Design Manager - Critical Facilities at Gensler

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Critical Facilities

Company: Gensler

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Architecture & Critical Facilities Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-12T00:00:00

Experience Level: 8+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Lead and manage complex architectural design projects specifically within the critical facilities sector, including data centers, high-performance computing centers, and other technology-rich facilities.
Drive the design and technical delivery process, ensuring projects meet client objectives, scope, schedule, and budget requirements.
Serve as the primary liaison between internal design teams, clients, sub-contractors, vendors, and contractors, fostering collaborative relationships.
Leverage expertise in high-tech architecture, building codes, zoning, accessibility, and construction techniques to resolve complex technical and design issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a specialized blend of architectural design leadership and deep technical knowledge specific to critical facilities. The emphasis is on managing the full design lifecycle from proposal to project close-out within a highly technical context.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Implement and oversee one or more critical facilities projects by providing strong leadership to project teams, guiding them through project objectives, contract requirements, and delivery timelines.
Manage all aspects of project logistics, including scheduling, budget allocation, staffing assignments, and establishing project parameters with clients and external partners.
Prepare comprehensive project proposals, negotiate contracts and fees with clients, and manage the bidding process with general contractors to secure favorable terms.
Monitor and control the financial performance of projects, tracking work plans, schedules, fees, change orders, billing cycles, and collections to ensure fiscal success.
Oversee the entire project lifecycle, from initial estimating and bidding through kick-off, weekly coordination meetings, punch list completion, project turnover, facility opening, and final close-out procedures.
Collaborate effectively with internal project team members to develop innovative design solutions and produce detailed architectural documentation that aligns with project goals.
Guide the project team in the preparation of construction documentation and pricing, providing oversight and support throughout the construction phase.
Identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical and design challenges that arise during the project lifecycle to maintain project momentum and ensure successful outcomes.
Manage project specifications meticulously to ensure they are consistent with the design intent and fulfill all project requirements and standards.
Communicate and coordinate with external consultants, engineering disciplines, and authorities having jurisdiction to facilitate approvals and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and codes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on technical project management within the architectural domain, specifically tailored for the complexities of critical facilities. Success in this role requires not only design acumen but also robust financial and logistical management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or a closely related design field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized certifications in critical facilities design or project management are advantageous.

Experience: A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in architectural practice is mandatory, with a significant portion dedicated to managing complex projects and leading design teams. Crucially, candidates must demonstrate extensive experience in the design and successful completion of critical facilities projects, particularly data centers. Portfolio examples showcasing relevant project experience are essential.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in managing architectural projects from conception through completion, with a focus on technical delivery and client satisfaction.
Demonstrated expertise in the design and delivery of critical facilities, including completed data center projects, showcasing an understanding of their unique technical requirements.
Strong financial acumen with experience in negotiating project scope and fees, managing project budgets, and ensuring fiscal responsibility throughout the project lifecycle.
Comprehensive knowledge of building materials, specifications, and construction techniques specifically applicable to the core and shell architecture of high-tech and critical facilities.
In-depth understanding of building codes, zoning regulations, accessibility standards, and familiarity with jurisdictional processes for obtaining approvals and ensuring compliance.
Extensive experience in preparing detailed construction documents, including architectural detailing, specifications, and conducting field observations during construction.
Proficiency in primary design and documentation software, including Revit, for creating and managing architectural models and construction drawings.
Essential knowledge of coordinating with various engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural) on highly technical, infrastructure-heavy projects.

Preferred Skills:

Professional architectural license or relevant professional certification is highly preferred, demonstrating a commitment to professional standards and expertise.
Experience utilizing project management software, such as MS Project, to enhance project planning, scheduling, and tracking capabilities.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) for presentations, graphic communication, and design documentation.
Familiarity with other design and visualization tools like AutoCAD, Sketchup, Rhino, Enscape, and VRay is beneficial for design exploration and client communication.
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and motivate project teams to achieve high performance and successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Critical Facilities experience; completed data center projects" is a significant requirement, indicating that theoretical knowledge is insufficient. Candidates must showcase practical experience in this highly specialized architectural domain.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Include case studies of completed critical facilities projects, especially data centers, highlighting your specific role and contributions to the design and delivery process.
Showcase your ability to manage complex technical requirements and integrate specialized building systems within architectural designs.
Present documentation demonstrating your understanding of construction administration, including detail drawings, specifications, and responses to RFIs.
Illustrate your proficiency in using Revit and other relevant software for project documentation and coordination.

Process Documentation:

Describe your approach to managing the design process for technically complex projects, from initial concept through construction administration.
Detail your methods for coordinating with engineering disciplines and resolving technical conflicts effectively.
Explain your strategies for managing project schedules, budgets, and resources within the context of critical facilities design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this specialized role, the portfolio must go beyond aesthetic design and heavily emphasize technical problem-solving, coordination, and successful project delivery in a critical facilities context. Documentation of the design and construction administration process is as crucial as the final visual output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated base salary range for this position is between $110,000 and $135,000 USD annually. This range is contingent on the candidate's relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. This estimate is based on local market data for design managers with critical facilities expertise in the Seattle, WA area as provided by the company.

Benefits:

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans to support employee health and well-being.
Disability coverage to provide financial protection in case of illness or injury.
Participation in Wellness Programs designed to promote healthy lifestyles among employees.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for pre-tax savings on eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Generous Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) to encourage work-life balance and provide opportunities for rest and personal pursuits.
Participation in a 401k retirement savings plan with potential company contributions to support long-term financial security.
Profit Sharing and Employee Stock Ownership opportunities, allowing employees to share in the firm's success and growth.
Twice Annual Bonus Opportunities based on individual and company performance.
Tuition Reimbursement for certain eligible programs or classes, supporting continuous learning and professional development.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position with standard working hours. However, the nature of project management in critical facilities may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines or address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to the Seattle market and the specialized nature of critical facilities design. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting Gensler's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth within the design industry.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Architecture and Planning, with a significant specialization in Critical Facilities and high-tech design. Gensler is a global leader in the industry, known for shaping urban environments and enhancing the human experience through design across various sectors.

Company Size: Gensler is a large, privately held firm with over 7,500 employees globally, operating in 57 locations. This size indicates a well-established company with extensive resources, diverse expertise, and opportunities for large-scale, impactful projects.

Founded: Established in 1965, Gensler has a long history of design innovation and leadership within the architectural and planning industry.

Team Structure:

The Critical Facilities practice area draws expertise from and collaborates with various other practice areas within Gensler, allowing for a multidisciplinary approach to complex projects.
Project teams are typically structured around specific client engagements, with Design Managers leading these teams.
Collaboration extends across global and regional leaders, indicating a matrixed organizational structure focused on leveraging expertise across geographies.

Methodology:

Gensler emphasizes a collaborative design process, drawing on diverse expertise from across the firm.
The approach for critical facilities projects likely involves rigorous technical analysis, coordination with engineering disciplines, and adherence to stringent performance and reliability requirements.
The firm's mission to "create a better world through the power of design" suggests an emphasis on innovative, sustainable, and impactful design solutions, even within highly technical sectors like critical facilities.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Gensler's size and global reach provide a unique context for this role. The Critical Facilities practice area's ability to integrate expertise from across the firm is a key differentiator and highlights the collaborative nature of their design process.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is positioned at a management level, requiring significant experience and leadership capabilities within the architectural field, specifically in critical facilities. It involves leading teams, managing complex projects, and contributing to client relationship growth.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager likely reports to a more senior leader within the Critical Facilities practice area, potentially a regional leader or practice area director. This structure provides guidance and support while allowing for significant autonomy in project execution.

Design Impact: Design Managers in the Critical Facilities practice have a direct and significant impact on the delivery of essential infrastructure for the digital age. Their work ensures the functionality, reliability, and performance of facilities that support critical technological operations.

Growth Opportunities:

Advancement within the Critical Facilities practice area towards more senior leadership roles, potentially overseeing multiple projects or contributing to practice area strategy.
Opportunity to specialize further within specific types of critical facilities or related high-tech architectural domains.
Potential to contribute to business development and client relationship management, expanding the scope of responsibility beyond project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized and high-demand area of architecture. Success as a Design Manager can lead to opportunities in practice leadership, business development, and increased influence within the firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Gensler's Seattle office is the primary location for this role. Gensler offices are typically designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and employee well-being, reflecting their expertise in workplace design.

Office Location(s): This position is based at Gensler's Seattle office, located at 1200 6th Ave, Suite 500, Seattle, Washington 98101, US.

Design Workspace Context:

The Seattle office likely provides a dynamic and collaborative environment with dedicated workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially specialized areas for design reviews and client presentations.
Access to resources and technology necessary for complex architectural design and project management in critical facilities.
Opportunities for in-person collaboration with team members and other professionals within the Gensler Seattle office.

Work Schedule: This is an on-site position requiring the individual to be in the Seattle office five days per week. This structure emphasizes in-person collaboration and team interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key aspect of the work environment for this role, emphasizing the importance of direct collaboration and presence within the Seattle studio for managing complex critical facilities projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening to assess experience in architectural project management and critical facilities.
Portfolio review focusing on relevant project case studies, technical documentation, and demonstration of design and management skills.
Interviews with hiring managers and potentially other team members or leaders within the Critical Facilities practice. This may include discussions about past project challenges, management style, and technical expertise.
A potential technical assessment or presentation related to critical facilities design or project management to evaluate problem-solving abilities and communication skills.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Clearly label and present case studies of critical facilities projects, highlighting your specific responsibilities and contributions as a Design Manager.
Include examples of construction documentation, technical details, and coordination efforts with engineering disciplines to showcase your technical proficiency.
Structure case studies to demonstrate your project management approach, including how you managed schedules, budgets, and resolved challenges.
Be prepared to discuss the unique technical requirements and design considerations of critical facilities during the portfolio review.

Challenge Preparation:

If a technical assessment is part of the process, it may involve a case study related to a critical facilities design problem or project management scenario.
Be prepared to articulate your problem-solving process, technical knowledge, and approach to coordination and communication in a high-pressure environment.
Practice presenting your work and explaining complex technical concepts clearly and concisely.

ATS Keywords: Architecture, Design Manager, Critical Facilities, Data Centers, Project Management, Technical Delivery, Construction Administration, Building Codes, Zoning, Accessibility, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, Negotiation, Client Relations, Budget Management, Scheduling, Staffing, Proposals, Contracts, Construction Documents, Field Observation, Engineering Coordination, High-Tech Design, Infrastructure, SCIFs, High-Performance Computing, Architectural Design, Team Leadership, Project Lifecycle, Specifications, Jurisdictional Processes, Portfolio, Case Studies, Technical Skills, Management Skills, Communication, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, RFI, Submittals. (Organized by category: Design Specialization, Role Function, Technical Skills, Software Proficiency, Soft Skills, Project Management Terms, Industry Terminology).

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely emphasize the candidate's specific experience in critical facilities and their ability to manage complex technical projects within this domain. The portfolio and interview discussions should be tailored to highlight this specialized expertise.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Revit: Essential for building information modeling (BIM), architectural design, and producing detailed construction documentation for complex projects. Proficiency is required for collaborative design and documentation workflows.
Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator): Used for creating presentations, reports, and graphic materials to communicate design concepts and project information to clients and stakeholders.
Microsoft Office: Standard suite for project management tasks, including proposals, contracts, budgeting, scheduling (potentially MS Project), and general communication.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Collaboration tools (specific to Gensler): Likely utilizes internal platforms for team communication, document sharing, and project coordination across disciplines and locations.
Handoff processes: Involves preparing detailed construction documents and specifications for contractors and coordinating with engineering disciplines for integrated project delivery.

Research & Testing:

Building code and regulation databases: Essential for researching and ensuring compliance with relevant codes and standards for critical facilities.
Industry standards and best practices: Staying updated on the latest technologies and design guidelines for critical facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While Revit and Adobe Creative Suite are standard in architectural practice, the emphasis on their use within the context of technically demanding critical facilities projects is key. Proficiency in managing large, complex models and coordinating with engineering data is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Commitment to "create a better world through the power of design," which extends to designing critical infrastructure that is efficient, reliable, and potentially more sustainable.
Emphasis on collaboration and leveraging diverse expertise from across the firm's global network and various practice areas.
Focus on delivering best-in-class design and exceptional architectural projects that meet the evolving technical requirements of clients in the critical facilities sector.
Encouragement of innovation and staying at the forefront of design trends and technological advancements in high-tech architecture.

Collaboration Style:

Highly collaborative, involving close coordination with internal design teams, engineering consultants, clients, and contractors throughout the project lifecycle.
Emphasis on communication and serving as a primary liaison to ensure smooth workflow and clear understanding among all project stakeholders.
Likely involves regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions to address project challenges and ensure integrated solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Gensler's culture is rooted in design excellence and collaboration. For this role, successful candidates will need to thrive in a highly collaborative environment and effectively bridge communication between design, engineering, and client teams on complex technical projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Managing the inherent technical complexity of critical facilities, including integrating specialized infrastructure while maintaining architectural design quality and functionality.
Navigating stringent performance requirements, redundancy needs, and security considerations specific to data centers and other critical facilities.
Coordinating effectively with multiple engineering disciplines and specialized consultants to ensure seamless integration of systems.
Staying current with rapidly evolving technologies and industry standards in the critical facilities sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunity to deepen expertise in a highly specialized and in-demand area of architecture.
Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and design approaches in the critical facilities sector.
Mentorship opportunities within Gensler's extensive network of experienced architects and leaders.
Access to professional development programs, including tuition reimbursement for relevant courses or certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are directly tied to the technical demands of critical facilities. However, these challenges also present significant opportunities for professional growth and specialization within a vital sector of the architectural industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Be prepared to discuss your experience managing the full architectural design process for critical facilities, from conceptual design through construction administration.
Articulate your approach to coordinating with engineering disciplines and resolving technical conflicts on complex projects.
Provide specific examples from your portfolio that demonstrate your ability to manage project schedules, budgets, and resources effectively in a critical facilities context.

Company Culture Questions:

Research Gensler's values, particularly their focus on collaboration and design excellence, and be prepared to discuss how your approach aligns with their culture.
Express your interest in working within a large, global firm and collaborating with diverse teams.
Discuss your understanding of the importance of critical facilities design and your passion for this specialized area of architecture.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select 2-3 critical facilities case studies that best showcase your experience as a Design Manager.
For each case study, clearly outline the project scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the technical challenges encountered, and how you successfully navigated them.
Include examples of technical documentation, coordination efforts, and project management deliverables to support your narrative.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview success will hinge on demonstrating not only architectural design skills but also strong technical knowledge of critical facilities and proven project management capabilities within this specialized domain.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Prepare a cover letter that specifically highlights your experience in critical facilities design and project management, addressing how your qualifications align with the requirements outlined in the job description.
Curate your resume to clearly list relevant experience, skills, and software proficiency, ensuring that keywords related to critical facilities, project management, and architectural design are included.
Develop a portfolio that showcases your experience with completed critical facilities projects, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your design process, technical expertise, and project management capabilities.
Research Gensler's Critical Facilities practice area and recent projects to understand their work and tailor your application and interview responses accordingly.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Design Manager - Critical Facilities