Project Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Design Manager

Company: Cushman & Wakefield

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Project Management & Design Operations

Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive design and project management lifecycle for Nontraditional (NTR) restaurant environments, encompassing conversions, colleges, airports, stadiums, small-format, and atypical sites.

• Develop and present conceptual layouts, test fits, design studies, and renderings to effectively translate program and operational requirements into clear design intent for consultants, architects, and kitchen designers.

• Manage project teams by providing strategic direction, conducting rigorous deliverable reviews, and ensuring unwavering alignment with established design principles, operational workflows, and critical project timelines.

• Serve as the central design liaison, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration between Architecture, Kitchen Design, Equipment, Development & Construction teams specifically for Non-Traditional projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Project Design Manager, indicating a blend of design expertise and project execution oversight. The focus on "Nontraditional environments" suggests a need for adaptable problem-solving and creative application of brand standards in unique, often logistically challenging, settings. This is distinct from traditional retail or corporate design roles. The emphasis on supporting a "Design Leader" implies a role that executes strategy rather than solely defining it, but with significant autonomy in design execution and project management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire design and project management process for Nontraditional restaurant environments, ensuring all solutions adhere to brand standards while creatively accommodating unique site constraints and operational needs.

• Create detailed conceptual layouts, feasibility studies (test fits), comprehensive design studies, and compelling renderings to clearly articulate design intent to internal teams and external consultants.

• Direct and manage project teams, providing clear guidance, conducting thorough reviews of all design and project documentation, and ensuring consistent alignment with design principles, operational efficiency, and project schedules.

• Act as the primary point of contact for design-related matters, bridging communication between Architecture, Kitchen Design, Equipment, Development, and Construction departments for all NTR projects.

• Proactively evaluate existing site conditions, identify potential field complexities, and analyze site limitations to develop innovative and technically sound design solutions that balance brand integrity with practical real-world constraints.

• Conduct detailed reviews of architectural drawings, prototypes, and program updates to assess potential impacts on NTR environments and effectively communicate any necessary changes to internal and external stakeholders.

• Actively participate in project kickoff meetings, critical milestone reviews, and the design-to-construction handoff process to guarantee a smooth transition and unified project execution.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of NTR standards, guidelines, and best practices through documenting project learnings, identifying system deficiencies, and piloting innovative new approaches.

• Collaborate closely with Operations partners to ensure restaurant layouts are optimized for customer throughput, safety, efficient Back-of-House (BOH) workflow, enhanced customer experience, and strategic equipment adjacencies.

• Partner with cross-functional teams to evaluate and integrate new equipment, fixtures, materials, and operational concepts, assessing their adaptability within the specific constraints of NTR environments.

• Maintain transparent and proactive communication with all internal stakeholders regarding potential project risks, key design decisions, program modifications, and evolving timelines.

• Perform periodic site visits to gain practical insights into real-world performance, foster strong relationships with field teams, and verify that design intent is accurately implemented throughout the construction phase.

• Support change management initiatives by assisting teams in the adoption of new standards, materials, workflows, and prototype enhancements across various NTR formats.

• Uphold disciplined stewardship and represent the Cushman & Wakefield brand with the highest level of excellence in all design-related activities, communications, and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep dive into the operational and spatial challenges of non-traditional food service environments. Key areas of focus include translating complex program requirements into tangible designs, managing interdisciplinary teams, and ensuring brand consistency within diverse site constraints. The emphasis on collaboration with Operations and Equipment teams points to a strong need for understanding practical functionality and efficiency, which is a core aspect of operations management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in commercial design, architecture, or project management.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in architectural design principles and application, with a strong emphasis on space planning and understanding of construction processes.

• Demonstrated ability to develop conceptual layouts, create effective test fits, and document clear design intent, managing multiple projects concurrently across various stages of development.

• Experience in directing and critically reviewing the work of external consultants, including architects, kitchen designers, and engineering specialists.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, coupled with strong presentation abilities, enabling effective influence and collaboration across diverse teams (Design, Operations, Equipment, Construction).

• High proficiency in essential design and project management software: Revit, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to thrive and adapt in ambiguous, fast-paced environments, demonstrating flexibility with evolving standards and site-specific constraints.

Preferred Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of Back-of-House (BOH) workflows and kitchen equipment adjacencies.

• Familiarity with additional design and visualization tools such as SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering software like Enscape or TwinMotion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design skills (Revit, Bluebeam), project management capabilities, and strong interpersonal and communication abilities. The preference for restaurant/hospitality experience and BOH workflow knowledge is critical for understanding the operational context of the designs. The 7+ years of experience and Bachelor's degree suggest this is a mid-to-senior level role requiring a solid foundation and proven track record.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects that clearly demonstrate your ability to manage the design and project lifecycle for complex, non-traditional environments.

• Highlight projects that required creative problem-solving to adapt brand standards to unique site limitations, such as irregular shapes, small footprints, or specific regulatory constraints.

• Include examples of conceptual layouts, test fits, and detailed design intent documents, illustrating your process for translating needs into actionable design plans.

• Demonstrate your project management capabilities by outlining your role in coordinating with architects, kitchen designers, and construction teams, emphasizing successful collaborations and delivered outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or descriptions of your process for developing conceptual designs and design intent packages, detailing key stages and decision points.

• Outline your approach to managing project teams and external consultants, including methods for review, feedback incorporation, and ensuring adherence to project goals.

• Illustrate how you have documented learnings or contributed to the development of design standards and best practices based on project experiences.

• Detail your process for evaluating existing conditions and site limitations, and how you translate these into practical design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is explicitly required. For a Project Design Manager role, this portfolio should not only showcase design aesthetics but also the strategic thinking behind space planning, operational integration, and project execution, especially within the context of non-traditional sites. Demonstrating a structured approach to design problem-solving and project coordination will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $76,500 - $90,000 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for healthcare expense management.

• Robust retirement savings plans to support long-term financial goals.

• Life and disability insurance programs for added financial security.

• Generous paid time away from work, allowing for rest and rejuvenation.

• Unpaid time away from work options for extended personal needs.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for extended hours based on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $76,500 - $90,000 annually for a Project Design Manager in St. Louis, MO, aligns with industry benchmarks for roles requiring a Bachelor's degree and 7+ years of specialized experience. This range reflects the need for both design acumen and project management oversight, particularly within a niche area like non-traditional restaurant environments. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for in-office presence for collaboration, balanced with flexibility. The comprehensive benefits package is standard for a large, established organization like Cushman & Wakefield.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Services & Property Management. Cushman & Wakefield is a global leader in this sector, providing a wide range of services to occupiers and investors.

Company Size: Large (typically 50,000+ employees globally). This indicates a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and established processes.

Founded: 1917. A long history signifies stability, deep industry knowledge, and a strong legacy.

Team Structure:

• The Project Design Manager will likely report to a Design Leader or a senior manager within the Project Management or Design Services division.

• The role requires close collaboration with internal departments such as Architecture, Kitchen Design, Equipment, Development, and Construction teams, highlighting a matrixed or highly cross-functional team environment.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing site analysis, operational feedback, and performance metrics to inform design choices.

• Emphasis on structured project management methodologies to ensure timely and budget-conscious delivery of design solutions.

• A commitment to continuous improvement, actively documenting learnings and evolving design standards based on real-world project outcomes.

• Collaborative approach, fostering open communication and partnership across diverse internal and external stakeholders.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Cushman & Wakefield's status as a global leader in commercial real estate implies a professional, results-oriented culture. The company's long history suggests stability and a strong foundation in industry best practices. The Project Design Manager role will operate within a framework that values strategic thinking, meticulous execution, and cross-functional collaboration, essential for managing complex projects in diverse environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-to-Senior Level. This role demands significant experience and the ability to lead complex design and project management initiatives independently, while also supporting senior leadership. The focus on "Nontraditional environments" suggests specialization within the broader design and project management field.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Design Leader, indicating a direct line of accountability for design execution and project outcomes. Collaboration will extend across multiple functional teams, requiring strong stakeholder management skills.

Operations Impact: This role directly influences the functionality, efficiency, and brand integrity of restaurant environments within non-traditional settings. Successful design and project management contribute to operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the profitability of these unique locations. The impact extends to setting standards and best practices for future developments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in non-traditional design, becoming a subject matter expert within Cushman & Wakefield or for its clients.

• Leadership Progression: Potential to move into Senior Project Design Manager roles, leading larger initiatives or managing a team of designers and project managers.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to transition into broader project management, development, or operations strategy roles within the real estate or hospitality sectors.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop strong client relationships, potentially leading to roles focused on client account management or strategic advisory.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within specialized design and project management. The unique focus on non-traditional environments provides an opportunity to build highly sought-after expertise. Success in this role can lead to significant career advancement, either through deeper specialization or by leveraging project management experience into broader operational or leadership positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Arrangement. This suggests a blend of remote work flexibility and in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Saint Louis, Missouri, with potential for travel to project sites across various locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates structured in-office time for team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional collaboration. Expect a dynamic workspace that supports both focused individual work and group ideation.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to industry-standard design software (Revit, Bluebeam), project management tools, and communication platforms will be essential. The company likely provides robust IT infrastructure.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with diverse teams, including architects, engineers, operations specialists, and construction professionals, fostering a rich learning and networking environment.

Work Schedule: Typically a 40-hour work week, but flexibility and willingness to work beyond standard hours may be required during critical project phases, site visits, or in response to urgent client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role requires strong self-discipline and time management skills. The St. Louis office will serve as a hub for collaboration, with travel being an integral part of understanding project sites and maintaining client relationships. The environment is expected to be professional and fast-paced, typical of a leading real estate services firm.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with minimum qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, project management approach, and understanding of design principles, particularly within the context of non-traditional environments. Expect behavioral and situational questions.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated meeting where you will present your portfolio, walking through key projects, explaining your design process, problem-solving strategies, and project outcomes. This is a critical stage to demonstrate your capabilities.

• Cross-Functional/Team Interview: Interviews with potential colleagues or stakeholders from Architecture, Operations, or Construction teams to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or the Design Leader for a final assessment of fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience with non-traditional environments, complex space planning, and operational integration. Highlight diversity in project types (conversions, airports, stadiums, etc.).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your approach (design process, problem-solving), your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Focus on how you balanced brand standards with site constraints.

• Showcase Process: Include examples of conceptual layouts, test fits, renderings, and design intent documents. Explain your workflow and how you collaborated with other disciplines.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or results that demonstrate the success of your designs, such as improved throughput, cost savings, or adherence to budget/schedule.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Revit, Bluebeam, and other relevant software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem Solving: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge or case study related to a non-traditional site. Focus on your systematic approach to problem-solving, ideation, and developing a preliminary design solution.

• Project Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing timelines, budgets, stakeholder conflicts, and navigating ambiguous situations.

• Operational Integration: Think about how you would ensure designs support operational efficiency, safety, and customer experience in unique settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical application and visual demonstration of skills through a portfolio. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just what they did, but how they did it, and the impact of their work, particularly in the context of challenging, non-traditional project sites.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for 3D modeling, architectural design, and documentation. Proficiency is a must for creating detailed layouts and construction drawings.

• Bluebeam: Crucial for document review, markup, collaboration, and PDF management, often used for reviewing architectural plans and construction documents.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard tools for communication, documentation, and data management (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Preferred Tools:

• SketchUp: Useful for quick conceptual modeling and visualization.

• Adobe Creative Suite: For graphic design, image editing, and presentation materials.

• Rendering Tools (Enscape, TwinMotion): For creating realistic visualizations to communicate design intent effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of Revit and Bluebeam is non-negotiable for this role. Proficiency in these tools is directly tied to the ability to produce high-quality design documentation and manage project workflows efficiently. Familiarity with visualization tools will enhance the candidate's ability to communicate design concepts.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, functional, and aesthetically aligned designs that meet brand standards and operational needs.

• Adaptability & Innovation: Embracing challenges presented by non-traditional environments and finding creative, effective solutions. A willingness to pilot new approaches and learn from them.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with internal teams (Architecture, Ops, Equipment, Construction) and external consultants to achieve shared project goals.

• Discipline & Stewardship: Upholding brand integrity and representing Cushman & Wakefield with professionalism and responsibility in all aspects of design and communication.

• Efficiency & Effectiveness: Ensuring designs support efficient workflows, optimized space utilization, and positive customer experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with diverse teams to gather input, align on requirements, and ensure designs are practical and well-supported.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining transparent and timely updates on project status, risks, and decisions to all relevant stakeholders.

• Constructive Feedback: Open to receiving and providing feedback within design reviews and team discussions to collectively improve project outcomes.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Approaching challenges as opportunities for collaborative problem-solving rather than obstacles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values emphasize a blend of technical excellence, adaptability, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to representing the brand effectively. This suggests a culture that values both individual contribution and collective success, particularly in delivering complex projects for clients.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Standards with Unique Constraints: Consistently translating established brand guidelines into diverse, often unconventional, physical spaces requires ingenuity and a deep understanding of both design and operational realities.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders with Competing Priorities: Effectively navigating the needs and expectations of various internal departments (Design, Ops, Equipment, Construction) and external consultants to maintain project momentum and alignment.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards and Site Conditions: The dynamic nature of non-traditional environments means standards may change, and site complexities can arise unexpectedly, requiring flexibility and rapid problem-solving.

• Geographic Dispersion and Travel Demands: Approximately 25% travel is required, which can be demanding but is essential for understanding site nuances and building relationships.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Nontraditional Design Expertise: Becoming a go-to expert in designing for unique venues like airports, stadiums, and small-format retail, a highly specialized and valuable skill set.

• Advanced Project Management Skills: Gaining experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects within a large, global organization.

• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Broadening understanding of restaurant operations, equipment specifications, and construction processes through close collaboration.

• Professional Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or specialized design areas.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior design leaders or to mentor junior team members as experience grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to the specialized nature of the role, offering significant opportunities for learning and professional growth. Successfully navigating these challenges will build a strong foundation for advanced careers in design, project management, or operations within the real estate and hospitality sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy: "Describe your process for developing a conceptual design for a non-traditional restaurant environment, considering brand standards, operational flow, and site limitations. How do you translate program requirements into visual representations?" (Prepare with case studies demonstrating your systematic approach).

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you ensure alignment and manage conflicting priorities among design, operations, equipment, and construction teams on a project? Provide an example." (Focus on communication strategies, negotiation, and finding common ground).

• Problem-Solving: "You encounter unexpected site constraints (e.g., structural issues, local code variance) that impact your design. How do you approach resolving this while minimizing delays and cost overruns?" (Detail your analytical process, solution generation, and communication steps).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Understanding: "What appeals to you about Cushman & Wakefield's work, and how do you see your design philosophy aligning with our commitment to excellence and stewardship?" (Research the company's values and recent projects).

• Team Dynamics: "How do you prefer to collaborate with architects, kitchen designers, and operations teams? Describe a situation where you successfully influenced a cross-functional team." (Emphasize your collaborative nature and ability to build consensus).

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design projects beyond aesthetics? What metrics do you consider important for operational efficiency and customer experience?" (Think about throughput, workflow, safety, and client satisfaction).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your process from concept to completion.

• Highlight Non-Traditional Successes: Dedicate significant time to projects that specifically address the challenges of non-traditional environments.

• Explain Your Role: Clearly define your responsibilities and contributions within each project, especially if it was a team effort.

• Visuals and Narrative: Use high-quality visuals (renderings, layouts, photos) and pair them with a compelling narrative that explains the "why" and "how" behind your design decisions.

• Focus on Operations: For each project, explicitly point out how your design supports operational workflows, efficiency, and customer experience. Be ready to discuss equipment adjacencies and BOH layouts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills, but a practical, operations-minded approach to problem-solving within complex project environments. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to visually and verbally convey this competency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Project Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Cushman & Wakefield careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to emphasize projects involving non-traditional environments, complex space planning, and demonstrated collaboration with operational and construction teams. Highlight your ability to balance brand standards with unique site constraints.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 7+ years of experience in commercial design/architecture/project management, highlighting specific achievements related to restaurant/hospitality design, operational workflow integration, and proficiency in Revit and Bluebeam.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, problem-solving methodologies, and the operational impact of your solutions. Prepare to discuss your experience with cross-functional collaboration and managing project timelines.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Cushman & Wakefield's services, values, and recent projects, particularly those related to retail, hospitality, or food service design. Understand their approach to client service and project execution.

⚠️ 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.