Senior Design Manager - A/E Services - Education - CM-SDMAE-0826-27

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - A/E Services - Education

Company: DLR Planning LLC

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Management / Project Management

Date Posted: September 14, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manage and supervise a team of design professionals through the comprehensive design process for multiple educational facilities, with a strong emphasis on seismic, critical repair, and retrofit projects.

• Oversee the architectural and engineering (A&E) services design process to ensure all plans align with functional program requirements, budgetary constraints, environmental regulations, and legal mandates.

• Drive the selection of architectural firms based on qualifications and performance standards, providing clear direction on project goals, site, schedule, and budget.

• Implement and refine an efficient design review process to guarantee project objectives are met, maximizing value within allocated budgets and ensuring enduring functionality for educational institutions and communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the Construction Management/Project Management domain, focusing on the specialized area of educational facilities design and renovation. The emphasis on seismic, critical repair, and retrofit projects indicates a need for deep expertise in structural integrity, building codes, and historical building assessments. The role requires a blend of technical oversight and team leadership within the context of large-scale public sector projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of design professionals and other project staff throughout the design review lifecycle for educational facilities.

• Strategically manage the district's A&E services design process, ensuring adherence to functional programming, budgetary limits, environmental standards, and all applicable legal requirements.

• Oversee multiple concurrent projects, including complex engineering repairs and critical retrofits, by fostering effective interactions with architects, consultants, and district personnel to guarantee timely project delivery.

• Ensure the compliance of building designs with the specific standards and guidelines of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) by collaborating with design professionals and district administrators to meet both educational and building code requirements for new and modernized structures.

• Establish and execute a robust process for identifying and selecting the most qualified architectural firms for each project, evaluating their expertise, experience, and ability to meet defined performance benchmarks.

• Provide architects with precise and consistent direction regarding project goals, objectives, design standards, site considerations, timelines, and budgetary allocations.

• Develop and maintain an effective and efficient design review process to confirm that designs align with and achieve the overarching goals and objectives of each project.

• Ensure that design decisions deliver maximum value for the allocated budget, are appropriate for long-term use, and effectively meet the functional needs of the district, local community, and environmental considerations.

• Diligently review proposed design changes to ensure the project remains within its established budget parameters.

• Continuously monitor project planning and design status, providing comprehensive reports on findings, recommendations, and project updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a deep involvement in the entire design lifecycle, from team management and firm selection to detailed design review and change management. The explicit mention of LAUSD standards underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to public sector procurement and design guidelines, particularly for educational facilities. The focus on seismic and retrofit projects suggests a need for specialized knowledge in structural engineering and building code compliance for existing structures.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

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

• A minimum of 14 years of full-time, paid professional experience in 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 the total professional experience must specifically involve the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects. Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in Design Management for large-scale facilities.

• Proven ability in Project Management methodologies, including planning, execution, and closing.

• Expertise in Capital Projects lifecycles, from conception through completion.

• Strong understanding of Contract Administration, including negotiation and oversight.

• Proficiency in Cost Estimating and budget development for complex projects.

• Skilled in Project Scheduling and timeline management.

• Specialized knowledge in Educational Facilities Design standards and requirements.

• Significant experience with Seismic Retrofit projects and associated building codes.

• Advanced Design Review processes and quality assurance.

• Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills, essential for stakeholder engagement.

• Proficiency in Architectural Coordination and consultant management.

• Expertise in Budget Management and financial oversight.

• Demonstrated understanding of Compliance with building codes and regulations.

• Solid foundation in Engineering principles relevant to building design.

• Experience in Construction Management oversight. Preferred Skills:

• Professional licensure as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board.

• Professional licensure as a Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are substantial, indicating a need for seasoned professionals with a proven track record in managing complex, public-sector construction projects, particularly within the educational domain. The preference for California professional licensure emphasizes the importance of local regulatory knowledge and compliance. The specific mention of seismic retrofit projects highlights a critical technical specialization required for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

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

• Present case studies of successful seismic repair and retrofit projects, detailing the challenges, solutions implemented, and the measurable impact on structural integrity and safety.

• Provide examples of implemented design review processes, illustrating how efficiency was improved, compliance was ensured, and project objectives were met.

• Show evidence of managing project budgets and schedules effectively, including instances of cost savings or schedule adherence achieved through strategic management. Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for architectural and engineering (A&E) services procurement, including firm selection criteria and contract negotiation processes.

• Examples of design review checklists and reporting templates used to ensure compliance with functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.

• Methodologies for identifying and mitigating risks associated with seismic retrofits and critical repairs in educational facilities.

• Protocols for stakeholder communication and progress reporting throughout the design phase, ensuring alignment between architects, consultants, and district personnel.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will serve as tangible proof of the candidate's ability to manage complex design processes and deliver successful outcomes. The emphasis on seismic and retrofit projects suggests that a portfolio should highlight specific technical challenges and innovative solutions in these areas. Demonstrating a structured approach to process documentation and stakeholder management will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $196,000 - $205,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• 401(k) Plan: Retirement savings plan to help employees plan for their future.

• Dental Insurance: Comprehensive dental coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Health Insurance: Medical insurance plan to cover healthcare needs.

• Life Insurance: Provided life insurance policy for employee security.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid leave for vacation, sick days, or personal needs.

• Vision Insurance: Coverage for eye care and vision-related expenses.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, reflecting a standard full-time engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is at the senior level, reflecting the extensive experience and specialized knowledge required for this role, particularly within the Los Angeles market. The benefits package is standard for a full-time position, offering a comprehensive suite of protections and employee support. The role is explicitly on-site, requiring a consistent presence in Southern California.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Management / Program Management (CM/PM) with a specialization in large-scale public and private sector projects, particularly within the education, infrastructure, and event venue sectors.

Company Size: DLR Planning LLC is a Women and Minority-owned CM/PM firm, established in 2015. While the exact employee count isn't specified, its focus on "mega projects" suggests a dynamic and growing organization with a significant operational capacity.

Founded: 2015. This relatively recent founding indicates a modern operational approach and a company likely focused on innovation and agile project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The operations team is likely structured around project management and design oversight, with specialized roles for managing different project phases and disciplines. As a Senior Design Manager, you would lead a team of design professionals and consultants.

• Reporting is expected to be to senior leadership within DLR Planning, with close collaboration with district administrators and external architectural and engineering firms.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with architects, engineers, consultants, district officials, and potentially community stakeholders. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the emphasis on budgetary adherence, performance standards, and design review processes.

• Workflow optimization is a core function, focused on ensuring efficient and timely completion of complex design projects, especially those involving seismic retrofits.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into project management and communication tools to streamline processes and enhance team collaboration.

Company Website: dlrplanning.com

📝 Enhancement Note: DLR Planning LLC's identity as a Women and Minority-owned firm suggests a commitment to diversity and inclusion within its company culture. Their specialization in mega-projects indicates a capacity for handling high-stakes, complex initiatives, requiring a sophisticated approach to project and design management. The emphasis on a "great company culture" and "high ceiling for personal growth" points towards an environment that values employee development and collaborative success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior Design Manager, representing a significant level of responsibility and expertise within the operations and project management field. It requires extensive experience in managing complex design processes, leading teams, and ensuring compliance with stringent standards, particularly for educational facilities and seismic retrofits. The position demands a strategic oversight role rather than day-to-day task execution.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Operations, VP of Projects, or a similar senior leadership role within DLR Planning LLC. They will, in turn, manage a team of design professionals, architects, engineers, and consultants. Close collaboration with client representatives (e.g., LAUSD administrators) will also be a key aspect of the reporting and communication flow.

Operations Impact: The operations team, and specifically the Senior Design Manager, has a direct and profound impact on the successful delivery of educational facilities. This includes ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet high standards of safety, functionality, and educational efficacy. The management of seismic retrofits directly impacts the safety and long-term viability of educational institutions, making this role critical to public safety and educational continuity. Efficient design processes managed by this role contribute directly to the company's profitability and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher leadership roles such as Director of Design, VP of Operations, or Program Director for major capital initiatives within DLR Planning.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunities to further specialize in complex areas like seismic engineering, sustainable design for educational facilities, or large-scale urban redevelopment projects.

• Mentorship and Training: The role offers opportunities to mentor junior design managers and project staff, developing leadership skills and contributing to the growth of the DLR Planning team.

• Strategic Contribution: Involvement in strategic planning for future projects, business development, and refining DLR Planning's methodologies for large-scale educational projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "high ceiling for personal growth" mentioned in the company description, combined with the senior-level nature of this role, suggests that DLR Planning offers clear pathways for career advancement. Success in this position could lead to broader responsibilities in program management or executive leadership within the firm, particularly given its focus on mega-projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, requiring the Senior Design Manager to work from a physical office location in Southern California. The environment is expected to be professional, collaborative, and fast-paced, typical of a CM/PM firm managing significant capital projects.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California. This location places the role within a major metropolitan area with a high volume of educational construction and renovation projects, particularly those requiring seismic upgrades.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be an open-plan office or a private office within a larger shared space, fostering collaboration among design and project management teams.

• Access to necessary technology, including project management software, design review tools, and communication platforms, is expected to support efficient workflow.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with design teams, project managers, and potentially client representatives will be frequent, promoting a dynamic and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected. However, given the nature of managing large capital projects and critical deadlines, occasional extended hours or weekend work may be necessary to meet project milestones, especially during critical design review phases or urgent repair initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Los Angeles is critical. Candidates must be local or willing to relocate without relocation assistance. The work environment will be demanding but rewarding, offering exposure to high-profile projects and a collaborative team setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review focusing on meeting the minimum experience requirements (14+ years, with 4+ in educational facilities) and technical qualifications (degree, relevant project types). Candidates will be assessed for their alignment with the A&E services and seismic retrofit focus.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion covering project management methodologies, design review processes, contract administration, cost estimation, scheduling, and specific experience with educational facilities and seismic retrofits. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing design teams, resolving conflicts, and ensuring compliance.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of a curated portfolio highlighting key projects, particularly those involving seismic repairs, critical retrofits, and educational facilities. This stage will assess the candidate's ability to articulate project challenges, their role in finding solutions, and the measurable outcomes achieved. Emphasis will be on demonstrating process rigor and impact.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, leadership potential, strategic thinking, and overall alignment with DLR Planning's mission and values. This may include a discussion about long-term career aspirations and contributions to the firm.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and actions, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, improved safety, compliance achieved).

• Showcase Process: Detail your systematic approach to design management, including firm selection, design review, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Highlight Specialization: Dedicate significant attention to case studies involving seismic retrofits and critical repairs in educational settings. Detail the complexities of these projects and your expertise in navigating them.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Provide examples of how you've led and mentored design teams, managed consultants, and effectively communicated with diverse stakeholders, including school district officials.

• Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio directly addresses the requirements of the Senior Design Manager role at DLR Planning, emphasizing experience with educational facilities and public agencies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential case studies or scenario-based questions that require you to outline a plan for a complex design challenge, such as managing a design team through a major seismic retrofit of a school campus under tight budget constraints.

• Practice articulating your problem-solving process, decision-making rationale, and risk management strategies concisely and effectively.

• Familiarize yourself with California building codes, seismic design standards, and public agency procurement processes relevant to educational facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly vet candidates for their technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and strategic approach to managing complex design projects. A strong, well-prepared portfolio is essential, as it will be the primary tool for demonstrating practical experience and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Design Review Platforms: Familiarity with tools that facilitate collaborative design review, markup, and issue tracking, potentially integrated within broader construction management suites.

• Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software: Experience with BIM tools like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or similar for design visualization, clash detection, and coordination, particularly relevant for complex retrofits.

• Document Management Systems: Expertise in managing project documentation, RFIs, submittals, and change orders through robust document control systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, cost tracking, and report generation.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau or Power BI for creating dashboards and visual reports on project progress, budget adherence, and risk assessments.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to use or contribute to project-specific dashboards that provide real-time insights into design status, budget performance, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct sales role, understanding CRM principles for stakeholder management and client relations within project contexts (e.g., managing communication logs with district officials) may be beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or features within project management software to streamline recurring tasks like RFI processing or submittal reviews.

• Integration principles for ensuring seamless data flow between different project management and design software platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is heavily focused on project management, design collaboration, and data analysis tools common in the construction and A&E services industries. Proficiency in BIM and robust project management software is likely critical for managing complex educational facility designs and retrofits.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality design and construction management services, particularly for critical public infrastructure like educational facilities.

• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, taking ownership of responsibilities, and ensuring transparency in project management and financial oversight.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams of professionals work together effectively to achieve shared project goals.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new approaches to design, construction, and project management to enhance efficiency, safety, and value.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing the needs and objectives of clients, such as educational districts, to ensure projects meet their specific functional and community requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates seamless collaboration between design managers, architects, engineers, consultants, and client representatives. This involves proactive communication and a shared understanding of project objectives.

• Process Review and Feedback: An environment where design processes are regularly reviewed, and constructive feedback is exchanged among team members and external partners to optimize outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise, particularly concerning complex projects like seismic retrofits and educational facility design.

📝 Enhancement Note: DLR Planning LLC's emphasis on a "great company culture" suggests an environment that values its employees and fosters strong working relationships. The company's identity as a Women and Minority-owned firm likely influences a culture that promotes diversity, inclusion, and equitable opportunity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the diverse requirements and expectations of multiple stakeholders, including school district administrators, faculty, students, parents, and regulatory bodies, on large-scale educational projects.

• Navigating Regulatory Hurdles: Ensuring strict compliance with evolving building codes, seismic safety standards, environmental regulations, and public agency procurement processes, which can be complex and time-consuming.

• Budget and Schedule Pressures: Delivering high-quality, safe, and functional educational facilities within tight budgetary constraints and demanding project timelines, especially when dealing with unforeseen conditions in existing structures during retrofits.

• Technical Complexity of Retrofits: Addressing the unique challenges associated with seismic and critical repairs on existing educational facilities, which may involve historical preservation considerations, structural unknowns, and the need for specialized engineering solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Seismic Design Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in the latest seismic engineering principles, technologies, and California-specific building codes through specialized courses or certifications.

• Public Sector Project Management Best Practices: Gaining further insight into the intricacies of managing large capital projects for public agencies, including procurement strategies and stakeholder engagement techniques.

• Leadership and Mentorship Programs: Participation in leadership development initiatives and opportunities to mentor junior staff, enhancing management and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Conferences and Networking: Attending relevant industry conferences focused on construction management, educational facilities design, and seismic engineering to stay abreast of trends and expand professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges, particularly due to the complex nature of public sector projects, seismic retrofits, and the inherent need for meticulous planning and execution. However, these challenges also provide substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development in highly specialized areas of construction and design management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex seismic retrofit project for a public facility. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on demonstrating technical expertise, problem-solving, and risk management.)

• "How do you ensure that architectural and engineering designs for educational facilities meet both functional program requirements and stringent budgetary constraints?" (Prepare to discuss your process for value engineering, cost control, and design review.)

• "Walk me through your process for selecting an architectural firm for a major capital project. What criteria do you prioritize, and how do you ensure a good fit for the project's specific needs?" (Highlight your approach to procurement, qualifications assessment, and contract negotiation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about DLR Planning LLC, specifically our focus on mega-projects in the education sector?" (Research DLR Planning's projects and mission; connect your experience and aspirations to their work.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among design teams, consultants, and client representatives, especially on projects with diverse stakeholder interests?" (Be ready to share examples of your communication and team-building strategies.)

• "How do you approach managing a team of design professionals, and what is your philosophy on mentorship and professional development?" (Illustrate your leadership style and commitment to team growth.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by key responsibilities. Start with a high-level overview and then dive into detailed case studies.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state the scope, budget, timeline, your role, key challenges, actions taken, and measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, safety records, compliance achievements).

• Showcase Process Rigor: Explain your methodologies for design management, A&E selection, design review, and risk mitigation. Use visual aids like flowcharts or diagrams if possible.

• Highlight Seismic & Education Expertise: Ensure your most compelling examples directly relate to seismic retrofits and educational facility design. Be prepared to discuss specific technical aspects and regulatory compliance.

• Engage and Inquire: Be prepared to answer questions about your portfolio and also ask thoughtful questions about DLR Planning's current projects, challenges, and strategic direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of project management principles, specific expertise in educational facility design and seismic retrofits, and strong leadership capabilities. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring a clear and compelling narrative of past successes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on careers-page.com.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in managing educational facilities design and seismic/critical repair projects. For each, prepare a concise summary detailing the project's objectives, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., budget adherence, schedule completion, safety improvements, compliance achieved).

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights all relevant experience, particularly the 14+ years of professional experience and the 4+ years focused on educational facilities. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Manager," "A/E Services," "Seismic," "Retrofit," "Capital Projects," "Contract Administration," and "Cost Estimating."

• Prepare for Case Study Presentation: Practice articulating your portfolio projects as case studies. Be ready to discuss your strategic approach, decision-making process, and how you managed teams and stakeholders effectively. Consider preparing a brief presentation deck if allowed.

• Research DLR Planning LLC: Understand the company's mission, values, and the types of mega-projects they undertake, especially in the education sector. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest during interviews.

⚠️ 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.