Senior Design Manager, A/E Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager, A/E Services

Company: MAAS Companies

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Construction Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: 10+ years (specifically 14 years required)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the design process for seismic, critical repair, and retrofit projects within a large public school district (LAUSD).

• Lead and manage a team of design professionals, ensuring adherence to project scope, budget, environmental regulations, and legal requirements.

• Select and direct architecture firms, providing clear guidance on project goals, standards, site constraints, schedules, and budgets.

• Conduct rigorous design reviews, verify compliance with educational and building standards, and manage design changes to maintain budget integrity.

• Serve as a key liaison, reporting on planning and design status, and facilitating decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical leadership function within MAAS Companies' Construction division, specifically focused on the A/E (Architecture/Engineering) Services for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The emphasis on seismic, repair, and retrofit projects within an occupied educational environment highlights a specialized and high-stakes operational domain. The "Senior Design Manager" title implies significant responsibility for process ownership, team leadership, and strategic direction in the design lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage multiple seismic, critical repair, and retrofit projects concurrently, ensuring seamless execution from initial concept through to final buildable plans.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of design professionals responsible for conducting design reviews and ensuring compliance with district standards.

• Own and optimize the District's A&E Services design process, ensuring all deliverables meet program objectives, budget constraints, environmental regulations, and legal frameworks.

• Strategically select architecture firms best suited for each project based on demonstrated capabilities, past performance, and alignment with project requirements.

• Provide clear, consistent, and actionable direction to external architectural consultants regarding project goals, educational and building standards, site-specific considerations, timelines, and budgetary allocations.

• Execute comprehensive design reviews to ensure that proposed designs align with LAUSD's educational mission and building codes, delivering maximum value for the allocated budget.

• Diligently review and approve design changes, proactively identifying potential cost implications and implementing mitigation strategies to keep projects within budgetary limits.

• Prepare and present regular status reports on planning and design progress, highlighting key findings, risks, and recommendations requiring stakeholder decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical oversight, team management, vendor selection, and strategic financial control within the context of public infrastructure projects. The focus on "giving clear and consistent direction" and "running design review" highlights the operational cadence and quality control expected from this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering (Required).

• Master's degree in Architecture or Engineering (Preferred). Experience:

• Minimum of 14 years of full-time paid professional experience in managing facilities design, or planning and coordinating capital projects.

• This experience must encompass overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling aspects.

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

• Extensive experience in managing large-scale facilities design and capital project coordination.

• Proven ability to oversee contract administration, cost estimating, and project scheduling with precision.

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with demonstrated experience in leading other design professionals.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, essential for stakeholder engagement and clear directive issuance.

• Deep understanding of building codes, regulatory compliance, and public agency project requirements.

• Proficiency in managing design review processes and ensuring adherence to project specifications and standards.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, maintaining focus on budget and schedule adherence.

• Experience in selecting and directing external architectural and engineering consultants effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in California.

• Registered Architect (RA) license in California.

• Direct experience with seismic retrofit and structural repair projects, particularly on occupied buildings.

• Familiarity with DSA (Division of the State Architect) processes and compliance requirements for public school construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stringent experience requirements (14 years total, with 4 specific to public schools) and the mandatory Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering underscore the seniority and technical depth expected. The explicit mention of strong writing and speaking skills emphasizes the critical communication aspect of managing diverse stakeholders and complex technical information.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated experience in managing the end-to-end design process for capital construction projects, showcasing a structured approach from initiation to completion.

• Case studies detailing successful management of multiple, concurrent design projects, highlighting effective prioritization, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Evidence of experience in selecting and managing A&E service providers, including contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and relationship management.

• Examples of detailed design review processes and documentation, illustrating how standards were enforced and quality was assured.

• Documentation of budget management and cost control measures implemented during the design phase of complex projects, including change order management. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of established design process workflows, detailing phases, key milestones, stakeholder involvement, and approval gates.

• Present methodologies for ensuring compliance with relevant building codes, educational facility standards, and public agency regulations (e.g., DSA).

• Provide documentation on how design changes are managed, reviewed, and approved, including impact assessments on schedule and budget.

• Illustrate experience with reporting mechanisms for design progress, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and risk identification.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should heavily emphasize structured project management methodologies applied to the design lifecycle. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies that not only outline project scope but also the process by which design challenges were overcome, consultants were managed, and budgets were controlled. The emphasis on public agency and DSA experience means specific documentation related to compliance and regulatory navigation will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $185,000 to $203,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• 401k retirement savings plan.

• Three weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually.

• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at no cost to the employee.

• 3% Safe Harbor contribution to the ESOP, vested on day one. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule (likely 40 hours per week), with the expectation of on-site presence in Los Angeles, CA. Flexibility may be available, but the role's nature suggests core hours are essential for team and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and competitive for a senior management role in the Los Angeles area, particularly within the specialized field of public sector construction management. The ESOP benefit is a significant differentiator, offering substantial long-term financial upside and reinforcing the company's commitment to employee ownership and shared success. The "Safe Harbor" contribution indicates a commitment to immediate retirement benefit accrual for employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Management, Project Management, Education Infrastructure. MAAS Companies operates within a sector critical to public services, focusing on the development and maintenance of educational facilities. This industry demands high standards of accountability, regulatory compliance, and long-term planning.

Company Size: MAAS Companies has a significant presence, managing over $10B in projects for 50+ educational institutions. While the exact employee count isn't specified, this scale suggests a well-established organization with robust operational processes and a considerable workforce.

Founded: MAAS Companies has been operating for nearly 40 years, indicating a stable, experienced, and reputable organization with a deep understanding of the educational construction market in California.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within a larger Construction or Project Management department, potentially overseeing a dedicated A/E Services team.

• This team would comprise design professionals such as architects, engineers, and project coordinators.

• Collaboration is expected with various internal departments (e.g., project execution, finance, legal) and extensively with external stakeholders including LAUSD staff, architectural firms, engineering consultants, and regulatory bodies like DSA. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making for project selection and design direction, leveraging past project performance and cost data.

• Structured workflow planning and optimization are critical, given the complexity and regulatory environment of public school construction.

• Automation is likely utilized for reporting, scheduling, and communication to enhance efficiency, though the core design management remains human-led.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: MAAS Companies' long history and focus on educational institutions suggest a culture centered on stability, trust, and long-term relationships. The ESOP structure further implies a culture of shared ownership and mutual responsibility. The "96% great place to work" and "100% people care" statistics point to a highly positive and collaborative internal environment, which is a significant draw for candidates seeking a supportive workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management position, requiring extensive experience and leadership capabilities. It represents a significant step in a career path for architects or engineers specializing in facilities management and capital projects. The role is responsible for a critical function (design oversight) and a team, indicating a high level of autonomy and impact.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Vice President of Construction or A/E Services within MAAS Companies. They will, in turn, manage a team of design professionals.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the successful delivery of essential educational infrastructure projects for LAUSD. Effective design management ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required safety and educational standards, directly influencing the learning environment for thousands of students.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher leadership roles within MAAS Companies' Construction or Project Management divisions, such as Director of A/E Services or VP of Construction.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in seismic retrofits, educational facility design, or public sector project delivery, potentially leading to consulting or advisory roles.

• Broadened Project Scope: Transition to managing larger, more complex, or a greater volume of capital projects across different educational systems or public agencies.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor junior design staff and contribute to the development of internal processes and best practices within MAAS Companies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior Design Manager in this context is typically one of increasing responsibility within large-scale project delivery. The emphasis on public sector work and specific technical challenges like seismic retrofits offers a niche specialization that is highly valued. The company's ESOP structure also provides a unique long-term growth incentive beyond salary.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "on-site" in Los Angeles, CA. This indicates a traditional office environment where collaboration, team meetings, and direct supervision of reports occur in person.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California. This provides access to a major metropolitan area with a significant construction and architectural landscape. Specific office details (e.g., amenities, accessibility) are not provided but are typical for a professional services firm.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration among the design team, with access to necessary office equipment and technology.

• Expect a professional, fast-paced environment given the critical nature of LAUSD projects and the need to manage multiple high-priority initiatives.

• The role demands significant interaction with both internal MAAS teams and external clients/partners (LAUSD, architects, engineers), suggesting a dynamic and communicative work setting.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (likely 40 hours/week) is implied. However, given the project management nature, there might be periods requiring extended hours to meet critical deadlines, particularly during design reviews or before major project milestones. The company's positive culture suggests a balance is generally maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement is critical. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office-based role, emphasizing in-person collaboration and direct oversight. The Los Angeles location offers access to a large talent pool and significant project opportunities within the California market.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter to assess alignment with experience and qualification requirements (14+ years, specific public school experience, degree).

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on past projects, management of design processes, handling of A&E consultants, budget control, and experience with seismic/public agency work. This stage may involve presenting elements of a portfolio.

• Leadership/Team Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team management approach, communication skills, and cultural fit with MAAS Companies' values.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a detailed case study from their portfolio, focusing on a complex design management challenge, their process, and the outcome. This is where portfolio effectiveness is key.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (seismic, new construction, retrofit) or by management function (design selection, budget control, team leadership).

• Process Over Product: While project outcomes are important, emphasize how you managed the design process. Detail your methodologies for consultant selection, design review, change management, and stakeholder communication.

• Quantify Impact: Use data to demonstrate success. Quantify budget savings achieved through design review, schedule improvements, or compliance successes. Use metrics relevant to construction management and A/E services.

• Highlight Public Sector Experience: Clearly showcase projects with public agencies, especially school districts, and any experience with DSA or similar regulatory bodies.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you led and mentored design teams, managed consultant relationships, and facilitated cross-functional collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss specific challenges encountered in managing design processes for large capital projects, especially in occupied environments.

• Practice articulating your approach to risk management, particularly regarding budget overruns or schedule delays stemming from design issues.

• Develop talking points on how you ensure compliance with stringent regulatory requirements (e.g., DSA, seismic codes) and how you communicate these requirements to design teams.

• Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you motivate and manage design professionals and external consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a structured portfolio and the potential for a case study presentation are critical for this role. Candidates must be able to visually and verbally articulate their process management skills, not just their project successes. The public agency and seismic retrofit focus means specific examples in these areas will be highly scrutinized.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Primavera P6) for tracking progress, managing documentation, and coordinating tasks.

• Design Software Suites: Familiarity with architectural and engineering design software ecosystems (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, BIM 360) to understand design deliverables and facilitate review processes.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external team communication and collaboration.

• Document Management Systems: Expertise in managing and organizing large volumes of project documentation, including drawings, specifications, and reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for financial analysis, cost tracking, scheduling, and reporting.

• Business Intelligence Tools (Basic): Familiarity with dashboarding tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for visualizing project status, budget adherence, and key performance indicators, even if not directly building them.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise reports for stakeholders, summarizing project status, risks, and recommendations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, understanding how client relationship management (with LAUSD) functions and how project data flows is key.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or principles to streamline design review submissions, approvals, and change order tracking processes.

• Experience with integration between different project management and design software could be beneficial for data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role leans heavily towards project management and design coordination tools rather than sales or marketing tech. The ability to navigate and leverage these systems for efficient workflow management, clear reporting, and effective communication is paramount. A strong understanding of BIM (Building Information Modeling) concepts is likely a significant advantage given modern construction practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards in managing public funds and ensuring project quality and safety. Taking full responsibility for design outcomes.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions that meet rigorous standards for education and building performance.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with internal teams, external consultants, and clients like LAUSD to achieve shared project goals.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Continuously seeking ways to improve design processes, manage budgets effectively, and deliver projects on schedule.

• Stewardship: A sense of responsibility for the long-term impact of educational facilities on students and communities.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and engaged throughout the design process.

• Data-driven and analytical, using facts and figures to support decisions and resolve issues.

• Team-oriented, valuing input from design professionals and fostering a supportive environment for their development.

• Results-focused, with a clear drive to achieve project objectives and deliver successful outcomes for LAUSD.

📝 Enhancement Note: MAAS Companies' stated values (employee ownership, caring culture) combined with the demands of public infrastructure projects suggest a culture that balances professional rigor with a strong sense of purpose and community impact. The emphasis on collaboration is crucial given the multi-stakeholder nature of educational construction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Complex Projects: Juggling the demands of several large-scale, high-stakes projects simultaneously requires exceptional organizational and prioritization skills.

• Navigating Public Agency Bureaucracy: Working within the stringent regulatory framework of LAUSD and the State Architect's office can present significant procedural challenges.

• Balancing Budget, Schedule, and Quality: Consistently meeting all three critical project constraints, especially with potential unforeseen issues in aging facilities or complex designs.

• Leading Diverse Teams and Consultants: Effectively managing a team of internal staff and external architectural/engineering firms, each with their own methodologies and priorities.

• Ensuring Seismic Compliance and Safety: The critical nature of seismic retrofits in occupied buildings presents unique technical and logistical challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Technical Training: Deepen expertise in seismic engineering, advanced structural analysis, or specific educational facility design trends.

• Public Sector Project Management: Gain extensive experience in the nuances of managing projects for government entities, including procurement, compliance, and stakeholder relations.

• Leadership Development: Enhance skills in team management, strategic planning, and executive-level communication through hands-on experience and potential company-sponsored programs.

• Industry Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications relevant to construction management, project management, or specific engineering/architectural disciplines.

• ESOP Growth: Benefit from the growth of the company's ESOP, providing a significant long-term financial investment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the opportunity to tackle complex, high-impact projects within a stable, mission-driven organization. The challenges are significant but provide a rich environment for professional growth and the development of specialized expertise in public infrastructure management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for selecting an architecture firm for a complex public school project. What criteria do you prioritize, and how do you assess their capabilities beyond their proposals?"

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage a significant design change request that threatened to exceed the project budget. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you ensure that design plans for occupied school buildings meet both educational standards and stringent safety regulations, particularly concerning seismic activity?"

• "What is your philosophy on managing a team of design professionals, and how do you foster collaboration and accountability among them and with external consultants?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of MAAS Companies and the LAUSD, what do you see as the biggest operational challenge for a Senior Design Manager in this role?"

• "How does the company's employee-owned structure (ESOP) influence your approach to managing projects and interacting with colleagues?"

• "Describe a situation where you had to balance competing priorities from different stakeholders (e.g., school administration, facilities department, regulatory bodies). How did you manage this?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For your chosen case studies, emphasize the steps you took: needs assessment, consultant selection, design brief development, review cycles, change management, and reporting.

• Quantify Everything: Present metrics related to budget adherence, schedule milestones met, number of projects managed, team size, and any efficiency gains or cost savings realized through your design management.

• Highlight Public Sector Expertise: Clearly delineate projects involving public agencies, detailing your understanding of their specific procurement, compliance, and approval processes (e.g., DSA).

• Showcase Leadership: Use examples to illustrate how you led teams, mentored junior staff, and managed relationships with architectural and engineering firms to achieve project goals.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (charts, diagrams, simplified timelines) to support your presentation and make complex information easily digestible.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should center on demonstrating a deep understanding of construction project lifecycles, robust process management, strong leadership, and proven experience in public sector environments. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these capabilities tangibly.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume prominently highlights your 14+ years of experience, with at least 4 years specifically in public school design/construction. Use keywords from the job description like "facilities design," "capital projects," "contract administration," "cost estimating," "scheduling," "design review," "seismic retrofit," and "public agencies."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing design processes for large capital projects, ideally for public entities. Focus on your role, the processes you implemented, and the measurable outcomes. Be ready to present these.

• Research MAAS Companies and LAUSD: Understand MAAS's mission, their ESOP structure, and their long-standing relationship with LAUSD. Familiarize yourself with the scope and challenges of LAUSD's facilities needs, particularly regarding seismic retrofits.

• Practice Your Narrative: Prepare to articulate your experience and approach using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and be ready to discuss your strategic approach to design management challenges.

⚠️ 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.