Senior Project Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Project Design Manager

Company: Cushman & Wakefield

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Architecture

Date Posted: June 16, 2025

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site (Saint Louis, Missouri)

🎨 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of 10-15 design professionals, providing strategic direction for nationwide design programs within a franchise environment.
• Serve as a critical liaison between design and construction teams, ensuring seamless execution of remodels, new construction, and redesigns.
• Drive the expansion and enhanced utilization of AutoDesk Cloud software and the AutoCAD suite of services company-wide.
• Develop and maintain design standards that align with the client's brand innovation and compliance requirements.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Provide expert design support for a variety of projects including remodels, new construction, relocations, and redesigns across the client's nationwide portfolio.
• Develop, implement, and refine design standards to support the client's ongoing brand innovation and ensure consistency across all locations.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the specific compliance and design needs inherent in a franchise business model.
• Act as the primary liaison between the design team and construction teams, focusing on building materials, fixtures, and graphics sourcing for both existing and new stores.
• Cultivate strong relationships with key internal stakeholders to identify design and sourcing needs and communicate opportunities for enhancement.
• Review and analyze drawing updates to proactively identify new or changing material requirements for projects.
• Direct and mentor a team of 10-15 design professionals, guiding their implementation of client standards and designs, primarily utilizing Revit.
• Lead initiatives to expand the usage and suite of services provided by AutoDesk Cloud software, optimizing design workflows and collaboration.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices in design, construction, and technology to ensure the supply base provides the best value.
• Track, analyze, and report on program improvements and financial benefits achieved through design and process efficiencies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or Construction Management is preferred. This educational background provides the fundamental understanding of design principles, construction processes, and project management methodologies essential for this role.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of critical experience in design, construction, and project management is required. Experience managing multi-discipline design teams and a proven track record of planning and executing multiple projects simultaneously are crucial for success. A strong portfolio demonstrating experience in large-scale architectural or interior design projects, particularly within retail or commercial spaces, would be highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with proven experience directing and mentoring a team of 10-15 design professionals.
• Exceptional ability to plan, organize, and meet deadlines for multiple complex design and construction projects concurrently.
• In-depth knowledge of architectural design principles, construction processes, and relevant building codes, laws, and regulations.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit is essential, including experience leading teams utilizing these tools for design implementation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design concepts, goals, and technical details to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong presentation skills for conveying design strategies, project updates, and program improvements to clients and internal teams.
• Multi-discipline design team management experience, demonstrating the ability to coordinate efforts across various design specializations.
• Solid understanding of sourcing processes related to building materials, fixtures, and graphics within a construction context.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AutoDesk Cloud software and a track record of leading initiatives to expand software usage and capabilities.
• Familiarity with design standards development and implementation within a large-scale, multi-location or franchise environment.
• Experience serving as a liaison between design and construction teams, facilitating effective communication and project handoffs.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While this role is managerial, demonstrating a strong understanding of the design process through a portfolio is crucial. Include projects where you played a key role in managing the design process from concept to completion.
• Case studies that highlight your experience in large-scale architectural or interior design projects, particularly within commercial or retail spaces, are highly relevant. Focus on projects involving remodels, new construction, or redesigns.
• Visually present project outcomes, demonstrating your understanding of design execution, material selection, and construction coordination.
• If applicable, include examples showcasing your proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit, particularly in managing design teams using these tools. Highlight instances where your leadership improved design efficiency or quality.

Process Documentation:

• Document the design and construction coordination process you've managed. Detail your approach to research and discovery in understanding client needs and site requirements.
• Showcase your methods for ideation and iteration within a team setting, demonstrating how you guided designers to meet project goals and standards.
• Illustrate your approach to validation and testing, including how you ensured designs met compliance requirements and were feasible for construction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry data for Senior Project Design Manager roles in Saint Louis, Missouri, with 5+ years of experience in real estate/construction design, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $90,000 and $130,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in the Saint Louis area and the specialized nature of the role involving team leadership and large-scale project management in the commercial real estate sector. (Source: Based on analysis of publicly available salary data for similar roles in the region and industry.)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, typically including options for individuals and families.
• Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k) with potential company matching contributions to support long-term financial planning.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, providing work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in design, architecture, construction management, and leadership.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The role may occasionally require flexibility to accommodate client meetings, project deadlines, or minimal travel for site visits or conferences.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Cushman & Wakefield operates within the global Real Estate industry, specializing in commercial real estate services. This context means the design function is highly integrated with large-scale property development, management, and client-specific build-outs, requiring a strong understanding of commercial design standards, compliance, and project execution within a business framework.

Company Size: With over 52,000 employees globally, Cushman & Wakefield is a large, established organization. For design professionals, this implies working within a structured environment with potentially specialized teams, established processes, and opportunities for large-scale project involvement. It also suggests a strong emphasis on corporate standards and efficient workflows.

Founded: Founded in 1917, Cushman & Wakefield has a long history in the real estate sector. This longevity often indicates a stable company with established practices and a focus on long-term client relationships and operational excellence. The design function likely plays a role in maintaining and enhancing the company's reputation for quality and service.

Team Structure:

• The role leads a team of 10-15 design professionals, indicating a significant design presence within the organization focused on supporting client projects.
• The position likely reports to a higher-level manager within project management or a dedicated design/architecture department, integrating design leadership within the broader project delivery framework.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration is essential, particularly with construction teams, project managers, and client representatives, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the work.

Methodology:

• Design processes likely involve detailed research and discovery phases to understand client brand standards, site limitations, and compliance requirements.
• Ideation and design thinking approaches are applied within the constraints of established standards and project budgets, focusing on practical and implementable solutions.
• Testing and validation practices involve ensuring designs meet all regulatory requirements and are feasible for construction, often through detailed drawing reviews and coordination.

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

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a role that requires significant experience, leadership, and strategic contribution. The responsibility for managing a large team and driving key software initiatives places it firmly within the senior management tier of design professionals in this industry. The scope involves overseeing nationwide design programs and influencing operational strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Project Design Manager likely reports to a Director or Vice President within Project Management or a related Real Estate Services division. This reporting structure emphasizes the integration of the design function within the overall project delivery pipeline and the strategic importance of the role in supporting client programs.

Design Impact: Design has a direct and significant impact on the client's brand image and operational efficiency across their nationwide locations. The role influences the physical environment experienced by customers and employees, impacting brand perception and potentially business performance. The work directly contributes to the successful execution of real estate projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for advancement to Director-level roles overseeing larger design teams or broader project management functions within Cushman & Wakefield.
• Opportunities to specialize in specific areas such as design technology leadership (e.g., BIM management, advanced AutoDesk Cloud utilization) or specific property types (e.g., retail, office).
• Growth into leadership positions within the Real Estate Services division, leveraging expertise in design, construction, and client management.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: The work environment is primarily an office setting within Cushman & Wakefield's Saint Louis location. This is an on-site role, requiring daily presence at the designated office. The office serves as the central hub for team collaboration, project coordination, and client meetings.

Office Location(s): The primary and stated office location for this position is Saint Louis, Missouri, USA. While Cushman & Wakefield has numerous locations, this specific role is anchored to the Saint Louis office.

Design Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to facilitate collaboration among the design team and with other departments involved in project delivery.
• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including workstations configured for AutoCAD and Revit, is expected.
• Opportunities for regular interaction with the design team, project managers, and potentially clients are integrated into the daily work environment.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is full-time, typically following standard business hours. While the role requires presence in the Saint Louis office, occasional flexibility may be needed based on project demands or client schedules. Minimal travel is mentioned for client meetings and conferences.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial screening interview, likely focusing on your experience in design management, project execution, and team leadership within the architecture/construction domain. Be prepared to discuss your resume and highlights from your portfolio.
• Subsequent interviews will likely involve deeper dives into your experience managing complex design projects, your knowledge of construction processes, and your ability to lead and mentor a design team. Prepare to discuss specific project examples and your role in overcoming challenges.
• Expect discussions around your experience with AutoCAD and Revit, including how you've leveraged these tools for large-scale projects and managed teams using them.
• A significant part of the interview process will focus on your leadership style, communication skills, and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (especially construction). Be ready to provide examples of successful collaborations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to specifically showcase projects where you demonstrated strong project management, design team leadership, and successful implementation of design in a construction context.
• Structure case studies to clearly articulate the project scope, your role and responsibilities, the design challenges faced, your approach to managing the design process, and the successful outcomes, particularly in relation to budget, timeline, and quality.
• Ensure the visual presentation of projects is clear and professional, even if your role was managerial rather than hands-on design. Highlight key design decisions and their impact on the final built environment.
• If possible, include examples that demonstrate your understanding of franchise design standards or working within similar multi-site environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a hands-on design challenge is less likely for a Senior Manager role, be prepared for a case study-based discussion or a hypothetical scenario related to managing a complex design and construction project, resolving team conflicts, or implementing new design technologies.
• Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making rationale under pressure. Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills and leadership approach.
• Be ready to discuss how you would manage stakeholders with competing priorities and ensure clear communication throughout a project lifecycle.

ATS Keywords: Design Management, Project Management, Architecture Design, Construction Principles, Revit, AutoCAD, Team Leadership, Multi-discipline Management, Design Standards, Franchise Environment, Sourcing, Drawing Review, Industry Best Practices, Financial Benefits, Client Liaison, Communication Skills, Organizational Skills, Building Materials, Fixtures, Graphics, AutoDesk Cloud, Real Estate, Commercial Design, Retail Design, Interior Design, Construction Management, Compliance, Stakeholder Management, Cross-functional Collaboration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for architectural drafting and documentation. Proficiency is required, likely including experience overseeing teams using AutoCAD for complex project drawings and updates.
• Revit: Critical for Building Information Modeling (BIM). Experience leading a team utilizing Revit for design implementation and managing models is a core requirement. Expect to discuss how you've leveraged Revit for collaboration and design coordination.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Collaboration within the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) is expected for communication, documentation, and project tracking.
• Tools for design handoff to construction teams are crucial. This might involve exporting models, creating detailed drawing sets, and potentially using cloud-based platforms for sharing documentation.
• Communication tools like email, instant messaging, and potentially video conferencing platforms will be used for cross-functional team interaction.

Research & Testing:

• While not explicitly design software, tools for gathering site information, reviewing existing documentation, and potentially analyzing project performance data may be utilized.
• Internal systems for tracking project progress, budgets, and material sourcing will be part of the daily workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Emphasis on delivering compliant and functional designs that meet client brand standards and operational needs within a real estate context.
• Focus on efficient and accurate design documentation to support seamless construction execution.
• Value placed on collaboration and effective communication between the design team and other project stakeholders.
• Commitment to leveraging technology, particularly AutoDesk products, to improve design workflows and project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Collaborative approach with strong emphasis on clear communication and coordination with construction teams, project managers, and clients.
• Likely involves regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional planning sessions to ensure alignment on project goals and timelines.
• A culture that supports knowledge sharing within the design team regarding best practices in using design software and implementing standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Managing a large team of designers across potentially diverse projects and client requirements. Effective delegation, mentorship, and performance management are key.
• Ensuring consistent application of design standards across a nationwide portfolio within a franchise model, requiring strong attention to detail and process control.
• Serving as an effective liaison between design and construction, navigating potential conflicts between design intent and construction feasibility or budget constraints.
• Leading the adoption and expansion of new software capabilities (AutoDesk Cloud) within the team, requiring change management and technical leadership skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of commercial real estate design, construction technology, or project management best practices.
• Potential for leadership training and development programs within Cushman & Wakefield to enhance team management and strategic leadership skills.
• Exposure to a wide variety of projects and clients, providing broad experience in the commercial real estate design and construction sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Describe your approach to managing the design process for a large-scale commercial project from initiation to handoff to construction. Be prepared to walk through a specific example from your portfolio.
• How do you ensure design standards are consistently applied across multiple locations or projects within a large organization? Discuss your experience with developing or implementing design guidelines.
• Explain your process for collaborating with construction teams. How do you handle potential design challenges or conflicts that arise during the construction phase?

Company Culture Questions:

• Based on your understanding of Cushman & Wakefield and the real estate industry, how do you see the design function contributing to the company's success?
• Describe your leadership style and how you motivate and manage a team of design professionals. Provide examples of how you've fostered a collaborative and productive team environment.
• How do you approach working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders who may have different priorities or technical backgrounds?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 case studies that best demonstrate your experience in managing complex design projects, leading design teams, and collaborating with construction.
• For each case study, clearly present the project context, your specific responsibilities and leadership role, the design process you managed, key challenges encountered and how you addressed them, and the successful outcomes (e.g., on-time delivery, budget adherence, quality of execution).
• Focus on articulating your strategic thinking and problem-solving approach throughout the design and construction coordination process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in design management, project leadership, team supervision, and proficiency with AutoCAD and Revit. Use the ATS keywords provided to optimize your application.
• Prepare a portfolio that showcases your experience managing design projects and leading design teams, focusing on case studies relevant to commercial real estate, architecture, or interior design in a construction context.
• Research Cushman & Wakefield's real estate services, particularly their project management and design capabilities, to understand how this role fits within the broader organization.