Senior Design Manager – A/E Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager – A/E Services

Company: Element Consulting

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Construction Management / Design & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-12T00:00:00

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the end-to-end design process for architectural and engineering (A/E) services, with a strong focus on capital projects and critical repairs within educational facilities.

• Oversee multiple complex projects, including seismic, critical repair, and retrofit initiatives, ensuring adherence to functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.

• Manage and mentor a team of design professionals, fostering a collaborative environment for effective design review and project execution.

• Drive the selection of architectural firms based on qualifications and performance standards, providing clear direction for project goals, sites, schedules, and budgets.

• Ensure compliance with organizational standards and guidelines for new and modernized structures, maximizing value and project longevity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Senior Design Manager – A/E Services" and the company "Element Consulting" suggest a focus on construction and project management, the detailed responsibilities and requirements strongly indicate a role that sits at the intersection of operations, project management, and technical design oversight, particularly within the public sector (educational facilities). This role requires a blend of strategic planning, team leadership, and meticulous execution to ensure successful project delivery from a design and operational perspective. The emphasis on "A/E Services" implies managing external architectural and engineering partners, making contract administration and consultant management critical components.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project & Program Management: Manage multiple capital projects simultaneously, with a specific emphasis on seismic, critical repair, and retrofit initiatives, ensuring timely completion and adherence to project scope.

• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, manage, and supervise a team of design professionals, architects, engineers, and consultants, providing clear direction, feedback, and performance management.

• Design Process Oversight: Oversee the entire design process for A&E services, ensuring designs align with functional program requirements, budgetary constraints, environmental regulations, and legal mandates.

• Stakeholder Coordination & Communication: Act as the primary liaison between architects, consultants, district personnel, and other stakeholders to facilitate effective communication, resolve issues, and ensure project objectives are met.

• Contract & Vendor Management: Establish and manage processes for identifying, selecting, and contracting with architectural firms and other A&E service providers, ensuring they meet performance standards and project needs.

• Budget & Financial Control: Manage project budgets, review design changes, and monitor financial status to ensure projects remain within allocated funds, providing maximum value for invested capital.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Ensure all building designs comply with organizational standards, building codes, and educational facility requirements, conducting thorough design reviews to confirm adherence.

• Reporting & Performance Monitoring: Monitor project planning and design status, reporting findings, recommendations, and updates to senior management and relevant stakeholders.

• Risk Management: Proactively identify potential design and construction risks, developing mitigation strategies to minimize impact on project timelines, budgets, and quality.

• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve the design review process, A&E selection criteria, and project coordination methodologies to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are heavily weighted towards managing external design consultants and internal project teams to deliver capital construction projects for educational facilities. The "A/E Services" in the title and the duties related to selecting architectural firms and providing direction highlight a strong need for expertise in managing the design phase of large-scale construction projects. The emphasis on "seismic, critical repair and retrofit projects" suggests a specialized knowledge base required for managing complex and potentially high-risk renovations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering is required.

• A master's degree in Architecture or Engineering is preferred, demonstrating advanced academic understanding. Experience:

• Minimum of 14 years of full-time paid professional experience managing facilities design, or the planning and coordination of capital projects encompassing overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling.

• A minimum of 4 years of this experience must specifically involve the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects. Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple, complex capital projects from inception through completion, with a focus on design and planning phases.

• Facilities Design & Planning: Deep understanding of facilities design principles, architectural planning, and the integration of educational program needs into building design.

• Contract Administration & Consultant Management: Expertise in managing external A&E consultants, including selection, contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and relationship management.

• Budget Management & Cost Control: Strong financial acumen to manage project budgets, control costs, review change orders, and ensure fiscal responsibility.

• Seismic & Retrofit Project Expertise: Significant experience managing projects involving seismic assessments, retrofits, and critical repairs, understanding the unique challenges and regulatory requirements.

• Design Review Process: Proficiency in establishing and executing effective design review processes to ensure compliance with standards, codes, and project objectives.

• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, environmental regulations, and public agency/educational facility specific requirements.

• Team Leadership & Supervision: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and manage teams of design professionals and support staff.

• Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills: Ability to articulate complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse stakeholders, including executives, consultants, and internal teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Licensure: A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board or Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

• Public Agency Project Experience: Extensive experience with K-12 or higher education institutions, understanding their unique procurement, operational, and governance structures.

• Construction Management Principles: Solid understanding of construction methodologies, scheduling, and site coordination.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (14 years with 4 in public/educational facilities) and the preference for professional licensure underscore the seniority and specialized nature of this role. It's not just about managing projects, but about bringing deep domain expertise in the design and capital planning of public educational infrastructure, particularly with complex repair and upgrade projects. The emphasis on "A&E Services" strongly suggests the candidate will be managing architects and engineers, not necessarily being one themselves in this specific role, but requiring a strong technical foundation to do so effectively.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Detailed examples of managed capital projects, showcasing the full lifecycle from planning and design through to closeout. Emphasis on projects involving educational facilities, seismic retrofits, or critical repairs.

• Design Process & Workflow Documentation: Evidence of established and executed design review processes, A&E firm selection methodologies, and project coordination workflows.

• Budget Management & Cost Control Examples: Documentation demonstrating successful budget management, including cost estimating accuracy, change order review, and value engineering initiatives.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication Plans: Examples of how complex stakeholder groups (e.g., school administrators, community members, regulatory bodies, design consultants) were engaged and managed effectively.

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation Plans: Case studies illustrating how potential project risks were identified, assessed, and mitigated, particularly those related to design, seismic activity, or regulatory compliance.

Process Documentation:

• A&E Firm Selection & Onboarding: Documented processes for identifying, evaluating, and selecting architectural and engineering firms, including RFQ/RFP management and contract negotiation best practices.

• Design Review & Approval Workflows: Clearly defined workflows for design submittals, reviews, approvals, and revisions, ensuring alignment with project objectives and standards.

• Project Monitoring & Reporting Frameworks: Systems and templates for tracking project progress, budget status, and key performance indicators, with examples of stakeholder reporting.

• Compliance & Quality Assurance Procedures: Protocols for ensuring designs meet all applicable building codes, standards, and organizational requirements, including quality control checks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, particularly in public sector projects, a robust portfolio is crucial. It needs to demonstrate not just project completion, but the candidate's ability to strategically manage external design partners, navigate complex regulatory environments, and deliver high-value infrastructure. The emphasis should be on the process of management – how they ensure quality, control costs, and foster collaboration. Demonstrating experience with specific project types like seismic retrofits is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $168,000 - $188,000 per year (based on education and experience)

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan with potential company match, supporting long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, promoting work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences to enhance skills and career growth.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life and long-term disability insurance coverage.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to project success and company profitability.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility potentially available based on project demands and team needs. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence in the Los Angeles office and at project locations as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level project management role in a high-cost-of-living area like Los Angeles, especially within specialized sectors like public infrastructure. The benefits listed are standard for full-time professional roles and should be detailed further by the employer. The working hours are typical for a management position, often requiring dedication beyond standard hours during critical project phases.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Management, Consulting, Program Management, Architectural & Engineering Services. Element Consulting operates within the broader construction and infrastructure development sector, providing specialized management services to clients undertaking significant capital projects.

Company Size: The company is described as a construction management company, and while specific employee numbers aren't provided in the raw data, the context of managing multiple large-scale projects suggests a firm with a significant operational footprint and a substantial team of professionals. Likely mid-sized to large within its niche.

Founded: The company was founded prior to 2020, as indicated by the logo upload date. The slogan "Bringing the Right Elements Together for Our Clients' Success" suggests a focus on collaboration, expertise, and client-centric solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated team of design professionals, project coordinators, and potentially administrative support staff focused on the A&E services division.

• This role will report to a senior executive, possibly a Director of Program Management or VP of Operations, and will collaborate closely with project managers, construction superintendents, and client representatives.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with procurement, legal, finance, and field operations teams to ensure seamless project execution. Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Element Consulting emphasizes delivering responsible and innovative solutions tailored to client project needs.

• Collaborative Project Delivery: The "Bringing the Right Elements Together" slogan points to a methodology that values teamwork, diverse expertise, and integrated project planning.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated, effective project and construction management relies heavily on data analysis for cost estimation, scheduling, risk assessment, and performance tracking.

• Process Optimization: The nature of construction management necessitates a focus on efficient workflows, standardized processes, and continuous improvement to manage complex projects effectively.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Element Consulting appears to be a specialized firm focused on providing high-level program, project, and construction management. The emphasis on "responsible and innovative solutions" and "bringing the right elements together" suggests a culture that values expertise, collaboration, and a client-focused approach to problem-solving within the complex world of infrastructure development. The role of Senior Design Manager is critical in orchestrating the design phase, which is foundational to the success of these projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, indicating significant responsibility and a high degree of autonomy. It sits within the strategic operational management of capital projects, focusing on the critical design and planning stages. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and business acumen.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director-level executive or VP within Element Consulting, overseeing program management or operations. They will, in turn, manage a team of design professionals and consultants, playing a key role in the broader project delivery organization.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager has a profound impact on the success of capital projects. Their ability to manage the design process effectively directly influences project timelines, budgets, quality, and the ultimate functionality and longevity of the facilities. For public agencies like educational institutions, this role ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently and that facilities meet the evolving needs of students and educators. Their oversight of seismic and critical repair projects has direct implications for safety and operational continuity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership Roles: Advancement to Director of Program Management, VP of Operations, or similar executive positions within Element Consulting or other large construction/program management firms.

• Specialized Expertise Development: Deepening expertise in specific areas such as seismic retrofitting, sustainable design, or large-scale public infrastructure management, potentially leading to specialized consulting roles.

• Broader Project Portfolio Management: Transitioning to manage larger, more complex, or international program portfolios.

• Client-Side Transition: Moving into a senior design or capital projects management role directly with a large public agency or private developer.

• Mentorship and Training: Opportunities to mentor junior staff and contribute to the development of internal processes and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for experienced design and project managers. It offers a pathway to executive leadership within the construction management sector, particularly for those with a specialization in public infrastructure. The emphasis on managing external consultants and ensuring compliance within a public sector context provides a unique skill set that is highly transferable and valuable.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, requiring presence at Element Consulting's Los Angeles office. This suggests a professional office setting with dedicated workspaces for project teams.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, CA (Specific address not provided, but likely within a business district). The role will also require site visits to various project locations within the Los Angeles area and potentially surrounding regions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting likely supports collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared work areas, and access to necessary technology for team coordination and client presentations.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to project management software, design review platforms, communication tools, and standard office technology will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with project managers, construction teams, administrative staff, and senior leadership within the firm.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with standard business hours (likely 40 hours/week) expected. However, the demands of managing multiple large-scale projects, especially those with tight deadlines or critical repair needs, may require extended hours, occasional evening or weekend work, and flexibility to respond to urgent project issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is an on-site role, emphasizing the need for physical presence for team collaboration, site visits, and direct management of projects within the Los Angeles area. The work environment will be professional, fast-paced, and likely dynamic due to the nature of construction project management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the minimum requirements.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/Recruiter): Focused on experience, project management methodologies, leadership style, and understanding of the A&E services domain. Expect questions about your experience with educational facilities and seismic retrofits.

• Technical/Panel Interview: Deeper dive into technical expertise, case studies from your portfolio, and problem-solving scenarios related to design management, budget control, and consultant oversight. You may be interviewed by peers or senior management.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, demonstrating your impact, process, and ability to manage complex design initiatives.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 projects that best showcase your experience in managing A&E services for capital projects, particularly those involving educational facilities, seismic retrofits, or critical repairs.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the processes you implemented (e.g., A&E selection, design review, budget control), and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, safety record).

• Highlight Leadership & Collaboration: Demonstrate how you led design teams and collaborated effectively with diverse stakeholders, including consultants, clients, and internal teams.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data wherever possible to illustrate the scale of projects managed, budget sizes, team sizes, and positive results achieved.

• Prepare for A&E Specifics: Be ready to discuss your approach to selecting and managing architectural and engineering firms, ensuring quality deliverables, and navigating design challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical project challenges (e.g., a design significantly over budget, a consultant underperforming, a regulatory hurdle) and ask how you would address them.

• Process Design: Be ready to outline how you would establish or improve a design review process, an A&E selection process, or a project reporting system for a new client or initiative.

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing team conflicts, motivating underperforming team members, or making difficult decisions under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this will be rigorous. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates process, impact, and leadership, especially in the context of public educational infrastructure and seismic retrofits, will be critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their strategic approach to managing A&E services and complex project challenges in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard platforms such as Procore, Oracle Aconex, Autodesk Construction Cloud (including BIM 360), or similar comprehensive project management suites.

• Scheduling Software: Experience with Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project for detailed project scheduling, critical path analysis, and resource allocation.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools for document management, drawing review, and issue tracking, such as Bluebeam Revu, PlanGrid, or specific BIM collaboration platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Budgeting & Cost Control Tools: Experience with financial management software or modules within project management systems for tracking project costs, managing change orders, and forecasting expenditures.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to utilize or oversee the creation of project dashboards to track KPIs, progress, and budget status for stakeholder reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Indirect): While not directly managing sales, understanding how client relationship management data informs project pipeline and resource allocation can be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with tools or methodologies to automate routine tasks within the design and project management lifecycle, improving efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Senior Design Manager in this field would be expected to be highly proficient with comprehensive project management software, scheduling tools, and platforms designed for document control and collaboration in the A&E and construction industries. The ability to leverage data from these tools for reporting and decision-making is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations by delivering responsible, innovative, and high-value solutions.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, consultants, and internal teams.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse expertise is shared and leveraged to achieve common project goals.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to delivering superior outcomes in design, project management, and construction, with meticulous attention to detail.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative approaches to challenges and finding efficient, effective solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively works with project managers, construction teams, procurement, finance, and legal departments to ensure seamless project execution from design through completion.

• Consultant Partnership: Builds strong, collaborative relationships with A&E firms, providing clear direction while valuing their expertise and fostering a partnership approach.

• Open Communication: Promotes transparent and frequent communication among all project stakeholders to ensure alignment, address issues proactively, and build trust.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Embraces feedback from team members, consultants, and clients to refine processes and enhance project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's slogan and description suggest a culture that highly values collaboration, expertise, and client satisfaction. For a Senior Design Manager, this translates to being a strong team player, an effective communicator, and a leader who can unite different parties towards a common project objective. A proactive and problem-solving mindset would be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including educational administrators, community groups, regulatory bodies, and design consultants, each with potentially conflicting priorities.

• Complex Project Scope: Navigating the intricacies of seismic retrofits and critical repairs, which often involve unforeseen conditions, stringent regulations, and significant technical challenges.

• Budgetary Constraints: Delivering high-quality design and construction within tight budgets, requiring astute cost management and value engineering.

• Regulatory Hurdles: Ensuring strict compliance with all applicable building codes, safety standards, and public agency requirements, which can be complex and time-consuming.

• Talent Management: Leading and motivating a diverse team of internal staff and external consultants, ensuring high performance and effective collaboration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Pursuing certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or specialized construction management credentials.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending events focused on seismic engineering, public infrastructure, educational facility design, and construction management best practices.

• Mentorship Programs: Participating in or leading mentorship initiatives within Element Consulting to share knowledge and develop future leaders.

• Exposure to Diverse Project Types: Gaining experience across a broader range of capital projects, potentially expanding beyond educational facilities into other public or private sector developments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around managing complexity – in terms of project scope, stakeholder needs, and regulatory environments. Success in this role requires not only technical acumen but also strong leadership and interpersonal skills to navigate these complexities. The growth opportunities are substantial for those who excel and seek to expand their influence within the construction management field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for selecting and onboarding architectural and engineering firms for large capital projects, especially in the public sector."

• "How do you ensure that design plans remain within budget and meet all functional, environmental, and legal requirements throughout the project lifecycle?"

• "Walk me through a time you managed a complex seismic retrofit or critical repair project. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?"

• "How do you manage and motivate a team of design professionals and consultants who may have different working styles or priorities?"

• "Describe your approach to design review. What are the critical elements you look for to ensure quality and compliance?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our company slogan, 'Bringing the Right Elements Together for Our Clients' Success,' how do you see your role contributing to this philosophy?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with different departments, such as procurement, legal, and field operations, to ensure seamless project delivery?"

• "What are your expectations regarding work-life balance in a demanding role like this, and how do you manage your time effectively?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly state the project objective, your role, the key stakeholders, the challenges, the solutions you implemented (focusing on your management processes), and the measurable outcomes (budget, schedule, quality, safety).

• Quantify Everything: Use numbers to illustrate the scale of projects (e.g., budget value, square footage, team size) and the impact of your actions (e.g., cost savings achieved, schedule improvements, risk mitigation).

• Emphasize A&E Management: Clearly articulate how you managed architects and engineers, the direction you provided, and how you ensured their work met project requirements.

• Highlight Specific Expertise: For relevant projects, specifically detail your experience with seismic retrofits, critical repairs, and educational facilities, explaining the unique considerations.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your decision-making process, how you handled specific challenges, and what you would do differently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of managing the design phase of capital projects, particularly within the public sector and with specialized requirements like seismic retrofitting. Candidates need to showcase their ability to lead teams, manage external consultants, control budgets, and ensure compliance, all while articulating their experience through concrete, data-driven examples from their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Element Consulting careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 14+ years of experience, specifically calling out your 4+ years managing design for educational facilities or similar public agencies. Emphasize experience in facilities design, capital project management, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing A&E services for capital projects, especially those involving seismic retrofits, critical repairs, and educational institutions. Focus on showcasing your process for selection, management, budget control, and stakeholder communication.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your interest in Element Consulting and this specific role. Briefly connect your most relevant experience and qualifications to the requirements outlined, emphasizing your expertise in managing A&E services for public sector capital projects.

• Research Element Consulting: Understand their mission, values, and typical project types. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their approach to delivering "responsible and innovative solutions."

⚠️ 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.