Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: DESTINATION ENTERPRISES INC (on behalf of LAUSD)

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Management / Project Management (Infrastructure/Education)

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the design and planning of multiple large-scale capital projects, with a significant focus on seismic, critical repair, and retrofit initiatives within educational facilities.

• Lead and manage a team of design professionals, architects, and consultants through the entire design review process, ensuring alignment with functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.

• Ensure all architectural designs and construction plans adhere to the stringent standards and guidelines set forth by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).

• Drive maximum value for budgeted funds by ensuring designs are appropriate, enduring, and meet the functional needs of the District, the local community, and environmental sustainability goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Design Manager," the core responsibilities and experience requirements strongly indicate a role focused on large-scale infrastructure project management within the public education sector, specifically for LAUSD. The emphasis on seismic retrofits and capital projects places this firmly in the realm of construction and facilities management operations, requiring a blend of technical design oversight and high-level project leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, including critical repair and seismic retrofit initiatives, ensuring timely completion through effective collaboration with architects, consultants, and District personnel.

• Develop, implement, and coordinate the District’s comprehensive design process for Architectural & Engineering (A&E) services to guarantee compliance with all functional program, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.

• Establish and maintain a robust process for identifying and selecting the most qualified architectural firms for each project, evaluating them based on proven qualifications and their ability to meet rigorous performance standards.

• Provide clear, consistent, and actionable direction to architectural teams regarding project goals, objectives, standards, site constraints, schedules, and budgets.

• Implement and refine an effective and efficient design review process to ensure all designs align with and achieve the overall goals and objectives established for each project.

• Diligently review all submitted design changes to proactively manage and maintain project budgets, preventing scope creep and cost overruns.

• Monitor project planning and design status rigorously, providing regular reports on findings, recommendations, and critical updates to stakeholders.

• Perform other assigned duties, contributing to the broader operational success of the District's facilities development and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong stakeholder management, particularly with external A&E firms and internal District administrators. The emphasis on "functional program" and "educational standards" suggests a deep understanding of the unique needs of educational facilities is crucial.

🎓 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. Experience:

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

• At least 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, including seismic and critical repairs, from inception through completion.

• Facilities Design Oversight: Deep understanding of architectural and engineering design principles, standards, and best practices, particularly within the public sector.

• Contract Administration: Expertise in managing contracts with external architectural and engineering firms, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and schedule.

• Cost Estimating & Budget Management: Strong capability in developing, monitoring, and controlling project budgets, including reviewing design changes for cost implications.

• Scheduling & Timeline Management: Proficiency in creating, managing, and tracking project schedules to ensure timely delivery of design milestones and project completion.

• Design Review Process: Experience in establishing and executing effective design review processes to ensure compliance and alignment with project objectives.

• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of building codes, environmental regulations, and LAUSD-specific standards and guidelines.

• Team Leadership & Supervision: Ability to manage, mentor, and direct a team of design professionals and consultants.

• Written & Verbal Communication Skills: Excellent communication abilities to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders, including architects, engineers, District personnel, and community members.

Preferred Skills:

• Seismic Retrofit Expertise: Specialized knowledge and experience in managing seismic assessment and retrofit projects.

• Public Agency Project Experience: Demonstrated success in navigating the complexities of public sector procurement and project delivery, especially within educational institutions.

• Architectural Registration (RA): A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board.

• Professional Engineering License (PE): A valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of a bachelor's degree requirement and 14 years of experience, with a preference for a master's degree and professional licensure, positions this role as a senior-level expert. The emphasis on public sector and educational facilities experience is a critical differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Detailed examples of managing large-scale capital projects, highlighting scope, budget, schedule, and key challenges overcome. Emphasis on projects involving seismic retrofits or critical repairs.

• Design Review Documentation: Samples or descriptions of processes used for reviewing architectural and engineering designs, demonstrating how compliance with standards and functional requirements was ensured.

• Budget Management Examples: Evidence of successful budget oversight on complex projects, including how cost estimates were developed, tracked, and how design changes were managed to stay within budget.

• Team Management & Collaboration: Examples showcasing leadership and coordination of design teams, including architects, consultants, and internal stakeholders, to achieve project objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Candidates should be prepared to discuss and demonstrate their approach to designing and optimizing workflows for architectural and engineering services, from RFP to final design approval. This includes process mapping and identifying bottlenecks.

• Implementation & Automation: While not explicitly an IT role, understanding how design processes are implemented and potentially enhanced through digital tools or streamlined procedures is valuable. Focus on efficient information flow and communication.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: The ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for the design phase, track progress against these metrics, and report on project performance is essential. This includes analyzing design review feedback and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority and focus on project delivery, a portfolio should strongly emphasize demonstrable results and process adherence, particularly in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects within a public agency context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on the provided hourly rate of $95.00 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the estimated annual salary for this position is approximately $197,600. This figure is derived from the provided hourly wage and standard full-time working hours. The Los Angeles market for senior-level project and design management roles, especially within public agencies managing significant infrastructure projects, typically aligns with this compensation level.

Benefits:

• 401(k): Retirement savings plan, likely with employer matching contributions.

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

• Health Insurance: Medical insurance plan options, covering essential healthcare needs.

• Paid Time Off: Includes vacation days, sick leave, and potentially paid holidays, allowing for work-life balance and personal well-being.

Working Hours:

• This is a FULL_TIME position.

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, operational needs may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines, especially during critical design review phases or in response to urgent repair needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based solely on the provided hourly rate. Actual compensation may vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and final negotiation. The benefits package is standard for full-time roles in the US.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector / Education / Construction & Infrastructure Management. DESTINATION ENTERPRISES INC is acting as a contracting entity for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), a massive public school system. The operational environment will be heavily influenced by public sector procurement, compliance, and stakeholder engagement protocols.

Company Size: DESTINATION ENTERPRISES INC's specific size is not provided, but their role as a contractor for LAUSD implies they operate within a large-scale project management framework. LAUSD itself is one of the largest school districts in the United States, employing hundreds of thousands of individuals.

Founded: While the founding date of DESTINATION ENTERPRISES INC is not specified, LAUSD was founded in 1881, indicating a long-standing and established operational environment with deeply ingrained processes and standards.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The role likely operates within a dedicated facilities development or capital projects division of LAUSD, managed through DESTINATION ENTERPRISES INC. This team would consist of project managers, design coordinators, engineers, architects, and administrative support staff focused on managing the District's vast portfolio of buildings and infrastructure.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Executive Director of Facilities Development or Capital Projects. They will, in turn, manage a team of design professionals, architects, and potentially external consultants.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Extensive collaboration will be required with various LAUSD departments (e.g., Operations, Planning, Legal, Finance, School Site Administration), external architectural and engineering firms, construction contractors, and regulatory bodies.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Decisions will be driven by project requirements, budget constraints, seismic risk assessments, educational program needs, and compliance data. Analysis will focus on project feasibility, design integrity, and risk mitigation.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A structured approach to managing the A&E design process, ensuring efficiency, clear communication, and adherence to LAUSD's established standards and project management methodologies.

• Automation & Efficiency: While the core role is design management, leveraging digital tools for project tracking, communication, document management, and reporting will be crucial for efficiency within this large organization.

Company Website: https://www.lausd.org/ (for LAUSD context)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the bureaucratic and highly regulated nature of a public school district like LAUSD is paramount. Processes are often formalized and require meticulous documentation and adherence to established procedures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the facilities and infrastructure management domain. It requires extensive experience in managing complex, high-stakes projects with significant budgetary responsibility and direct team leadership. The scope involves strategic oversight of design processes critical to the operational continuity and safety of educational institutions.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager reports to higher-level executives within the facilities or capital projects division, indicating a significant level of responsibility and influence. They are responsible for managing the performance and output of a team of specialized professionals.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the operational capacity, safety, and long-term viability of LAUSD facilities. Effective management of seismic retrofits and critical repairs directly ensures student and staff safety, while efficient capital project design contributes to modern, functional learning environments, impacting educational outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into Director-level roles within Facilities Development or Capital Projects, managing larger portfolios or broader operational areas.

• Specialization Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as advanced seismic engineering, sustainable building design, or complex infrastructure planning within large public entities.

• Cross-Departmental Influence: Potential to move into strategic planning or policy-making roles related to educational facility development and long-term infrastructure strategy for the District.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth in public sector roles often involves progression through defined levels and requires demonstrating a consistent track record of successful project delivery and leadership within established frameworks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, likely based within a LAUSD administrative building or a dedicated project management office managed by DESTINATION ENTERPRISES INC. The environment will be professional and office-based, with regular interactions with a team of project managers, designers, and administrators.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Los Angeles, CA (90017). Travel to various school sites, architect offices, and potentially consultant locations within the greater Los Angeles area may be required to oversee projects and conduct site visits.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will foster collaboration, with team members often working together on project plans, design reviews, and problem-solving sessions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, project management platforms (e.g., for scheduling, document control, budget tracking), and potentially specialized CAD/BIM viewers or collaboration tools will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with the design team, project managers, and relevant LAUSD department representatives to discuss project status, resolve issues, and ensure alignment.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

• Given the critical nature of capital projects and potential for urgent repairs, some flexibility may be expected to address immediate issues or meet critical deadlines, though core hours will be maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is standard for roles involving direct oversight of physical projects and team management. The expectation of travel to various sites is typical for this level of responsibility in managing a large, geographically dispersed portfolio.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to ensure minimum qualifications (experience, education) are met. Focus on quantifying achievements related to project management, budget control, and team leadership.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves detailed discussions about your experience managing complex capital projects, seismic retrofits, and public sector design processes. Be prepared to discuss specific methodologies, challenges encountered, and solutions implemented.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio. This is an opportunity to showcase your project management skills, design oversight capabilities, and ability to drive successful outcomes.

• Behavioral & Situational Assessment: Interviews may include questions assessing your leadership style, problem-solving approach, ability to manage conflict, and how you handle pressure and ambiguity, especially within a public sector environment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment with LAUSD's long-term facilities goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight LAUSD Alignment: Select projects that demonstrate experience with similar project types (educational facilities, seismic retrofits, large public infrastructure) and scale.

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study, clearly articulate the project's scope, your specific role, budget managed, schedule adherence, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, risk reduction, improved functionality).

• Process Focus: Detail the design review and project management processes you implemented or followed, emphasizing efficiency, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

• Team Leadership: Showcase your ability to lead, motivate, and manage diverse teams of professionals.

• Problem-Solving: Present specific examples of challenges faced (e.g., budget overruns, design conflicts, regulatory hurdles) and the innovative or effective solutions you developed.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential case studies or scenario-based questions related to managing a challenging design review, resolving a budget dispute with a contractor, or prioritizing multiple critical repair projects under tight deadlines.

• Prepare to articulate your strategic approach to ensuring compliance with LAUSD standards and California building codes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be thorough, reflecting the significant responsibility of managing public funds and critical infrastructure. A well-prepared portfolio that directly addresses the requirements of managing educational facility projects is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Procore, PlanGrid) for scheduling, resource allocation, task tracking, and reporting.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for storing, organizing, and retrieving project documentation, drawings, and specifications (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex).

• BIM/CAD Software Familiarity: While not a hands-on design role, understanding and ability to navigate or interpret Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) is highly beneficial for design review.

• Financial Management Tools: Familiarity with systems for budget tracking, cost control, and financial reporting, potentially integrated with LAUSD's financial systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating and interpreting project status reports and dashboards for executive-level stakeholders, highlighting key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design progress, budget adherence, and risk.

• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze project data to identify trends, potential issues, and opportunities for process improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with collaborative tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack) for team communication and project coordination.

• Workflow Automation Concepts: Understanding how workflows can be streamlined, even if not directly implementing automation tools. Focus on efficient communication and approval processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on utilizing tools for project oversight, communication, and reporting rather than direct design creation. Familiarity with systems common in large-scale construction and public sector project management is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards in managing public funds and ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. Taking ownership of project outcomes.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality design and construction that meets or exceeds established standards and provides long-term value.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse teams work effectively towards common project goals, valuing input from all stakeholders.

• Efficiency & Resourcefulness: Striving for efficient project delivery and optimal use of resources, demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving and budget management.

• Commitment to Education: A dedication to supporting the mission of LAUSD by providing safe, functional, and inspiring learning environments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging open communication and proactive collaboration between design teams, project managers, school administrators, and other relevant LAUSD departments to ensure projects align with educational needs and operational realities.

• Process Review Culture: Regularly reviewing and refining design and project management processes to identify areas for improvement, enhance efficiency, and ensure best practices are adopted.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where knowledge and best practices are shared among team members and across projects to foster continuous learning and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will likely be professional, structured, and mission-driven, with a strong emphasis on public service and accountability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Bureaucracy: Dealing with complex procurement processes, stringent regulations, and multiple layers of approval inherent in a large public agency like LAUSD.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and demands of various stakeholders, including school administrators, parents, community members, District officials, and regulatory bodies.

• Budgetary Constraints & Scope Management: Effectively managing project budgets in a context where funding can be limited and subject to political or economic shifts, while rigorously controlling scope to prevent overruns.

• Technical Complexity of Seismic Retrofits: Overseeing highly technical and critical seismic and repair projects that require specialized knowledge and meticulous execution to ensure safety and compliance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or specialized certifications in construction management or public sector project delivery.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in conferences focused on educational facilities design, seismic engineering, public infrastructure, and construction management to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within LAUSD or DESTINATION ENTERPRISES INC, and participation in leadership development programs to enhance management and strategic planning skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of large-scale public infrastructure projects, requiring resilience, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of regulatory environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex capital project with significant budget constraints. What was your approach to cost control and stakeholder communication?" (Focus on process, data, and outcome)

• "How would you ensure that a design for a new school facility not only meets building code but also enhances the educational experience for students and staff?" (Focus on balancing technical requirements with functional program needs)

• "Walk me through your process for selecting and managing an architectural firm for a critical repair project. What are the key evaluation criteria and oversight mechanisms you employ?" (Focus on vendor management and process rigor) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about LAUSD's current facilities challenges or initiatives, particularly regarding seismic safety?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest)

• "How do you approach collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including school principals, parents, and community representatives?" (Highlight communication and diplomacy skills)

• "Describe your experience working within a structured, process-driven environment like a public agency. How do you ensure compliance while driving efficiency?" (Showcase adaptability and understanding of public sector operations) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Use a consistent structure for each case study: Project Overview (scope, budget, timeline), Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges, Solutions Implemented, and Quantifiable Results/Impact.

• Visuals: Incorporate relevant visuals if possible (e.g., project photos, simplified process flowcharts, charts showing budget adherence).

• Focus on LAUSD Alignment: Explicitly connect your experience and demonstrated skills to the requirements of managing LAUSD facilities and capital projects.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key examples efficiently, allowing time for questions and discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific, STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answers for behavioral questions. Tailor your portfolio examples to directly address the "seismic, critical repair, and retrofit" aspects of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the DESTINATION ENTERPRISES INC career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Review your existing portfolio and select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing large-scale capital projects, seismic retrofits, and public sector/educational facilities design. Quantify your achievements and highlight your process methodologies.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description such as "facilities design," "capital projects," "seismic retrofit," "contract administration," "budget management," "design review," and "public agency experience." Clearly list your years of experience and educational qualifications.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research LAUSD's current capital improvement programs, facilities master plans, and any publicly available information on their seismic retrofit initiatives. Understand their mission and values related to providing safe and effective learning environments.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method and prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail. Be ready to address hypothetical scenarios related to managing complex projects and diverse stakeholders within a public sector context.

⚠️ 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.

---