Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Gensler

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Architectural Design / Interior Design / Project Management

Date Posted: June 10, 2025

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage all phases of diverse architectural and interior design projects, ensuring successful delivery from concept to completion.
• Act as the primary point of contact and liaison between the design team, clients, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and empower project teams to achieve project objectives, maintain high-quality design standards, and foster a positive, collaborative work environment.
• Manage project financials, including budgeting, fee negotiation, billing, and profitability, ensuring fiscal responsibility and adherence to company policies.
• Champion sustainable design practices and integrate climate challenge commitments into project workflows and client engagements.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage project teams through all phases of architectural and interior design projects, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, acting as the primary point of contact and ensuring client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare comprehensive project proposals, negotiate contracts and fees, and manage project financial performance, including monitoring budgets, billings, and collections.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to project team members, fostering professional growth and ensuring a collaborative and productive team environment.
• Ensure quality control standards are met for all project deliverables, including design documentation, specifications, and construction administration.
• Integrate sustainable design principles and Gensler Cities Climate Challenge (GC3) goals into project planning, design, and execution, working with clients to achieve their ESG objectives.
• Manage project resources, including staffing allocation and coordination with sub-contractors, vendors, and contractors.
• Actively participate in relevant professional organizations and maintain contact with current and potential clients to build and enhance the firm's external image.
• Collaborate effectively with Studio Directors, Office Management, and other internal departments like Finance and Human Resources.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related design field is required. Advanced degrees or relevant certifications are a plus.

Experience: A minimum of 10+ years of total professional experience in the architecture or design industry, with at least 5 years specifically in a project management capacity on a variety of design projects. Experience managing the full project lifecycle, including post-occupancy evaluations, is essential. A strong portfolio showcasing experience with built projects, particularly those with sustainability certifications (LEED, WELL, etc.), is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in managing architectural and interior design projects from concept to completion.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor design teams effectively, fostering collaboration and professional development.
• Strong client engagement and relationship management skills, with a focus on ensuring client satisfaction.
• Proficiency in project financial management, including budgeting, fee negotiation, billing, and monitoring profitability.
• Comprehensive knowledge of building codes, standards, and building structures relevant to architectural and interior design projects.
• Basic to strong technical understanding of architectural design, interior design principles, and furniture design.
• Knowledge and experience in sustainable design principles and practices, with a demonstrated commitment to integrating sustainability into projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional license or certification in Architecture, Interior Design, or Project Management (e.g., PMP).
• Accreditation in sustainability rating systems such as LEED, WELL, Fitwel, or LFA.
• Experience with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Monday.com).
• Experience in pursuing and securing Net Zero Building certification for projects.
• Familiarity with Information Management tools like Aconex, Asite, or Newforma.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Your portfolio should clearly demonstrate your experience in managing diverse architectural and interior design projects, showcasing the full project lifecycle from conception through construction and potentially post-occupancy.
• Include detailed case studies for a selection of significant projects, highlighting your specific role, responsibilities, and contributions as a Design Manager.
• Showcase your ability to lead and collaborate with design teams, illustrating how you guided projects to successful completion.
• Crucially, include at least one built project that demonstrates a strong focus on sustainable design principles and ideally holds a relevant sustainability certification (LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge, Fitwel, and/or Net Zero Building certification).
• Visually present project outcomes effectively, including high-quality renderings, technical drawings, and photographs of completed work.

Process Documentation:

• For each case study, clearly articulate the design process you managed, including initial client engagement, research, conceptualization, design development, and documentation phases.
• Document your approach to managing project teams, including communication strategies, workflow management, and problem-solving during design and construction.
• Explain how you integrated client feedback and stakeholder requirements into the design process.
• Detail your approach to managing project budgets, schedules, and resources effectively.
• Highlight instances where you successfully navigated challenges and delivered projects on time and within budget while maintaining design quality and client satisfaction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AED 350,000 - AED 550,000 per annum (Approx. $95,000 - $150,000 USD).
This range is an estimate based on typical Design Manager salaries in Dubai, UAE, for a large, reputable international firm like Gensler, considering 10+ years of experience and the scope of responsibilities outlined. Salary levels in Dubai can vary based on specific experience, project complexity, and negotiation. Research was conducted using publicly available salary data for similar roles in the UAE design and architecture sector and adjusted based on the seniority and specific requirements of this position.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage.
• Disability and Wellness Programs designed to support employee health and well-being.
• Opportunities for Profit Sharing, aligning employee success with company performance.
• Twice-annual Bonus Opportunities based on individual and company performance.
• Reimbursement for certain professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees, supporting continuous professional development.
• Tuition Reimbursement for certain eligible programs or classes, encouraging ongoing learning and skill enhancement.
• Paid time off and holidays (specific details would be provided by HR).
• Potential for retirement savings plans (details would be provided by HR).

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required based on project deadlines, client needs, and global team collaboration, common in a dynamic design firm environment.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Architecture and Planning. Gensler operates across a wide range of sectors including Aviation, Transportation, Education, Hospitality, Retail, Technology, and more, providing diverse design challenges and opportunities for their teams.

Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees globally. Being part of a large international firm like Gensler means access to extensive resources, a global network of design professionals, and the opportunity to work on large-scale, impactful projects. It also implies established processes and a structured organizational framework.

Founded: 1965. Gensler has a long-standing history and reputation in the design industry, known for its innovation, client focus, and commitment to design excellence. This history shapes a culture of experience, expertise, and continuous evolution.

Team Structure:

• Design teams are typically structured around specific projects or practice areas, often involving cross-functional collaboration with specialists in various design disciplines, sustainability, and technology.
• Design Managers report to Studio Directors or Office Leadership, overseeing project teams often composed of architects, interior designers, technical staff, and potentially junior project managers.
• Collaboration is fostered across studios and global offices, leveraging the firm's international network and diverse expertise.

Methodology:

• Gensler emphasizes a human-centered design approach, focusing on understanding user needs and creating spaces that enhance the human experience.
• The firm utilizes various design thinking methodologies, including research, ideation, prototyping, and testing, tailored to the specific requirements of each project.
• A strong commitment to sustainability is embedded in their design process, driven by the Gensler Cities Climate Challenge (GC3) goal to eliminate net greenhouse gas emissions from their work by 2030.
• Collaboration and knowledge sharing are key aspects of their methodology, leveraging their global network and internal expertise.

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

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This Design Manager role represents a significant leadership position within Gensler, typically falling within the mid to senior management tier. It involves overseeing complex projects, leading teams, managing client relationships, and contributing to the financial success of projects and potentially the studio.

Reporting Structure: Design Managers generally report to Studio Directors or higher-level leadership within the office or regional structure. They manage project teams, providing guidance, feedback, and support to team members.

Design Impact: Design Managers have a substantial impact on the quality and success of projects, ensuring design intent is maintained while meeting technical, budgetary, and schedule requirements. They influence design decisions, facilitate collaboration between disciplines, and represent the firm's design standards to clients and external partners.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for advancement to Senior Design Manager, Studio Director, or other leadership roles within the firm, with increasing responsibility for larger projects, multiple teams, and strategic initiatives.
• Opportunities to specialize in specific practice areas (e.g., Hospitality, Workplace, Retail) or design disciplines (e.g., sustainable design, digital design integration).
• Participation in internal leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and training focused on advanced project management, client relationship building, and business development skills.
• Opportunities to contribute to firm-wide initiatives, research, and knowledge sharing, enhancing visibility and expertise within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Gensler's Dubai office is an on-site work environment, indicating a traditional studio setting. This facilitates in-person collaboration, team interaction, and access to physical resources and project materials.

Office Location(s): Sheikh Zayed Road Trade Center 2, Za’abeel, Rolex Tower, 5th Floor 113, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Being located in a prominent area like Sheikh Zayed Road likely provides access to modern office facilities and potentially good connectivity within Dubai.

Design Workspace Context:

• Expect a professional and collaborative studio environment designed to support creative work, team interaction, and client meetings.
• Workspaces are likely equipped with necessary design tools, technology, and resources for architectural and interior design project execution.
• The office environment encourages interaction among design teams, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and design critique.

Work Schedule: A full-time, on-site schedule is expected. While standard business hours likely apply, the nature of project management may require flexibility to meet deadlines, attend evening client events, or coordinate with global teams in different time zones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• The initial stage likely involves a review of your resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience, project management skills, and design capabilities.
• Expect one or more interviews with hiring managers, Studio Directors, and potentially other senior leaders, focusing on your project management experience, leadership style, client relationship skills, and technical knowledge.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with sustainable design projects and how you integrate sustainability into your work process.
• You may be asked to participate in a case study discussion or provide a detailed walkthrough of a significant project from your portfolio, focusing on challenges faced, decisions made, and project outcomes.
• Cultural fit and alignment with Gensler's values, including their commitment to diversity and sustainability, will likely be assessed throughout the process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to specifically highlight projects where you held significant project management and leadership responsibilities. Clearly define your role and contributions.
• Develop compelling case studies that detail the project brief, your approach to managing the project, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Emphasize client satisfaction and project success metrics.
• Include at least one case study showcasing your experience with sustainable design and certified green building projects. Clearly articulate the sustainability goals and how they were achieved.
• Present your portfolio in a clear, organized, and visually appealing manner. Ensure technical drawings and visual representations are of high quality.
• Be prepared to discuss your design process, team management strategies, and how you handle client relationships during the portfolio review.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design or project management challenge is part of the process, it will likely assess your ability to think critically, solve problems under pressure, and articulate your approach.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of project constraints, feasibility, and client objectives.
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing timelines, resources, and potential risks within a project context.

ATS Keywords: Project Management, Design Management, Architectural Design, Interior Design, Client Relationship Management, Team Leadership, Financial Management, Budgeting, Negotiation, Quality Control, Sustainability, Sustainable Design, LEED, WELL, BIM, Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, AutoCAD, Navisworks, BIM360, Building Codes, Project Lifecycle, Post-Occupancy Evaluation, Stakeholder Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, Communication, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Aconex, Asite, Newforma, Strategic Planning, Business Development, Mentoring, Coaching, Architectural License, NCIDQ, AIA, RDI, PMP.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Revit: Essential for BIM project design and delivery, including documentation and collaboration. Proficiency required for managing teams using this software.
• Rhino/Grasshopper: Used for design authoring and computational design, indicating a need for familiarity with parametric workflows and complex geometry.
• AutoCAD: A foundational tool for 2D drafting and documentation, still relevant in many project workflows.
• Navisworks: Used for design authoring, typically for clash detection and model coordination within the BIM context.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• BIM360: A cloud-based platform for BIM collaboration, model sharing, and markups, essential for coordinating with internal teams and external consultants.
• Information Management tools such as Aconex, Asite, or Newforma (desirable): Used for managing project information, documents, and workflows throughout the project lifecycle, particularly during construction administration.

Research & Testing:

• Building Performance Simulation tools such as Insight, Sefaira, Diva, and Ladybug tools: Used for analyzing building performance, energy efficiency, and environmental impact, crucial for integrating sustainability into design.

Visualisation & Graphics:

• Vray, Enscape, Twinmotion, 3DSMax: Tools for creating high-quality renderings and visualizations to communicate design concepts to clients and stakeholders.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, presentations, portfolio development, and visual communication.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard productivity tools for documentation, presentations, and project management tasks.

Experiential & Development (Desirable):

• Unreal Engine, Unity: Real-time rendering engines for creating immersive experiences and interactive visualizations.
• C#, Python: Programming languages potentially used for scripting, automation, and developing custom tools within design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• People-First Design: Gensler is committed to designing spaces that enhance the human experience, focusing on the needs and well-being of the people who use them. This value should inform design decisions and project outcomes.
• Innovation and Thought Leadership: The firm encourages new ideas, creative problem-solving, and pushing the boundaries of design to solve challenging problems and add value for clients.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Fostering a proactive and forward-thinking approach, encouraging team members to identify opportunities and drive initiatives.
• Commitment to Sustainability: A deep-seated value reflected in their GC3 initiative, requiring designers to integrate sustainable practices and pursue ambitious climate goals in their work.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Recognizing the power of diverse voices and cultures in driving innovation and creating impactful design solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Gensler emphasizes a collaborative environment, both within project teams and across different studios and disciplines globally.
• Effective communication, active listening, and constructive feedback are crucial for successful team interaction and project delivery.
• Design critique sessions are likely a regular part of the workflow, providing opportunities for feedback and refinement of design concepts.
• Knowledge sharing and contribution to internal design systems and best practices are encouraged.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Managing complex, large-scale architectural and interior design projects with demanding timelines and budgets, requiring strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Balancing ambitious design goals with practical constraints, technical requirements, and client expectations, necessitating effective negotiation and communication.
• Integrating advanced sustainable design strategies and achieving specific sustainability certifications within project constraints, requiring deep knowledge and innovative approaches.
• Leading and motivating diverse project teams, ensuring effective collaboration and performance across different disciplines and potentially locations.
• Staying abreast of evolving design trends, technologies (especially BIM and sustainable design tools), and building regulations in a dynamic market like Dubai.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Opportunities to enhance leadership and team management skills through internal training programs and on-the-job experience.
• Access to resources and expertise within Gensler's global network for advancing technical skills, particularly in BIM, sustainable design, and specialized practice areas.
• Financial support and encouragement for achieving and maintaining professional licenses and sustainability accreditations.
• Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay current with design trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Mentorship opportunities with senior leaders and experts within the firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Be prepared to walk through your approach to managing the full project lifecycle of a complex architectural or interior design project, from initial client brief to post-occupancy. Use specific examples from your portfolio.
• Discuss your experience with integrating sustainable design principles into projects and how you navigate challenges in achieving sustainability goals. Be ready to discuss specific certifications (LEED, WELL, etc.) and your role in the process.
• Explain your methodology for managing project budgets, schedules, and resources effectively. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully kept projects on track and within budget.
• Describe your approach to leading and motivating design teams. How do you foster collaboration, manage conflicts, and ensure high-quality deliverables?
• Be ready to discuss your experience with BIM workflows, cloud-based collaboration tools (like BIM360), and managing teams using software like Revit and Rhino.

Company Culture Questions:

• Research Gensler's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly those in the UAE or similar markets. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in working for Gensler specifically and how your values align with theirs, especially regarding their commitment to people-first design and sustainability.
• Discuss your experience working in collaborative team environments and how you contribute to a positive team culture.
• Be prepared to ask thoughtful questions about the Dubai office culture, team structure, and how sustainability is integrated into daily workflows.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-4 key projects from your portfolio that best demonstrate your project management expertise, leadership skills, and experience with relevant project types and sustainability.
• For each project, structure your presentation as a compelling case study: start with the project brief and challenges, detail your role and the process you managed, highlight key decisions and problem-solving approaches, and conclude with the successful outcome and lessons learned.
• Explicitly discuss the sustainable design aspects of relevant projects, explaining the goals, strategies implemented, and certifications achieved.
• Be concise and focused, highlighting your most impactful contributions and demonstrating your ability to deliver complex projects successfully.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link on the Gensler careers portal.
• Prepare a professional resume that clearly outlines your 10+ years of experience in the design industry, highlighting the 5+ years of dedicated project management experience. Use relevant ATS keywords from the list provided to optimize your application.
• Curate a portfolio (preferably in PDF format as requested) that specifically showcases your project management and leadership capabilities, including detailed case studies of significant projects you have managed. Ensure at least one project demonstrates your experience with sustainable design and relevant certifications.
• Craft a cover letter that highlights your relevant experience, project management philosophy, leadership style, and specific interest in working as a Design Manager at Gensler in Dubai, emphasizing your alignment with their values and commitment to sustainability.
• Research Gensler's recent work, particularly in the Middle East, and familiarize yourself with their sustainability initiatives to prepare for interview discussions and demonstrate genuine interest.