In-House Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: In-House Design Manager

Company: Inch & Co

Location: York, PA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Construction Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-27

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees and manages all civil, architectural, and design efforts for the company’s multifamily development and commercial construction projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and project goals.

• Acts as the primary internal point of contact for all design-related matters, facilitating seamless communication between internal teams and external consultants.

• Manages the design process from early concept development through the creation of detailed construction documents, ensuring buildability and compliance.

• Supports pre-construction and construction phases by providing design clarification, coordinating revisions, and resolving plan-related issues to maintain project timelines and budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for bridging the gap between design vision and practical execution in real estate development and construction. While not requiring a professional architectural license, the Design Manager must possess a deep understanding of architectural principles, construction documents, and the coordination necessary to work with licensed professionals. The focus is on managing the process of design and its integration into larger development projects, characteristic of a GTM (Go-to-Market) or operational role within a development firm.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Architectural Design Coordination: Manage architectural design efforts for multifamily projects from initial concept through the finalization of construction documents, ensuring all design elements are cohesive and meet project specifications.

• External Consultant Management: Coordinate closely with external licensed architects to secure sealed drawings, ensure regulatory compliance, and integrate their expertise into the overall project design.

• Constructibility and Budget Review: Rigorously review architectural and civil plans for constructibility, consistency, and adherence to project budgets and schedules, identifying potential issues before they impact downstream phases.

• Internal Design Leadership: Lead internal design review meetings, facilitating discussions and coordinating revisions among development, pre-construction, and construction teams to ensure all internal stakeholders are aligned.

• Cross-Functional Liaison: Serve as the primary design liaison, effectively communicating design intent, progress, and challenges between the development, pre-construction, construction, and external consultant teams.

• Civil and Site Integration: Coordinate civil engineering efforts in conjunction with architectural design, ensuring seamless integration between site plans, civil infrastructure, and building designs for comprehensive project development.

• Milestone Tracking: Diligently track design milestones, key deliverables, and consultant timelines to ensure the design process remains on schedule and within scope.

• Proactive Issue Resolution: Identify and proactively resolve design and coordination issues early in the process to prevent conflicts and delays during construction.

• Development & Construction Support: Support pre-construction activities by providing design clarifications and coordination during the estimating process, and assist construction teams with plan interpretation and design-related inquiries.

• Change Management: Help manage design changes and revisions that arise during the construction phase, ensuring proper documentation and communication.

• Third-Party Project Support: As capacity allows, perform initial architectural evaluations for renovations, repositioning projects, or feasibility studies for select third-party or internal assessment work, providing high-level design input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on project management within the design and construction lifecycle, emphasizing coordination, review, and communication. This aligns with operations roles that ensure efficiency and successful project delivery by managing complex interdependencies. The mention of "third-party projects" suggests potential for strategic input and business development support, extending beyond core project management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

• While professional licensure (e.g., Architect, Professional Engineer) is not required, a strong understanding of architectural principles and practices is essential. Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in architectural design, design management, project coordination, or a closely related role within the real estate development or construction industry.

• Demonstrated experience managing design processes from concept to construction documents.

• Proven experience with multifamily development projects is strongly preferred. Required Skills:

• Architectural Design Coordination: Ability to manage and oversee architectural design processes, ensuring quality and adherence to project requirements.

• Construction Document Proficiency: Strong understanding of construction documents, blueprints, and technical drawings, with the ability to read, interpret, and review them effectively.

• Civil & Site Plan Comprehension: Familiarity with civil engineering plans and their integration with architectural designs.

• Consultant Management: Experience coordinating with external consultants, including licensed architects and engineers, and managing their deliverables.

• Software Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in architectural design software such as AutoCAD and/or Revit. Ability to review and markup drawings within these platforms.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively liaise between diverse internal teams (development, pre-construction, construction) and external stakeholders.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve design and coordination issues proactively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with document management platforms and coordination tools.

• Familiarity with feasibility studies and architectural evaluations for renovations or repositioning.

• Understanding of building codes and permitting processes.

• Knowledge of construction estimating and pre-construction activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "licensure not required; experience coordinating with licensed architects is essential" is a key differentiator. This indicates the role is about process management and coordination rather than direct licensed professional practice. The software requirements (AutoCAD, Revit) are standard for design coordination roles, and the need for strong communication skills highlights the importance of bridging technical and business teams, a core function in operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Management Examples: Showcase projects where you managed the architectural or design coordination process from conception through construction document delivery. Highlight your role in managing timelines, deliverables, and consultant coordination.

• Constructibility Review Case Studies: Provide examples of how you identified and resolved constructibility issues early in the design phase, demonstrating your ability to review plans for buildability and cost-effectiveness.

• Coordination & Communication Artifacts: Include examples of how you facilitated communication between design teams, development, and construction. This could be through meeting minutes, RFI logs, or coordination meeting summaries that demonstrate your ability to bridge gaps.

• Software Application Examples: If possible, demonstrate your proficiency in AutoCAD or Revit through annotated drawings or examples of markups and reviews you've conducted.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: You may be asked to describe or demonstrate your process for initiating and managing design workflows, from project kickoff to final document submission. Highlight how you ensure efficiency and quality at each stage.

• Issue Resolution Protocols: Be prepared to discuss your methods for identifying, documenting, and resolving design-related issues or conflicts, including how you escalate problems when necessary.

• Deliverable Tracking Systems: Describe any systems or methods you've used to track design milestones, consultant deliverables, and overall project timelines to ensure on-time completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should focus on demonstrable project management skills within the design lifecycle, emphasizing coordination, problem-solving, and communication rather than a personal design portfolio. The ability to document and articulate processes for managing design deliverables and resolving coordination issues is crucial for demonstrating operational effectiveness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the Pennsylvania region, a competitive salary range for this role is estimated to be between $80,000 - $110,000 annually. This estimate considers the job responsibilities, required experience, and the company's stated benefits, as well as the cost of living in York, Pennsylvania.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: Acknowledged as a key offering, indicating a commitment to fair compensation.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan with a significant company match of 4%, aiding long-term financial planning.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and paid company holidays to ensure employees have time for rest and personal commitments.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time role typically requiring 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, aligning with typical business operations in the construction and development sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on aggregated data from various compensation platforms (e.g., Glassdoor, Salary.com, LinkedIn Salary) for Design Managers in similar geographic locations and with comparable experience levels. The 4% 401(k) match is a strong benefit, indicating the company's investment in employee retirement. The explicit mention of "desired pay range" in the job description implies that candidates are encouraged to provide this information, making it a key part of the application process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Development, Construction, Land Development, Property Management. Inch & Co operates as an integrated family of companies, offering a holistic approach to real estate projects.

Company Size: Described as having grown into an "award-winning family of companies" and recognized as one of Central Pennsylvania's fastest-growing companies. While specific numbers aren't provided, this suggests a dynamic, growing organization, likely mid-sized to large, with established processes but retaining a family-oriented ethos.

Founded: 2012 by brothers John and Jeff Inch. This indicates a relatively young company with a strong foundation in entrepreneurial spirit and potentially a close-knit, collaborative culture.

Team Structure:

• Integrated Operations: The company's integrated approach suggests that the Design Manager will work within a structure that connects land development, design, construction, and management, fostering collaboration across departments.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role explicitly requires serving as a liaison between development, pre-construction, and construction teams, indicating a highly collaborative internal environment.

• External Consultant Reliance: Significant interaction with external licensed architects and civil engineers means the team structure must support effective management of third-party relationships.

Methodology:

• Integrated Approach: Emphasizes a holistic methodology where all aspects of real estate development are managed internally or through tightly coordinated external partnerships.

• Quality & Purpose Driven: The company's mission to ensure "quality and purpose are built into every detail" suggests a focus on meticulous execution and strategic planning in all operations.

• Growth Focused: Recognition as a fast-growing company implies an operational focus on scaling, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://inchandco.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's growth trajectory and integrated model suggest an environment where operational efficiency and cross-functional synergy are highly valued. The "family of companies" and "family-oriented ethos" implies a culture that may balance professional rigor with a supportive, team-centric atmosphere. The Design Manager's role is central to ensuring this ethos is reflected in the physical development projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, requiring substantial professional experience (5-10 years) in design coordination and project management within the construction/development sector. It's a management role focused on a specific, critical operational function: design oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Development, VP of Operations, or a similar senior leader responsible for overseeing project lifecycles. They will manage relationships with external consultants and liaise extensively with internal project teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on the success of multifamily and commercial projects. By ensuring designs are coordinated, buildable, and aligned with budgets and schedules, they mitigate risks, optimize construction costs, and contribute to the overall quality and profitability of Inch & Co.'s developments. Their input on third-party projects can also influence strategic investment decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design/Development Leadership: Potential to advance to Senior Design Manager, Director of Design, or a similar leadership role overseeing larger portfolios or more complex projects.

• Specialization in Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of multifamily or commercial development, potentially moving into development management roles.

• Process Improvement Leadership: As a growing company, there will be opportunities to shape and refine the company's design management processes, automation, and system integrations.

• Cross-Functional Transition: With a strong understanding of development and construction, there's potential to transition into roles within pre-construction, project management, or even asset management within the Inch & Co. ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Design Manager in a company like Inch & Co. is typically within the development or construction operations vertical. The emphasis on process and coordination suggests that individuals who can demonstrate efficiency gains and strategic alignment will be well-positioned for advancement. The company's growth also implies a need for leaders who can scale operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "In-House," with the primary location being York, PA. This suggests a corporate office environment where the Design Manager will work alongside other internal teams.

Office Location(s): Headquartered in York, Pennsylvania (17404). This implies a central office where design, development, and administrative functions are likely consolidated, fostering collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment likely supports frequent interaction with development, pre-construction, and construction teams, facilitating real-time design discussions and problem-solving.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to essential design software (AutoCAD, Revit) and coordination tools is a given, supporting efficient workflow and digital collaboration.

• Project-Focused Atmosphere: Given the company's growth and project-driven nature, the workspace will likely be dynamic, with a focus on project progress and client/stakeholder engagement.

Work Schedule:

• Standard Monday-Friday schedule, typical for corporate and project management roles. While core hours likely apply, the nature of project deadlines may occasionally require flexibility to ensure critical design milestones are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" nature of the role is crucial for fostering the high level of collaboration required for design coordination. This environment is designed to facilitate quick decision-making and problem-solving between diverse teams, which is essential for project success in real estate development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core qualifications, particularly experience in architectural design coordination and multifamily projects.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, management style, and understanding of the design and construction process. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your resume.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a review of your portfolio, a technical discussion about design software (AutoCAD, Revit), and potentially a case study or problem-solving exercise related to design coordination or constructibility issues.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with key internal stakeholders (e.g., from development or construction teams) to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and cultural alignment with Inch & Co.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process & Management: Your portfolio should highlight your role in managing design processes, not just your personal design work. Showcase projects where you coordinated external consultants, reviewed plans, resolved issues, and ensured timely delivery of construction documents.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced RFI volume by X% by conducting thorough pre-construction design reviews" or "Ensured project stayed on schedule by proactively resolving Y coordination issues."

• Structure Your Case Studies: For key projects, prepare concise case studies that outline the challenge, your approach, the tools/processes used, and the positive outcome (e.g., budget adherence, schedule compliance, improved constructibility).

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with AutoCAD and Revit, and if possible, have examples of markups, plan reviews, or coordination drawings you've managed.

• Highlight Communication Skills: Showcase instances where you effectively bridged communication gaps between technical and non-technical teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenario: Be prepared for a scenario where you must coordinate conflicting design elements between architectural and civil plans, or resolve an issue raised by the construction team regarding a design detail.

• Constructibility Analysis: Practice analyzing architectural drawings for potential construction challenges and articulate your recommendations for improvement.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would manage a situation where a key consultant is behind schedule or a design element conflicts with the project budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review for a "manager" role suggests a need for demonstrated project management capabilities and process ownership. Candidates should prepare to articulate their methodologies for design coordination, issue resolution, and stakeholder communication, using specific project examples to illustrate their expertise.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit is essential for reviewing, marking up, and understanding architectural drawings. Experience with these tools is critical for managing design deliverables.

• Document Management Platforms: Familiarity with platforms used for storing, sharing, and managing project documents, drawings, and specifications (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam Revu, or company-specific solutions).

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools that aid in tracking project timelines, tasks, and milestones (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Drawing Review & Markup Tools: Proficiency with tools like Bluebeam Revu for detailed plan review, measurement, and annotation, which is crucial for providing feedback to consultants.

• Spreadsheet Software: Strong skills in Microsoft Excel for budget tracking, schedule analysis, and data compilation related to design coordination.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of how design impacts sales and leasing processes (if applicable to multifamily) might be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation Awareness: Familiarity with how design processes can be streamlined through documentation and potential software integrations is valuable, though direct automation tool experience may not be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack focuses on design and project management tools common in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry. The emphasis on AutoCAD and Revit, along with document management and review platforms like Bluebeam, directly supports the core responsibilities of design coordination and review.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Purpose: A commitment to ensuring "quality and purpose are built into every detail," reflecting a dedication to excellence in execution and alignment with the company's vision.

• Integrity & Family: Given the founding by brothers and the "family of companies" model, there's likely a strong emphasis on trust, collaboration, and ethical conduct.

• Growth & Innovation: As a fast-growing company, Inch & Co likely values adaptability, a forward-thinking approach, and a drive for continuous improvement in its operations.

• Efficiency & Buildability: A practical, results-oriented approach that prioritizes designs that are not only aesthetically sound but also constructible, cost-effective, and timely.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated & Cross-Functional: The company's integrated model necessitates a highly collaborative style, where teams work closely together to achieve common project goals.

• Consultant Partnership: The role requires building strong working relationships with external consultants, fostering a partnership approach to design development.

• Open Communication: Effective communication is key to bridging the gap between design, development, and construction, suggesting an environment where open dialogue and feedback are encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely a blend of entrepreneurial drive (from its founding brothers and growth) and a professional, process-oriented approach required for large-scale development. The Design Manager's ability to foster collaboration and uphold quality standards will be key to fitting into this culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Vision with Practical Constraints: Ensuring that creative design aspirations are met while adhering strictly to budgets, construction timelines, and site limitations.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively coordinating and aligning the needs and feedback of internal teams (development, construction, finance) and external consultants (architects, engineers).

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Environments: Understanding and ensuring compliance with local building codes, zoning regulations, and permitting requirements throughout the design process.

• Adapting to Project Changes: Managing design revisions and changes that inevitably arise during development and construction, minimizing their impact on project goals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Real Estate Development Expertise: Gaining comprehensive exposure to all facets of real estate development, from land acquisition and entitlement to financing and asset management.

• Advanced Design & Construction Technologies: Staying abreast of evolving design software, BIM (Building Information Modeling) advancements, and construction technologies.

• Leadership and Process Improvement: Opportunities to lead design initiatives, refine internal processes, and potentially mentor junior team members as the company continues to grow.

• Industry Networking: Engaging with industry professionals through company-sponsored events and professional development to expand network and knowledge base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for design management roles in dynamic development environments. Growth opportunities are tied to the company's expansion and the individual's ability to contribute to operational scaling and strategic project execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing architectural design from concept through construction documents for a multifamily project. What are the key milestones and checkpoints?" (Focus on your structured approach, tools, and checkpoints.)

• "How do you ensure constructibility and budget alignment when reviewing architectural plans? Provide an example." (Highlight your analytical skills and ability to identify potential issues early.)

• "Imagine a scenario where the civil engineer and the architect have conflicting site design elements. How would you facilitate a resolution?" (Demonstrate your mediation and problem-solving skills, focusing on communication and collaboration.)

• "What is your experience managing external consultants? How do you ensure they deliver high-quality work on time and within scope?" (Emphasize your project management and relationship management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Inch & Co. and our approach to real estate development?" (Research their projects, mission, and values. Connect your experience to their integrated model.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to our company's growth and success?" (Align your skills with their fast-growing status and focus on quality development.)

• "Describe a time you had to communicate a complex design issue to a non-technical stakeholder. How did you approach it?" (Showcase your communication and liaison capabilities.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project in your portfolio, walk the interviewer through the narrative: the project's goals, the challenges you faced in design coordination, your specific actions and methodologies, and the positive outcomes.

• Highlight Your Management Role: Clearly articulate your responsibilities and contributions, distinguishing them from the work of licensed architects or engineers. Focus on coordination, review, and problem-solving.

• Showcase Software Use: Be prepared to briefly demonstrate your proficiency in AutoCAD or Revit, perhaps by showing annotated drawings or explaining how you've used them for review and coordination.

• Focus on Process and Efficiency: Emphasize how your management of the design process led to efficiencies, cost savings, or improved project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical project management skills within the design lifecycle, strong communication abilities, and a solid understanding of construction principles. Candidates should be ready to articulate their processes and provide specific examples that align with Inch & Co.'s integrated development approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this In-House Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Inch & Co. careers portal at https://inchandco.bamboohr.com/careers/476.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in architectural design coordination, construction document review, multifamily projects, and proficiency with AutoCAD/Revit. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your project management skills in design coordination. Focus on case studies demonstrating your ability to manage consultants, review plans for constructibility, resolve issues, and ensure timely delivery of design documents.

• Articulate Your Value: Be ready to clearly articulate your desired pay range, as requested in the job posting. Research salary benchmarks for this role in the York, PA area to provide a well-informed figure.

• Research Inch & Co.: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, and recent projects. Understand their integrated approach to real estate development and be prepared to discuss how your skills align with their culture and business objectives.

⚠️ 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.