Design Director - Workplace Interiors

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director - Workplace Interiors

Company: Gensler

Location: San José, Costa Rica

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Leadership / Architecture / Interior Design

Date Posted: February 25, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead collaborative teams in the innovation and delivery of architectural and interior design projects, with a strong emphasis on workplace interiors.

• Drive new approaches to design processes and strategic planning, pushing creative boundaries to reimagine client spaces and possibilities.

• Serve as the primary design interface with clients and consultants, fostering strong relationships and representing Gensler's design excellence.

• Champion diversity, inclusion, and sustainable design practices, integrating climate goals and resilience into every project phase.

• Develop and mentor Gensler's talent pipeline, fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous learning within the studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Design Director focused on Workplace Interiors, requiring a deep understanding of current trends, client needs, and strategic considerations within the commercial workspace sector. The emphasis on "climate champion" and "design resilience" indicates a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and long-term project viability. The location in San José, Costa Rica, suggests a need for adaptability and potentially cross-cultural collaboration, with the caveat that applications are open from Latin America, but the role is office-based.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the creative direction and execution of architectural and interior design projects, focusing on the workplace sector, from initial programming and strategic planning through design development and final production.

• Act as the main point of contact for clients and external consultants, effectively communicating design intent, progress, and proposals in meetings and presentations.

• Actively participate in client development activities, including marketing efforts and project interview processes, to secure new business opportunities.

• Champion and implement Gensler's diversity and inclusion goals within project teams and across the studio.

• Mentor and develop emerging design talent, contributing to Gensler's internal talent pipeline and engaging with local design communities and universities for recruitment.

• Oversee all design aspects of assigned projects, ensuring the highest standards of design quality and innovation are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

• Serve as the "Climate Champion" for projects, establishing and advocating for design directions that meet ambitious climate and sustainability goals.

• Facilitate and lead discussions on environmental and social impact at the commencement of projects, ensuring these considerations are foundational.

• Advocate for and promote sustainable design approaches and environmentally conscious practices in all project deliverables.

• Integrate and promote Design Resilience and Design Purpose as core tenets in every project undertaken.

• Foster an inclusive environment by integrating and advocating for diverse perspectives and expansive thinking, ensuring synergy across all design disciplines.

• Reinforce the principle that design resilience is a shared responsibility across Gensler.

• Engage in strategic conversations with clients regarding their sustainability objectives and aspirations.

• Understand and articulate the social and environmental impact of proposed design solutions within the practice area.

• Guide project teams in directing them to the appropriate resources for developing impact assessments for their projects.

• Collaborate with Design Technology (DT) and Design Resilience specialists to embed best practices into the design modeling and workflow processes.

• Advocate for the benefits and application of Gensler's proprietary Intellectual Property (IP) tools (e.g., GBlox, GFloorz, GPlanet) with clients and project teams.

• Promote the seamless integration of DT workflows and tools from project inception to completion.

• Cultivate and continuously enhance design expertise within the team, fostering a culture of learning, growth, and evolution.

• Participate actively in client and consultant meetings, contributing strategic design insights and problem-solving.

• Effectively communicate design ideas and concepts through compelling hand sketching and digital graphics.

• Hold ultimate accountability for the overall design quality of all projects under their direction, taking calculated risks to lead teams into innovative explorations.

• Ensure the continuous mentoring and development of the next generation of design leadership within the studio.

• Drive improvements in the studio's design culture through curated resources, engaging discourse, impactful initiatives, and strategic recruiting.

• Participate in external promotional efforts related to design, including leadership roles within the broader design community.

• Ensure a collaborative and integrated approach to working with other disciplines within the Gensler studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership, client management, team development, and a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. The emphasis on Gensler's proprietary tools and DT integration suggests a need for candidates familiar with or adaptable to their specific technological ecosystem.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 10-15 years of professional experience in architecture and interior design.

• At least 10 years of recent, focused experience specifically within the workspace sector, demonstrating a deep understanding of workplace interiors.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead creative efforts and manage design strategy for complex architectural and interior design projects.

• Expertise in client relationship management, including developing new business and maintaining existing client satisfaction through excellent design delivery and technical guidance.

• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities, with a track record of developing and guiding design teams and junior talent.

• Comprehensive knowledge of construction methods, regulations, building codes, and zoning codes relevant to large-scale interior projects.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Revit, Bluebeam Revu, and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present design concepts compellingly and articulate strategic thinking.

• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple project teams concurrently, ensuring technical delivery and design quality.

• Ability to handle challenging situations with tact, grace, and professionalism.

• A proactive approach to integrating sustainable design principles and advocating for climate-resilient solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Gensler's proprietary IP tools (e.g., GBlox, GFloorz, GPlanet) and Design Technology (DT) workflows.

• Familiarity with environmental and social impact assessment methodologies in design.

• Ability to effectively use hand sketching and digital graphics to communicate design ideas.

• Experience in participating in external design promotion and community leadership.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams into uncharted explorations and take calculated risks in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a senior-level role requiring extensive experience in workplace interiors, strong leadership, client-facing skills, and technical proficiency. The explicit mention of Revit and Bluebeam Revu, alongside MS Office, points to essential software requirements. The preference for Gensler's proprietary tools suggests an advantage for candidates familiar with their ecosystem.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10-15 years of professional design work, with a significant focus on award-winning or impactful workplace interior projects.

• Demonstrations of leadership in design strategy, creative problem-solving, and innovative design solutions for commercial spaces.

• Evidence of successful project delivery from conceptualization through to completion, including examples of managing project phases and teams.

• Case studies detailing the process of client engagement, strategic planning, and how design solutions addressed specific client needs and business objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or case studies that illustrate your process for leading design teams, managing project workflows, and ensuring design excellence.

• Showcase examples of how you have integrated Design Technology (DT) and proprietary tools (if applicable) into the design process for enhanced efficiency and quality.

• Present evidence of your approach to developing and implementing sustainability and climate resilience strategies within project lifecycles.

• Include examples of how you have facilitated strategic conversations with clients regarding their environmental and social impact goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that not only showcases aesthetic design but also demonstrates strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, process management, and a commitment to sustainable and resilient design. Highlighting project impact and client collaboration is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the senior nature of the Design Director role, the location in San José, Costa Rica, and Gensler's global presence, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for senior design leadership roles in major international design firms, the estimated annual salary range for this position in San José, Costa Rica, would likely fall between $70,000 - $110,000 USD, with potential for higher compensation based on extensive experience, specific client relationships, and demonstrated impact. This estimate considers the cost of living in San José and typical compensation for similar roles in Latin America and globally.

Benefits:

• Subsidized health insurance

• Life insurance

• Annual bonus

• LinkedIn Learning access for continuous professional development

• Holiday observance

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

• Reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, the demanding nature of a Design Director role may require flexibility to meet project deadlines and client needs, potentially involving extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry standards for a Design Director role in a major architectural firm in Latin America. Actual compensation will be determined by Gensler based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and other factors. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting Gensler's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning. Gensler is a global leader in these fields, known for its innovative and client-centric approach to creating spaces that impact people's lives.

Company Size: Gensler is a large, multinational firm with over 5,000 employees across more than 50 offices worldwide. This scale allows for extensive resources, diverse project opportunities, and a broad network of expertise.

Founded: Gensler was founded in 1965. With decades of experience, the firm has established a strong reputation for design excellence, client service, and thought leadership.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will lead and collaborate within a studio environment, likely comprising architects, interior designers, project managers, and support staff.

• Reporting structure typically involves reporting to a Managing Director or Practice Area Leader, while directly leading multiple project teams.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Gensler emphasizes a data-driven approach to design, utilizing research and analytics to inform strategic planning and design decisions.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: The firm focuses on efficient workflow management, leveraging design technology and collaborative processes to optimize project delivery.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Gensler actively promotes the integration of automation and digital tools to streamline processes, enhance design quality, and improve project outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Gensler's culture is characterized by a commitment to design excellence, innovation, client service, and sustainability. The global presence and large team size offer significant opportunities for collaboration and professional development. The emphasis on data, technology, and efficient workflows is crucial for operations-minded professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is at a senior leadership level, specifically a Design Director. It signifies a high degree of responsibility for creative vision, client engagement, project execution, and team mentorship within the workplace interiors practice.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a Practice Area Leader or Managing Director within the San José office, with direct oversight of project teams. This role requires collaboration with other senior leaders, discipline specialists, and potentially regional leadership.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is measured by the successful delivery of high-quality, innovative, and sustainable workplace designs that meet client objectives and enhance user experience. They influence client relationships, project profitability, studio reputation, and the professional growth of their team members.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in sustainable design, design resilience, and advanced design technology integration.

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance to higher leadership roles, such as Managing Director, Practice Area Leader, or global specialization roles.

• Business Development: Growth in client acquisition, strategic account management, and expanding Gensler's market presence in the workplace sector.

• Mentorship & Influence: Shape the future of design at Gensler by mentoring new talent and contributing to firm-wide design initiatives and thought leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant career pinnacle for a design professional, offering opportunities to shape strategy, lead major projects, and influence the direction of the firm's practice. The focus on mentorship and business development provides clear pathways for continued growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Gensler offices are typically designed to reflect their own design philosophy – modern, collaborative, and inspiring. The San José office will likely feature open-plan spaces, dedicated collaboration zones, private meeting rooms, and areas for focused work.

Office Location(s): San José, Costa Rica. This location serves as the primary base for the role, with potential for engagement with other Gensler offices across Latin America or globally for specific projects or initiatives.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster teamwork, idea sharing, and cross-disciplinary interaction, essential for complex design projects.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design software (Revit, etc.), digital collaboration platforms, and potentially proprietary Gensler tools will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with design teams, project managers, specialists, and senior leadership within the studio.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is the baseline, the role of a Design Director often requires flexibility to accommodate project demands, client meetings, and deadlines. This may involve working beyond standard hours, especially during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at Gensler is typically dynamic and collaborative, emphasizing the use of advanced technology and fostering strong team connections. Candidates should be prepared for a fast-paced, project-driven atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio for alignment with the role's requirements and Gensler's design ethos.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where you present your portfolio, discussing key projects, your design process, leadership approach, and experience with workplace interiors. Be prepared to articulate your strategic thinking and problem-solving methodologies.

• Team/Leadership Interviews: Meetings with Gensler leadership and potentially other senior designers to assess your fit with the company culture, leadership style, and ability to mentor.

• Case Study/Design Challenge (Potentially): You might be asked to present a concept or discuss a hypothetical design challenge related to workplace interiors, sustainability, or client strategy.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview with senior management to discuss final details and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Focus on 3-5 of your most impactful workplace interior projects that best demonstrate your leadership, design innovation, and client success.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design process, key challenges faced, your strategic approach, and the final outcomes (including client satisfaction and impact).

• Showcase Leadership: Emphasize your leadership in guiding teams, managing client relationships, and driving design excellence.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or qualitative evidence of the project's success (e.g., client testimonials, awards, sustainability achievements, efficiency gains).

• Address Sustainability: Clearly demonstrate how you integrated sustainability and climate resilience into your designs.

• Tailor to Gensler: Research Gensler's recent work and values, and subtly align your presentation with their design philosophy and focus areas.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Gensler's Focus: Research Gensler's recent projects, publications, and initiatives, particularly in workplace design and sustainability.

• Prepare for Strategic Questions: Be ready to discuss your vision for the future of workplace design, how you approach client strategy, and your leadership philosophy.

• Practice Articulation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and discussing complex design challenges concisely and compellingly.

• Sustainability & Resilience: Be prepared to discuss your approach to integrating climate goals and design resilience into projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process, leadership style, and strategic thinking. Demonstrating a clear understanding of Gensler's values and their focus on sustainability and innovation will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for architectural design and documentation, particularly for complex interior projects. Proficiency in BIM workflows is expected.

• Bluebeam Revu: Crucial for document management, markup, collaboration, and construction administration tasks.

• MS Office Suite: Standard for project documentation, communication, and reporting (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems for client management and relationship tracking is advantageous.

• Familiarity with project management and collaboration platforms (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, or Gensler's internal systems) for workflow management.

• Knowledge of Gensler's proprietary IP tools (GBlox, GFloorz, GPlanet) and Design Technology (DT) workflows is a significant plus, indicating an ability to leverage advanced digital resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Revit and Bluebeam Revu is a hard requirement. Experience with Gensler's proprietary tools and DT workflows is highly desirable and indicates a candidate's readiness to integrate into their technological ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A relentless pursuit of innovative, high-quality, and impactful design solutions.

• Client Centricity: A commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations through exceptional service and tailored solutions.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, cross-disciplinary synergy, and shared expertise to achieve superior outcomes.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and approaches to push the boundaries of design.

• Sustainability & Resilience: A dedication to creating environmentally responsible and enduring spaces that positively impact people and the planet.

• Mentorship: A value placed on developing talent, fostering growth, and passing on knowledge to future generations of designers.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated and Synergistic: Gensler emphasizes a highly collaborative approach where different disciplines work seamlessly together, leveraging each other's expertise.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and the sharing of diverse perspectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing best practices, lessons learned, and innovative techniques across teams and studios.

📝 Enhancement Note: Gensler's culture is strongly geared towards collaboration, innovation, and client success, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and talent development. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to thrive in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment that values continuous learning and high performance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Demands: Effectively translating client needs and budget constraints into innovative and high-quality designs.

• Leading Diverse Project Teams: Managing and motivating multidisciplinary teams to achieve cohesive and exceptional design outcomes.

• Driving Sustainability Initiatives: Championing and implementing ambitious climate and sustainability goals in a complex regulatory and economic landscape.

• Adapting to Evolving Workplace Trends: Staying ahead of shifts in how people work and designing spaces that are future-proof and adaptable.

• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Investing time and effort in nurturing the next generation of design leaders within a demanding project environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in niche areas like sustainable design, advanced workplace strategy, or specific technology applications.

• Leadership Training: Access to Gensler's leadership development programs and mentorship from senior figures within the firm.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to present at conferences, publish thought leadership, and contribute to industry discourse.

• Global Exposure: Potential to work on international projects or collaborate with Gensler teams in different regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are also rich with opportunities for professional growth. Overcoming these challenges will involve strategic thinking, strong leadership, and a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a design strategy for a new workplace project, considering client business objectives, employee well-being, and sustainability goals."

• "How do you foster innovation and creativity within a design team, especially when facing tight deadlines or complex constraints?"

• "Walk us through a challenging client negotiation you managed. How did you ensure client satisfaction while maintaining design integrity and project success?"

• "What is your philosophy on leading and mentoring junior designers? Provide an example of how you've helped a team member grow."

• "How do you integrate sustainability and climate resilience into your design process from the outset of a project?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Gensler's work, particularly in the workplace interiors sector?"

• "How do you align with Gensler's values of design excellence, client service, and sustainability?"

• "Describe your ideal collaborative working environment and how you contribute to team synergy."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation logically, focusing on 3-5 key workplace projects. Begin with an overview of your role and the project's objectives, delve into your strategic approach and design process, highlight key innovative solutions and leadership contributions, and conclude with the project's outcomes and impact.

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative, emphasizing the challenges, your creative solutions, and the tangible results. Use visuals effectively to convey design intent and quality.

• Quantify Success: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to support your claims regarding client satisfaction, sustainability achievements, or efficiency gains.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, managing client relationships, and making critical design decisions.

• Address Sustainability: Be prepared to discuss your specific contributions to sustainability and climate resilience within your presented projects.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be mindful of time and deliver your presentation clearly and concisely, anticipating potential questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your leadership style, strategic thinking, and specific contributions to projects, with a strong emphasis on workplace interiors, sustainability, and client management. Your portfolio should be a visual and narrative testament to your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the Gensler careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that specifically highlights your most relevant and impactful workplace interior design projects, emphasizing leadership, strategic planning, and design excellence. Be prepared to discuss your process and outcomes in detail.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to clearly articulate your 10-15 years of experience, with a focus on the last 10 years in workspace interiors. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Design Director," "Workplace Interiors," "Design Strategy," "Client Development," and "Sustainable Design." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership approach, and project experiences. Prepare to discuss specific case studies from your portfolio, focusing on how you drove design innovation and managed client relationships. Research Gensler's recent projects and their commitment to sustainability.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Gensler’s culture, values, and recent projects, particularly their work in workplace design and their approach to sustainability. Understand their proprietary tools and design technology initiatives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions based on the provided information. All details, especially regarding specific responsibilities, compensation, and interview processes, should be verified directly with Gensler during the application and interview stages.