Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: Fidelity Investments

Location: Westlake, TX, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Real Estate / Design & Architecture

Date Posted: March 04, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the visioning and design process for Fidelity's global workplace portfolio, from initial programming through construction administration.

• Drive strategic space planning initiatives to optimize associate experience, efficiency, and alignment with business goals.

• Manage and guide external design consultants and multidisciplinary internal teams throughout project lifecycles.

• Champion design quality, ensuring adherence to Fidelity’s design ethos and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional partners to influence end-to-end project delivery and achieve shared objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Real Estate and Design & Architecture categories, but its core functions heavily involve strategic operations within the corporate environment, focusing on optimizing physical workspaces to support business objectives and associate productivity. It requires a blend of creative design leadership and rigorous project management, aligning with GTM (Go-To-Market) principles in terms of optimizing environments for success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive the workspace visioning and design process for Fidelity’s domestic and occasional international sites, from programming through construction administration.

• Partner with business unit leaders to shape vision, programming, and design solutions that align with Fidelity’s design ethos while addressing strategic and operational needs.

• Provide expert advisory support to senior business leaders on workplace strategy, design direction, renovation approaches, and space allocations to ensure optimal experience and efficiency.

• Prepare executive-level presentations and reports that convey background, analysis, recommendations, and business impacts for internal and external audiences.

• Build a strong understanding of Fidelity’s business units to anticipate evolving workplace needs and inform strategic space planning and design recommendations.

• Develop and present design concepts, space strategies, and change-management recommendations to senior leadership throughout the project lifecycle, clearly articulating scenarios, impacts, risks, and benefits.

• Evaluate space and design needs and contribute to the evolution of Fidelity’s workplace design guidelines, utilization metrics, space-planning policies, and best practices.

• Conduct space studies and analyses, and oversee the implementation of workplace initiatives.

• Drive strategic space and design decisions that deliver high-performing spaces aligning with Fidelity’s design ethos and budget constraints.

• Partner with Delivery and Construction teams to influence the end-to-end project lifecycle, driving proactive coordination and strengthening execution.

• Develop strong, collaborative relationships with cross-functional partners, serving as a trusted subject matter expert for design and workplace strategy.

• Ensure adherence to Fidelity’s design standards and industry best practices across all phases of planning, design, and delivery.

• Lead collaboration with external design firms to develop, refine, and present design concepts and options for executive approval, ensuring effective consultant management.

• Model effective communication, decision-making, and leadership behaviors while guiding multidisciplinary internal and external teams in a highly matrixed environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and influencing stakeholders, which are critical in operations roles. The "Problem Solving" section emphasizes proactive solution-finding and ensuring best practices are met, directly aligning with operational excellence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in corporate real estate, architecture/design, and strategic space planning.

• Background in both domestic and international projects, with knowledge of varying global space needs and adherence to architectural best practices and local codes.

• Proven ability to manage complex projects, anticipate issues, and resolve design or delivery challenges.

• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams, including architects, engineers, and consultants.

• Skilled in budget, schedule, and scope management.

Required Skills:

• Deep knowledge of workplace design, engineering, construction practices, and industry standards (e.g., landlord work letters, tenant allowances, AIA contract documents, LEED/ISO frameworks, building codes).

• Proficiency with design and project-delivery tools, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, InDesign, and Illustrator.

• Strong understanding of building systems, operations, and technology infrastructure, and their application to design and space-planning decisions.

• Ability to develop and deliver conceptual design approaches and project plans, including schedule and budget management, risk mitigation, assumption validation, and quality oversight.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate recommendations, tradeoffs, and impacts to senior business leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment, balancing strategic thinking with attention to detail and timely execution.

• Strong decision-making and analytical skills, including the ability to solicit input, evaluate tradeoffs, and present well-reasoned options.

• High level of professionalism, interpersonal awareness, and service orientation, demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all organizational levels.

• Ability to work collaboratively across internal and external teams, fostering productive partnerships and navigating a matrixed environment.

• Demonstrated integrity, confidentiality, and personal accountability, consistently modeling Fidelity’s values.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional registration (e.g., Architect, Interior Designer) and/or advanced training.

• LEED or similar sustainability credentials.

• Familiarity with evolving workplace strategies and relevant technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of required software and technical skills, combined with the emphasis on project management, stakeholder communication, and strategic planning, positions this role as highly operational within the design and real estate domain. The preference for LEED certification highlights a commitment to operational efficiency and sustainability standards.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 10 years of experience in corporate real estate, architecture, and strategic space planning, with a focus on complex workplace projects.

• Include detailed case studies demonstrating successful end-to-end project delivery, from initial programming and visioning through construction administration.

• Highlight examples of managing and guiding external design consultants and multidisciplinary internal teams on high-impact projects.

• Present evidence of strategic space planning initiatives, including analysis, design, and implementation of workplace solutions that improved associate experience and operational efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to the evolution and adherence of workplace design guidelines, utilization metrics, and space-planning policies.

• Illustrate your approach to conducting space studies and analyses, and overseeing the implementation of workplace initiatives.

• Showcase your ability to partner with delivery and construction teams, influencing the end-to-end project lifecycle and ensuring proactive coordination for efficient execution.

• Include documentation that reflects your collaborative relationship-building with cross-functional partners and your role as a trusted subject matter expert.

• Demonstrate how you ensure adherence to design standards and industry best practices, and your methods for addressing gaps and promoting continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on process documentation and portfolio requirements is crucial for operations roles. Candidates should prepare to showcase their ability to manage complex workflows, demonstrate strategic impact through documented case studies, and highlight their experience in process improvement and adherence to established standards. This aligns with the need for operations professionals to provide tangible evidence of their contributions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plans, including 401(k) with company match.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Life and disability insurance.

• Employee assistance programs.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

• This role operates on a Hybrid work model, requiring associates to work onsite every other week (all business days, M-F) in the Westlake, TX office.

• Travel is required approximately 20-40% of the time for domestic site reviews and inspections.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior Design Director roles in the Westlake, TX area, considering the experience level and responsibilities outlined. Fidelity Investments is known for offering a robust benefits package, typical for large financial institutions, supporting employee well-being and long-term career growth. The hybrid work model and travel requirements are critical operational considerations for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Investment Management

Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 1946

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will report to the VP of Design, operating within a larger Real Estate or Facilities organization.

• The role involves extensive collaboration with a wide array of cross-functional teams, including Facilities & Operations, Engineering, Amenities, Leasing and Transactions, Workforce Planning, Technology, Procurement, Strategy, Associate Experience, Security, Finance/Accounting, and Legal.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a commitment to design quality, associate experience, and operational efficiency through its design ethos.

• Projects are managed through a structured lifecycle from programming to construction administration, requiring rigorous planning, execution, and oversight.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the discussion of utilization metrics and space analysis.

• Continuous improvement is encouraged through the evolution of design guidelines and best practices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Fidelity Investments' long history and large size indicate a stable, established corporate culture. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration within a matrixed environment is a hallmark of large organizations and requires strong operational leadership skills. The company's focus on associate experience and design quality suggests a culture that values both aesthetic and functional excellence in its physical spaces.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Leadership / Director Level

This role represents a senior-level position within the operations and design functions of a large corporation. It involves significant strategic responsibility, team leadership (both direct and indirect through influence), and high-level stakeholder engagement. The scope extends to shaping the physical environment for a substantial portion of the company's workforce, impacting productivity, culture, and operational effectiveness.

Reporting Structure:

• The Design Director reports directly to the VP of Design.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Director's work directly influences how thousands of associates experience their workday, impacting morale, collaboration, and productivity.

• Strategic space planning and design decisions contribute to operational efficiency, cost optimization (e.g., space utilization), and the overall effectiveness of Fidelity's physical footprint.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Growth: Potential advancement to VP of Design or similar senior leadership roles within Real Estate, Facilities, or Workplace Strategy.

• Horizontal Growth: Opportunities to lead larger, more complex, or international projects, or to specialize in specific areas like sustainable design or future of work strategies.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in evolving workplace strategies, advanced design technologies, and leadership in complex organizational structures. Mentorship from senior leadership within Fidelity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for career progression within a large, stable organization. The scope of impact and the need for strategic leadership make it a high-visibility position with potential for advancement into broader operational or executive roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model

Office Location(s): Westlake, TX (Primary location for this role), with potential for domestic travel to other Fidelity-owned and leased facilities.

Workspace Context:

• The role operates within a hybrid model, requiring physical presence in the Westlake office every other week. This facilitates in-person collaboration, team building, and access to physical resources.

• The work environment is expected to be dynamic and collaborative, involving interactions with diverse internal teams and external partners.

• Access to design software and technology infrastructure is critical for performing design and analysis tasks.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week).

• The hybrid model requires flexibility to balance remote work with scheduled in-office days.

• The nature of project-based work may require occasional flexibility beyond standard hours to meet critical deadlines, especially during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model and travel requirements are key operational aspects of this role. Candidates should be prepared for a blend of remote and in-office work, along with the need to visit various sites, which requires strong time management and adaptability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications to assess basic qualifications and alignment with role requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the VP of Design (hiring manager) to delve into experience, leadership style, project examples, and strategic thinking related to workplace design and operations.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from departments such as Facilities & Operations, Workforce Planning, and potentially business unit leaders. These interviews will assess collaboration skills, understanding of operational needs, and ability to influence diverse teams.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their best work, focusing on complex workplace projects. This will involve detailing their role, the challenges, the design and operational solutions implemented, and the resulting business impacts.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader or a panel, focusing on strategic vision, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful and relevant projects that demonstrate expertise in corporate real estate, strategic space planning, and complex workplace design.

Prioritize projects that showcase your leadership and problem-solving capabilities.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly articulate:

  • The Business Challenge/Objective (e.g., improving collaboration, increasing efficiency, accommodating growth).
  • Your Specific Role and Responsibilities.
  • The Design and Operational Solutions Implemented.
  • Key Stakeholders Involved and Your Collaboration Approach.
  • The Metrics Used to Measure Success (e.g., space utilization, associate satisfaction, cost savings).
  • The Business Impact and ROI achieved.

• Highlight Operations Integration: Emphasize how your design decisions supported operational goals, efficiency, and the associate experience. Showcase your understanding of building systems and construction processes.

• Demonstrate Leadership & Influence: Explain how you managed external consultants and influenced internal teams and senior leaders to achieve project goals.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your decision-making process, trade-offs made, and how you navigated challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions asking how you would approach specific workplace design challenges, such as reconfiguring spaces for hybrid work, optimizing underutilized areas, or integrating new technologies.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your skills in leadership, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and managing complex projects.

• Strategic Thinking: Articulate your understanding of current workplace trends and how they can be strategically applied to Fidelity's environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Director role, especially at a company like Fidelity, will be rigorous and likely involve multiple stages. Emphasis will be placed on portfolio presentation, strategic thinking, and the ability to demonstrate tangible results and operational impact. Candidates should prepare to articulate their process and decision-making in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: AutoCAD, Revit (Essential for architectural drafting, design, and modeling).

• 3D Modeling & Visualization: SketchUp, potentially others for concept development and presentation.

• Document Management & Collaboration: Bluebeam (for PDF markup, collaboration, and document control), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for general productivity and reporting).

• Design & Presentation Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) for creating compelling visual presentations and design materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Space Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing utilization metrics and space data. While specific software isn't listed, the ability to interpret data from systems like IWMS (Integrated Workplace Management Systems) or custom reporting tools is implied.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint and potentially other tools for creating executive-level reports and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM, understanding how design projects integrate with corporate real estate and facilities management systems (which may have CRM-like functionalities for vendor and stakeholder management) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Smartsheet) for tracking project timelines and resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a range of design and project management software is a critical requirement. For operations roles, understanding how these tools integrate with broader corporate real estate and facilities management systems is key to driving efficiency and data-driven decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A commitment to creating inspiring, functional, and high-quality workplaces that reflect Fidelity’s brand and ethos.

• Associate Experience: Prioritizing the needs and well-being of employees, ensuring spaces foster productivity, collaboration, and engagement.

• Operational Efficiency: Driving smart design decisions that optimize space utilization, manage costs effectively, and support smooth operational workflows.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing analysis, metrics, and insights to inform strategic space planning and design recommendations.

• Collaboration and Influence: Fostering strong partnerships across departments and effectively influencing stakeholders towards common goals.

• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards, confidentiality, and personal responsibility in all aspects of work.

Collaboration Style:

• Matrixed Environment Navigation: The ability to work effectively across various departments, reporting lines, and external partners, building consensus and driving alignment.

• Consultative Approach: Serving as a trusted advisor, providing expert guidance while actively listening to and incorporating input from stakeholders.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels, especially with cross-functional teams and senior leadership, to ensure alignment and proactive issue resolution.

• Partnership Focus: Building strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams (Facilities, Operations, HR, IT) and external consultants (architects, engineers) to ensure holistic project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values and collaboration style indicate a preference for professionals who can operate effectively in a large, complex organization, balancing strategic vision with practical execution and strong interpersonal skills. This aligns well with the demands of senior operations roles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Reconciling the varied requirements and priorities of multiple business units, departments, and senior leaders within a large organization.

• Navigating a Matrixed Environment: Effectively influencing without direct authority, building consensus, and driving projects forward through collaboration and strong relationship management.

• Adapting to Evolving Workplace Strategies: Keeping pace with rapid changes in work models (hybrid, remote), technology, and employee expectations, and translating these into practical, effective workplace solutions.

• Managing Complex Project Lifecycles: Overseeing intricate projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, and quality standards while proactively mitigating risks.

• Driving Design Quality and Efficiency Simultaneously: Achieving high standards of design excellence while meeting stringent budget constraints and optimizing space utilization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Workplace Innovation: Deepening expertise in future of work trends, flexible office design, and technology integration in workplaces.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills through managing complex projects, influencing senior stakeholders, and potentially mentoring junior team members.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Gaining broader business understanding by working closely with diverse departments like Finance, HR, IT, and Legal.

• Professional Certifications: Pursuing advanced certifications such as LEED AP, WELL AP, or other accreditations relevant to sustainable and healthy workplaces.

• Industry Engagement: Representing Fidelity at industry conferences and forums, staying abreast of best practices and emerging trends in corporate real estate and workplace design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are common in senior operations and strategic roles within large enterprises. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering paths for both vertical and horizontal career advancement, along with continuous skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a workplace strategy for a business unit experiencing rapid growth, considering a hybrid work model?" (Focus on your process, data utilization, and stakeholder engagement).

• "Describe a time you had to influence senior leadership to adopt a new design concept or workplace strategy. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method example demonstrating influence and strategic communication).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Fidelity Investments' approach to workplace design and associate experience?" (Research their recent projects, company values, and any public statements on workplace strategy).

• "How would you contribute to Fidelity's design ethos and ensure its consistent application across diverse projects?" (Showcase your understanding of brand alignment and quality assurance).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• "Tell Me About This Project": For each selected project, be ready to walk through the business challenge, your role, the strategic design decisions, how you managed the process (including external partners), and the measurable impact.

• Focus on Operations Impact: Clearly articulate how your design solutions supported operational efficiency, space utilization, cost management, and the overall associate experience. Use metrics where possible.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss specific challenges encountered during a project and how you proactively addressed them.

• Visual Storytelling: Use clear, concise visuals in your presentation to illustrate concepts, layouts, and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of how design impacts operations, efficiency, and the employee experience. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring a clear narrative that links design decisions to business outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link on the Fidelity Careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that clearly showcases 3-5 of your most impactful corporate workplace design projects, emphasizing your leadership, strategic planning, and operational impact.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in corporate real estate, strategic space planning, project management, stakeholder influence, and proficiency with relevant design and project management software. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project successes using the STAR method, prepare for scenario-based questions, and conduct thorough research on Fidelity Investments' current workplace initiatives and design ethos.

• Company Research: Understand Fidelity's business, its commitment to associate experience, and its approach to workplace strategy to demonstrate your alignment with their culture and goals.

⚠️ 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.