Be prepared to discuss your experience with BIM workflows, including clash detection, model coordination, and how you leverage BIM for project planning and execution.

• Budget & Schedule Management: Practice articulating your strategies for developing, monitoring, and controlling project budgets and schedules, including contingency planning and risk mitigation.

• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have managed complex vendor relationships and navigated challenging stakeholder dynamics to achieve project objectives.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would address common design conflicts, construction delays, or scope creep.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only technical competence but also cultural fit with Meow Wolf's unique values. Candidates should be prepared to speak passionately about their projects and how they align with Meow Wolf's mission of creating extraordinary experiences. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates end-to-end project management and BIM expertise is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Autodesk Revit: Essential for architectural and engineering design, modeling, and documentation. Proficiency in creating, managing, and coordinating Revit models is critical.

• Navisworks Manage: Key for model aggregation, clash detection, and project review, enabling comprehensive coordination across disciplines.

• Sketch Up: Useful for conceptual design, visualization, and quick design iterations.

• Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC): Includes modules for Design Collaboration, Model Coordination, and Build, facilitating seamless digital workflows for project teams.

• Bluebeam Revu: Widely used for PDF creation, markup, editing, and collaboration, particularly valuable for reviewing design documents and managing RFIs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Suite: Google Sheets for budget tracking, scheduling, and data analysis; Google Slides for presentations and reporting.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly named, expect to use or interface with project management platforms for task tracking, scheduling, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• BIM Technology: The overarching use of Building Information Modeling as a system for managing project data and facilitating collaboration.

• Digital Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud and potentially others for document management, communication, and workflow automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with the specified Autodesk suite (Revit, Navisworks, ACC) and Bluebeam Revu is a non-negotiable requirement. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their practical application of these tools in managing complex design and construction projects. Understanding of BIM best practices and their role in project delivery is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaborative Creativity: Actively engage with creative teams and external partners to foster an environment where ideas are shared freely, and innovative solutions emerge from collective effort.

• Provocative Playfulness: Embrace the unexpected and approach challenges with a curious mindset, seeking discovery through experimentation and a willingness to explore unconventional paths in design and construction.

• Outsiders Welcome: Champion an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, ensuring that all team members and stakeholders feel heard and respected, contributing to a richer problem-solving process.

• Authentic Compassion: Act with integrity and supportiveness towards colleagues and partners, "kind punk" mentality, standing up for project integrity while maintaining positive working relationships.

• Audacious Courage: Possess the courage to challenge existing norms, propose bold design solutions, and advocate for best practices in facility design and construction, even when it requires significant effort or reinvention.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactively integrate facility design considerations with show tech, scenic, and creative elements, ensuring seamless alignment and communication across all project phases.

• Process Review & Feedback: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by actively participating in design reviews, site inspections, and project debriefs, providing constructive feedback and incorporating lessons learned.

• Knowledge Sharing: Share expertise in architectural design, construction management, and BIM technology with project teams, contributing to a collective understanding and elevating the overall project execution capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The candidate must not only possess technical skills but also demonstrate a strong alignment with Meow Wolf's distinctive cultural values. This means being comfortable with a highly creative, collaborative, and sometimes unconventional work environment, where innovation and inclusivity are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integrating Creative Vision with Technical Constraints: Balancing Meow Wolf's highly imaginative and often boundary-pushing creative concepts with practical architectural, engineering, budget, and code requirements.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating and communicating with a wide array of internal departments (creative, technical, operations) and external vendors (architects, engineers, fabricators) with potentially competing priorities.

• Rapid Project Cycles: Delivering complex, large-scale projects within demanding timelines and budget constraints, common in the entertainment and experiential design industries.

• Evolving Technology & Standards: Keeping pace with advancements in BIM technology, construction methods, and evolving building codes and safety regulations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Industry Expertise: Gain unparalleled experience in designing and constructing unique, immersive, and technically complex attractions, building a niche expertise in the experiential entertainment sector.

• Advanced BIM Application: Deepen proficiency in advanced BIM workflows, including complex model coordination, simulation, and data management for large-scale projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Develop a comprehensive understanding of how architectural and engineering design intersects with show technology, artistic direction, and operational requirements.

• Project Leadership: Grow in project leadership capabilities by managing high-stakes projects from inception to completion, honing skills in negotiation, risk management, and strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges due to the unique nature of Meow Wolf's projects, but these challenges are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities. Candidates who excel will be well-positioned for future leadership roles in a rapidly expanding and innovative company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex architectural or engineering challenge you faced on a large-scale project and how you leveraged BIM and cross-functional collaboration to resolve it." (Focus on problem-solving, BIM application, and stakeholder management.)

• "How do you ensure that a highly creative design intent is maintained throughout the detailed design and construction phases, especially when working with external A&E teams?" (Focus on design intent preservation, vendor management, and communication strategies.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing and managing project budgets and schedules for a project of similar scope to a Meow Wolf exhibition. What are your key risk mitigation strategies?" (Focus on financial acumen, schedule control, and proactive planning.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Meow Wolf's mission and our approach to creating immersive experiences? How do you see your role contributing to our values of 'Collaborative Creativity' and 'Audacious Courage'?" (Focus on cultural alignment and enthusiasm for the company's unique brand.)

• "Describe a time you had to work with a team whose members had very different priorities or working styles. How did you foster collaboration and ensure project success?" (Focus on interpersonal skills and teamwork in a diverse environment.)

• "How do you approach staying current with building codes, life safety requirements, and emerging construction technologies relevant to public attractions?" (Focus on continuous learning and professional development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a compelling story for each project, highlighting the challenge, your approach, and the successful outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the tangible results of your efforts (e.g., percentage of budget saved, schedule adherence, reduction in RFIs due to proactive coordination).

• Visual Aids: Utilize high-quality images, diagrams, and potentially short video clips to illustrate the complexity and success of your projects, especially showcasing BIM models and design elements.

• Focus on Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with creative teams and external partners, providing specific examples of communication and negotiation strategies.

• Connect to Meow Wolf: Conclude by clearly articulating how your experience and skills align with the specific requirements and cultural values of the Facility Design Manager role at Meow Wolf.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience with specific software in detail, as hands-on proficiency is critical. Be ready to articulate your understanding of how architectural design contributes to the overall guest experience in immersive environments. Demonstrating an understanding of Meow Wolf's unique brand and culture will be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in project management, facility design, construction administration, and the entertainment/experiential industry. Emphasize your proficiency with BIM software (Revit, Navisworks, ACC) and your experience managing budgets, schedules, and vendor contracts.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end project management capabilities, technical skills, and ability to integrate creative visions with technical execution. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Familiarize yourself with common questions related to BIM workflows, clash detection, code compliance, and construction administration processes. Be ready to discuss your experience with specific software tools.

• Research Meow Wolf: Deeply understand Meow Wolf's mission, values, and unique approach to immersive art experiences. Prepare to discuss how your skills and working style align with their culture, particularly their emphasis on "Collaborative Creativity" and "Audacious Courage."

⚠️ 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.