Senior Design Manager- A/E Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - A/E Services

Company: The Tsui Group

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Project Management / Design Management (A/E Services)

Date Posted: August 13, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the architectural and engineering (A/E) design process for educational facility construction projects, focusing on seismic, critical repair, and retrofit initiatives.

• Manage and mentor a team of design professionals, guiding them through comprehensive design review cycles to ensure project success.

• Ensure all design plans align with functional program requirements, budgetary constraints, environmental regulations, and legal mandates.

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

• Monitor and manage design changes to maintain project scope and budget integrity, reporting on planning and design status.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is firmly planted in the Project Management and Design Management domain, specifically within the context of A/E services for educational facilities. The emphasis on seismic and critical repair projects suggests a need for deep understanding of structural engineering principles and public sector construction compliance. The "Senior" title implies significant autonomy and leadership responsibilities, requiring a candidate with a proven track record in managing complex, multi-faceted projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage multiple capital projects, with a specific focus on seismic, critical repair, and retrofit initiatives within educational institutions.

• Lead and supervise a team of design professionals, architects, and consultants through the entire design review process.

• Develop and coordinate the District's A&E services design process to ensure adherence to functional program, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.

• Oversee the building design process, ensuring compliance with Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) standards and guidelines for new and modernized structures.

• Establish and execute a robust process for identifying and selecting architectural firms based on qualifications, performance standards, and project alignment.

• Provide clear, consistent direction to architects regarding project goals, objectives, standards, site utilization, schedules, and budgets.

• Implement and maintain an effective and efficient design review process to ensure designs meet overall project goals and objectives, delivering maximum value within allocated budgets.

• Review design changes for compliance with project scope, budget, and functional needs, ensuring alignment with District, community, and environmental requirements.

• Monitor project planning and design status, reporting findings, recommendations, and progress updates to stakeholders.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the successful execution of A/E services for educational facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, stakeholder coordination, and team leadership. The explicit mention of LAUSD standards indicates a need for familiarity with public sector construction regulations and typical agency requirements. The role requires a blend of technical oversight and strategic management, ensuring both compliance and value delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

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

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

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

• Proven expertise in managing complex architectural and engineering (A/E) design processes for large-scale construction projects.

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience supervising design professionals and consultants.

• Proficient in developing and managing project budgets, cost estimating, and financial oversight for capital projects.

• Comprehensive understanding of construction project scheduling, timeline management, and critical path analysis.

• Demonstrated ability in contract administration, including scope definition, negotiation, and oversight.

• In-depth knowledge of seismic, critical repair, and retrofit project requirements within the construction industry.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and reporting.

• Familiarity with public agency or educational facility construction standards and compliance requirements (e.g., LAUSD). Preferred Skills:

• Professional Architect (RA) license by the California State Architectural Board.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

• Experience with specific project management software relevant to construction and design (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud).

• Advanced understanding of building codes, zoning regulations, and environmental compliance relevant to California construction.

• Experience in vendor selection and management, particularly for A&E services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (14+ years) and the specific need for 4 years in educational facilities underscore the seniority and specialized nature of this role. The preference for professional licensure in Architecture or Engineering suggests a strong technical foundation is highly valued. The "communication skills" requirement is critical given the extensive stakeholder interaction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience in managing the full lifecycle of A/E design projects, from initial planning and concept development through to final construction documentation and closeout.

• Case studies showcasing successful management of seismic, critical repair, or complex retrofit projects, highlighting challenges overcome and solutions implemented.

• Examples of effective budget management and cost control strategies for large capital projects, including instances where value engineering or cost-saving measures were successfully applied.

• Documentation of experience in team leadership and management, illustrating how teams were organized, motivated, and directed to achieve project objectives.

• Evidence of successful stakeholder management, including experience collaborating with clients (like educational districts), architects, consultants, and regulatory bodies. Process Documentation:

• Detailed outlines or examples of a structured design review process, demonstrating how quality, compliance, and scope adherence were ensured at each stage.

• Workflows for architect selection, including criteria used for evaluation, RFP development, and interview processes.

• Methodologies for monitoring project progress, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation strategies.

• Examples of reporting structures and communication protocols used for providing status updates and recommendations to senior management and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for demonstrating hands-on experience in managing complex A/E projects. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their processes for project planning, risk management, team leadership, and stakeholder communication, especially within the context of public sector educational facilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $171,000 - $176,500 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance: 100% employer-covered for the employee.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Provided to offer financial protection.

• Vacation Pay: 10.5 days accrued annually.

• Sick Pay: 6 days available immediately upon accrual.

• Holiday Pay: 13 paid holidays per year.

• 401k Retirement Plan: 3% employer contribution after 1 year of service.

• Monthly Stipend for Cell Phone: To cover communication costs.

• Company Laptop: Provided for work-related purposes. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. Given the project management nature, occasional overtime may be required to meet critical deadlines or project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Design Manager role in a high-cost-of-living area like Los Angeles, reflecting the extensive experience and responsibilities. The comprehensive benefits package, especially the 100% employer-covered medical insurance for the employee, is a significant perk. The 401k contribution is a standard offering, with the vesting period being a common element.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Real Estate Development, with a specialization in Educational Facilities.

Company Size: The Tsui Group's exact size isn't specified, but the nature of managing large educational projects suggests it's a well-established firm with significant resources and a substantial project pipeline.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's engagement with large-scale educational projects implies a history of successful project delivery and client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The role involves managing a team of design professionals, including architects, engineers, and potentially project coordinators.

• This team likely operates within a larger project management or construction management department.

• Close collaboration with various District administrators, external architectural firms, and consultants is integral to the role. Methodology:

• Emphasis on structured project management methodologies to ensure consistency and quality across projects.

• Data-driven decision-making, particularly concerning budget adherence, scheduling, and compliance.

• A focus on proactive problem-solving and risk mitigation throughout the design and construction phases.

• Commitment to meeting stringent standards and guidelines set by educational clients like LAUSD.

Company Website: https://www.thetsuigroup.com/ (This is an inferred URL based on the provided organization_url and common naming conventions; direct verification is recommended.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values precision, accountability, and a strong work ethic, essential for managing public sector construction projects with strict compliance requirements. Collaboration and clear communication are paramount, given the diverse stakeholders involved.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, indicating a significant level of responsibility and expertise. It sits at the intersection of design, project management, and client relations, often serving as a key liaison between an organization's technical capabilities and client needs.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Project Management, VP of Operations, or a similar senior executive responsible for the firm's overall project portfolio. They will, in turn, manage a team of direct reports.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the successful delivery of critical infrastructure projects for educational institutions. Effective management by the Senior Design Manager ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, directly contributing to the operational capacity and educational environment of the client. Their work influences the physical learning spaces for thousands of students.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Director-level positions overseeing larger project portfolios or entire departments.

• Opportunities to specialize in specific types of projects (e.g., high-rise, sustainable design, specific educational typologies).

• Potential to move into executive leadership roles within construction management or development firms.

• Development of expertise in complex contract negotiation, strategic client relationship management, and large-scale program management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant career milestone, offering substantial growth potential within the construction and development sector, particularly for those focused on public infrastructure and educational facilities. The combination of technical oversight and management responsibilities prepares individuals for broader leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring presence in the Los Angeles area. This suggests a professional office environment typical of a design or construction management firm.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California. This location offers access to a vast market of educational institutions and large-scale public projects.

Workspace Context:

• A professional office setting with dedicated workspace for design management activities.

• Access to necessary technology and software for project management, design review, and communication.

• Opportunities for collaboration with internal teams, including project managers, estimators, schedulers, and other design professionals.

• Regular site visits to project locations will be a component of the role, requiring travel within the Los Angeles County area. Work Schedule:

• Primarily standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday).

• Flexibility may be required to attend project meetings, site visits, or address urgent project issues outside of regular hours, especially during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for direct oversight, team interaction, and physical presence for site assessments, which are critical for managing construction projects effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications to ensure they meet the minimum requirements, with a focus on your 14+ years of experience and 4 years in educational facilities.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess your overall experience, management style, and understanding of A/E project lifecycles, particularly for seismic and retrofit projects. Be prepared to discuss your approach to team leadership and stakeholder management.

• Technical/Case Study Interview: This may involve a detailed review of your portfolio or presentation of a specific case study. You'll likely be asked to walk through a complex project, detailing your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Expect questions on budget control, schedule adherence, and compliance strategies.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members or other senior leaders to assess your fit within The Tsui Group's culture and your ability to collaborate effectively.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on 2-3 significant projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing A/E services for educational facilities, especially those involving seismic retrofits or critical repairs.

• Quantify Achievements: Use specific metrics to showcase your impact. For example, "Managed a $50M seismic retrofit project, completing it 2 weeks ahead of schedule and 5% under budget."

• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your responsibilities and leadership contributions within each project.

• Showcase Process: Explain your methodologies for design review, architect selection, risk management, and budget control.

• Address Challenges: Be ready to discuss difficult situations you encountered and how you successfully navigated them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions: "How would you handle a situation where an architect's design significantly exceeds the budget?" or "What steps would you take if a critical project deadline is at risk?"

• Practice articulating your understanding of LAUSD standards and California building codes.

• Prepare to discuss your approach to managing diverse teams and conflicting stakeholder priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on practical experience and problem-solving skills. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly showcases quantifiable achievements and process expertise is essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms such as Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud (including BIM 360), Primavera P6, or similar for project planning, tracking, and collaboration.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD) and general understanding of how architectural and engineering software outputs are used in project management.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in MS Project for scheduling, Excel for financial analysis and reporting, Word for documentation, and PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience in analyzing project performance data, including budget variance, schedule adherence, and risk assessments.

• Ability to generate comprehensive reports for senior management and clients, utilizing data from project management systems. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how client relationship management functions and how project documentation ties into client records is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or processes within project management systems to streamline tasks like RFI submissions or change order approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of project management software and tools is non-negotiable for this role. The ability to leverage technology for enhanced efficiency, communication, and data analysis will be a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking ownership of project outcomes, especially within public sector projects.

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality projects that meet or exceed client expectations and regulatory requirements.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where internal teams, external partners, and clients work together effectively.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative solutions to complex design and construction challenges.

• Efficiency & Value: Driving projects to completion within budget and on schedule, ensuring maximum return on investment for the client.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring constant interaction with internal project teams, external architects and engineers, and client representatives (District administrators).

• Proactive communication and clear articulation of project status, risks, and decisions are essential.

• A style that balances firm direction with an open ear for feedback and diverse perspectives from team members and consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company likely fosters a results-oriented culture that values professionalism and a commitment to public service through facility development. Success hinges on building strong, trust-based relationships with all stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and priorities of multiple stakeholders, including the educational client, design teams, and regulatory bodies.

• Navigating Public Sector Bureaucracy: Dealing with stringent regulations, lengthy approval processes, and specific procurement requirements common in public agencies like LAUSD.

• Budget and Schedule Constraints: Delivering high-quality projects within tight financial and time limitations, especially on retrofit and repair projects where unforeseen issues can arise.

• Technical Complexity of Seismic Retrofits: Ensuring designs meet rigorous seismic safety standards and effectively address structural challenges in existing buildings.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening expertise in seismic engineering, building codes, and advanced construction methodologies.

• Developing advanced skills in contract negotiation, risk management, and large-scale program oversight.

• Opportunities to mentor junior design and project management staff, building leadership capabilities.

• Potential for professional development courses or certifications in specialized areas of construction management or A/E services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that, when overcome, provide substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement within the specialized field of educational facility development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex seismic retrofit project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful completion?"

• "How do you approach selecting an architectural firm for a critical educational facility project? What criteria are most important?"

• "Imagine a scenario where a key design consultant is consistently missing deadlines. What steps would you take to address this and keep the project on track?"

• "How do you ensure a design project remains within budget while meeting all functional and regulatory requirements?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about The Tsui Group and our work on educational facilities?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among your design team and external consultants?"

• "Describe your experience working with public agencies like LAUSD. What are the key differences compared to private sector projects?"

• "How do you align your project management approach with broader organizational values like integrity and excellence?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project in your portfolio, clearly define the problem, your solution (including processes and tools used), and the measurable results.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your management of the A/E design process contributed to the successful delivery of educational facilities that benefit students and the community.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decision-making process, risk mitigation strategies, and how you handled specific technical or contractual issues.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Showcase your ability to lead, motivate, and guide teams through challenging project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to speak extensively about their experience with educational facilities, seismic retrofits, and public sector projects, using specific examples from their portfolio to illustrate their skills and problem-solving abilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Workable.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume prominently highlights your 14+ years of professional experience, with a clear emphasis on the required 4 years specifically in educational facilities design and construction. Use keywords from the job description, such as "seismic retrofit," "capital projects," "A/E services," and "contract administration."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a concise portfolio that showcases 2-3 high-impact projects. Focus on demonstrating your leadership in managing A/E services, budget control, schedule adherence, and successful outcomes in educational or public agency settings. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Anticipate being asked to present a detailed case study of a complex project during the interview process. Practice articulating your role, challenges, solutions, and results clearly and concisely.

• Research The Tsui Group: Understand the company's mission, project portfolio, and any specific values or approaches they emphasize in their work, particularly concerning educational facility development.

⚠️ 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.

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