Senior Design Manager (Owner's Representative / Architect)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager (Owner's Representative / Architect)

Company: MOCA Systems, Inc.

Location: Irvine, California

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Management / Owner's Representation / Design Management

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years (as practicing architect, with team management)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the envisioning, planning, and design management of large, complex construction projects from inception through completion, acting as the owner's representative.

• Oversee all phases of project delivery, including project definition, procurement, design, pre-construction, bid/award, and construction, ensuring alignment with client goals and objectives.

• Foster collaborative relationships with clients, consultants, architects, and contractors, maintaining open communication and ensuring a common understanding of project status and expectations.

• Mentor project personnel, guide teams to meet client visions, and ensure positive project outcomes by maintaining continuous alignment with the original project vision and implementation plan.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is primarily focused on the "front-end" of construction projects, emphasizing design strategy, owner advocacy, and early-stage project definition. While construction oversight is mentioned, the core strength lies in managing the design process and ensuring it aligns with the owner's strategic vision and project requirements. The "Owner's Representative" aspect highlights a critical client-facing and advocacy function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead visioning sessions, stakeholder workshops, test-fitting, feasibility studies, conceptual design, programming, and master planning for complex construction projects.

• Manage the architect and contractor procurement processes, ensuring selection of qualified partners aligned with project needs.

• Directly manage the design process, attending all design meetings, reviewing submittals, and maintaining meeting minutes to ensure contract accountability and adherence to quality standards.

• Develop and maintain Comprehensive Implementation Plans in collaboration with leadership, serving as the guiding document for design and construction teams.

• Act as the primary day-to-day representative of the MOCA project team in project meetings, ensuring effective communication and decision-making.

• Mentor and supervise project personnel, including direct reports, focusing on staff development, performance management, and team motivation.

• Ensure optimal project performance by executing approved plans, maintaining proper controls, and reporting on progress against established cost, schedule, and quality standards.

• Support business development activities, including client meetings, proposal development, networking, and project interviews, contributing to MOCA's growth.

• Collaborate with leadership in developing proposals and responses, writing key sections, and assembling cohesive proposal documents that adhere to company standards.

• Facilitate client workshops, develop relevant content, and document findings to ensure clear understanding and buy-in.

• Conduct periodic field walks and mock-up reviews to ensure construction quality and craftsmanship meet owner expectations.

• Provide periodic travel (upwards of 25%) to project sites, client offices, and MSI offices for critical meetings and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design management, and team mentorship. The emphasis on "continuous alignment" with the owner's vision suggests a strong focus on strategic execution and problem-solving to keep projects on track. The business development and proposal support responsibilities highlight the need for proactive client engagement and contribution to company growth.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• NCARB accredited Bachelor's degree in Architecture. Experience:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of experience as a practicing architect.

• Significant experience in managing a team involved in planning and design.

• Demonstrated experience in the design phases of construction projects.

• Proven Design Management experience is required. Required Skills:

• Architectural Acumen: Deep understanding of architectural design principles, construction processes, and building codes.

• Project Management: Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage complex projects from inception to completion.

• Team Leadership & Development: Ability to manage and develop high-performing teams, including direct reports, and foster a collaborative environment.

• Client Relations & Communication: Excellent client-focused communication, stakeholder management, and ability to maintain positive, trusted relationships.

• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities to address project challenges effectively.

• Strategic Execution: Ability to implement and execute vision and goals, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Technical Proficiency (Design Software): Working knowledge of design software including Rhino, Enscape, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and Bluebeam Revu.

• Technical Proficiency (Productivity Software): Working knowledge of Microsoft products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.

• Business Development Support: Skills in proposal development, support, and writing, with the ability to develop a pipeline directly or indirectly.

Preferred Skills:

• Registered Architect in the State of California with an active license.

• Other industry accreditations or certifications such as LEED AP, DBIA, PMP, or CCM are desired.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong architectural foundation combined with leadership and client-facing capabilities. The explicit mention of specific design software (Rhino, Enscape, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam Revu) indicates a need for hands-on technical understanding, not just oversight. The preference for a California license and additional certifications like LEED AP, DBIA, PMP, or CCM suggests a desire for candidates with recognized industry expertise and a broad understanding of project delivery methodologies. The "8+ years as a practicing architect including the management of a team" implies a need for both technical depth and early-stage leadership experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate comprehensive project lifecycle management, showcasing involvement from initial visioning and programming through design, pre-construction, and construction oversight.

• Provide case studies illustrating successful design management on large, complex construction projects, highlighting your role as the owner's representative.

• Showcase experience in developing and implementing Comprehensive Implementation Plans, detailing how these plans guided project teams.

• Include examples of stakeholder engagement, visioning sessions, and feasibility studies, demonstrating your ability to translate client needs into actionable design strategies.

• Present evidence of team leadership and mentorship, with examples of how you've developed or managed project personnel. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to managing the architect and contractor procurement process, including criteria for selection and contract oversight.

• Illustrate your methodology for leading design meetings, ensuring accountability, and maintaining accurate meeting minutes for contract adherence.

• Provide examples of how you ensure "continuous alignment" between project teams and the original owner's vision or implementation plan, including problem-solving strategies.

• Showcase your process for conducting field walks and mock-up reviews, emphasizing quality control and adherence to owner expectations.

• Document your experience in developing and contributing to proposals, outlining your role in crafting key sections and assembling cohesive documents.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should strongly emphasize the strategic and client-advocacy aspects of design management. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for translating owner vision into tangible design deliverables and how they manage complex stakeholder relationships throughout the project lifecycle. The ability to articulate a clear methodology for guiding design and construction teams and ensuring alignment with project goals will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $145,000 - $160,000 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401k).

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including support for certifications and continuing education.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility between office and remote work. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required to meet project demands and deadlines, including potential for occasional extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified salary range of $145,000 - $160,000 annually aligns with senior-level positions in architecture, construction management, and owner's representation in the Southern California market, particularly for roles requiring significant experience and specialized skills like design management. This range reflects the expertise needed to manage complex projects and represent owner interests effectively. Benefits are assumed to be competitive for a firm of this nature, typical for full-time professional roles in the AEC industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Services and Software Provider. MOCA Systems, Inc. (MSI) specializes in delivering innovative solutions for large, complex construction projects globally.

Company Size: MSI is described as a profitable firm with offices across the United States and partners around the globe. While an exact employee count isn't provided, this suggests a mid-to-large-sized company with a significant operational footprint and established market presence.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's description implies a mature organization with substantial experience in the AEC sector.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to leadership and involves leading project teams, implying a hierarchical structure common in project management environments.

• The Senior Design Manager will work closely with architects, contractors, consultants, and MOCA project teams, indicating a highly collaborative, cross-functional team dynamic.

• Mentorship responsibilities suggest opportunities for direct reports and junior staff to learn from experienced professionals within the operations and design management functions. Methodology:

• MSI focuses on delivering projects on time and on budget, fulfilling owner expectations through innovative services and technology.

• The company emphasizes a data-driven approach to project delivery and client satisfaction.

• Strategic planning and execution are key, with a focus on developing Comprehensive Implementation Plans to guide projects.

Company Website: http://mocasystems.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values expertise, collaboration, and a strong client-centric approach, essential for an owner's representative role. The emphasis on global projects and complex undertakings suggests a demanding yet rewarding environment that values strategic thinking and robust project execution methodologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating significant responsibility and autonomy. It sits at a critical junction between strategic owner representation and the execution of design and construction processes. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will report to senior leadership within MOCA Systems, Inc. They will, in turn, lead and mentor project personnel, including direct reports, and serve as the primary point of contact for project teams and stakeholders.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the success of client construction projects. By effectively managing the design process, ensuring owner alignment, and fostering collaboration, the Senior Design Manager directly influences project outcomes in terms of cost, schedule, quality, and client satisfaction. Their strategic input shapes the project from its inception, minimizing risks and maximizing value for the owner.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher leadership roles within MOCA Systems, such as Director of Project Management, Vice President of Operations, or specialized leadership roles within the AEC services division.

• Strategic Development: Opportunity to contribute to the development of MOCA's service offerings, methodologies, and business development strategies within the AEC sector.

• Expert Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific project types, sustainability initiatives (e.g., LEED), or advanced project delivery methods (e.g., DBIA).

• Mentorship & Training: Take on greater responsibility in mentoring junior staff and developing training programs for project teams, honing leadership and coaching skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for an experienced architect or design manager looking to leverage their technical skills in a client-advocacy capacity. The growth path is clearly defined towards senior leadership and strategic contributions within the firm, offering a significant career trajectory beyond purely technical design roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement, combining in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): Irvine, CA, and potentially other MOCA Systems offices, requiring periodic travel. The primary focus is on the Orange County Area.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for focused independent work at home and collaborative sessions, team meetings, and client interactions in the Irvine office.

• Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design software and project management tools within the MOCA Systems infrastructure.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, leadership, and clients, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment. Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with the understanding that project demands may necessitate occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical deadlines. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in managing personal schedules around project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement in Irvine, CA, offers a balance of flexibility and in-person collaboration, which is crucial for managing complex projects and client relationships in the AEC industry. The expectation of periodic travel indicates a role that is not strictly desk-bound, requiring adaptability and mobility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter will review applications for basic qualifications, ensuring alignment with the role's experience and educational requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess technical expertise, design management approach, leadership style, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss specific project examples related to visioning, design leadership, and owner representation.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session to present your portfolio, focusing on key projects that demonstrate your ability to manage complex design processes, lead teams, and serve as an effective owner's representative. Prepare specific case studies that highlight challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with other senior team members or potential collaborators to evaluate interpersonal skills, communication effectiveness, and ability to foster collaboration.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall fit with MOCA Systems.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 complex projects that best showcase your design management, owner's representative, and team leadership experience.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the project's objectives, the challenges faced, your strategic approach (especially regarding design vision and stakeholder alignment), and the measurable outcomes (e.g., budget adherence, schedule performance, quality improvements, client satisfaction).

• Highlight Owner Advocacy: Emphasize instances where you effectively represented the owner's interests, resolved conflicts, and ensured alignment with their vision.

• Showcase Leadership: Provide examples of how you mentored teams, managed consultants, and fostered collaboration among diverse project stakeholders.

• Technical Proficiency: Briefly demonstrate your familiarity with the specified design software (Revit, Bluebeam, etc.) if relevant to your project examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to design challenges, owner conflicts, or schedule delays. Focus on your problem-solving methodology and ability to bring projects back into alignment with the original vision.

• Prepare to articulate your approach to developing Comprehensive Implementation Plans and how you ensure these plans are followed throughout the project lifecycle.

• Anticipate questions about your leadership style, team management strategies, and how you foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh practical experience and the ability to articulate a clear, strategic approach to design management and owner representation. A well-prepared portfolio that tells a compelling story of project success, leadership, and client advocacy will be crucial for advancing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency is required in Rhino, Enscape, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and Bluebeam Revu. Candidates should be comfortable discussing their use of these tools in design management and review processes.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly listed, experience with project management platforms common in AEC (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Oracle Aconex) is highly probable and beneficial.

• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with collaborative platforms like Microsoft SharePoint is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Essential for budget tracking, scheduling analysis, and data reporting.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Crucial for client presentations, proposal development, and internal reporting.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in contributing to or utilizing project dashboards for tracking cost, schedule, and quality metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not directly specified for this role, understanding how project pipelines and client relationships are managed within a CRM context is valuable, especially for business development support.

• Automation Tools: Awareness of potential automation within AEC workflows (e.g., BIM automation, document management workflows) would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of design software indicates that this role requires a strong technical foundation in the tools used for architectural design and documentation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they leverage these tools for design oversight, quality control, and collaboration with design teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A paramount value, emphasizing understanding and meeting owner goals and expectations.

• Integrity & Trust: Building and maintaining trusted relationships with clients, consultants, and contractors is critical.

• Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative environment among diverse project teams (architects, contractors, owners) is essential for success.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality projects that meet rigorous standards.

• Innovation: Utilizing services and technology to deliver innovative solutions for complex construction projects.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of project success and ensuring adherence to plans, budgets, and schedules.

Collaboration Style:

• Owner Advocacy: Acting as the owner's primary agent, ensuring their vision and interests are prioritized.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with architects, engineers, contractors, and internal MOCA teams to achieve project objectives.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and continuous dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.

• Mentorship & Development: A culture that supports the growth and development of project personnel through guidance and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes a high degree of professionalism, expertise, and a proactive approach to project delivery. The "owner's representative" aspect strongly suggests a culture that values client advocacy and strategic partnership.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse needs and priorities of clients, design teams, and construction teams on large projects.

• Maintaining Design Integrity vs. Budget/Schedule Constraints: Navigating trade-offs to ensure the owner's vision is realized within project limitations.

• Ensuring "Continuous Alignment": Proactively identifying and resolving deviations from the original project vision and implementation plan.

• Leading Diverse Teams: Effectively motivating and directing teams comprised of various disciplines and external organizations.

• Adapting to Project Changes: Managing scope changes and unforeseen issues while maintaining project momentum and control.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Delivery Methods: Gaining deeper experience with integrated project delivery, design-build, and other complex procurement models.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing and maintaining advanced certifications like LEED AP, DBIA, PMP, or CCM to enhance expertise and credibility.

• Software Proficiency: Mastering advanced features of AEC software, potentially exploring BIM management or data analytics tools.

• Business Development Skills: Developing expertise in client acquisition, proposal strategy, and relationship management.

• Leadership Development: Honing strategic leadership skills through mentorship, advanced training, and increased responsibility within MOCA Systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to complex project management and stakeholder diplomacy, which are also key drivers for professional growth. The opportunity to influence major construction projects from a strategic owner's perspective is a significant draw for ambitious professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex construction project where you served as the owner's representative. What were the key design challenges, and how did you ensure alignment with the owner's vision throughout the project lifecycle?" (Focus on your process for visioning, implementation plans, and conflict resolution.)

• "How do you approach managing relationships with architects, contractors, and other consultants to foster a collaborative and productive project environment?" (Highlight your communication strategies and team leadership approach.)

• "Walk me through your process for developing a Comprehensive Implementation Plan. What are the critical components, and how do you ensure it's adhered to by the project team?" (Emphasize strategic planning and execution oversight.)

• "Describe a situation where a project deviated significantly from its original plan or vision. What steps did you take to bring it back into alignment, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase problem-solving skills and commitment to owner objectives.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about MOCA Systems, Inc., and our role in delivering complex construction projects?" (Research MSI's projects and values. Align your interest with their mission.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to MOCA's culture of client focus and innovation?" (Connect your experience with their stated values.)

• "How do you approach mentoring junior staff and developing high-performing project teams?" (Provide specific examples of your leadership and coaching style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of your experience and then dive into 2-3 detailed case studies. For each case study, clearly define the project scope, your role as Owner's Rep/Design Manager, the owner's vision, key design decisions, challenges faced, your strategic interventions, and the ultimate project outcomes.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate success (e.g., "achieved X% cost savings through value engineering," "delivered project Y weeks ahead of schedule," "resolved Z design conflicts that could have led to delays").

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (renderings, site photos, diagrams of implementation plans) to support your narrative. Avoid overly dense slides.

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared for questions and actively engage the interviewers in discussion about your projects and methodologies. Show your passion and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate not only technical architectural knowledge but also strategic thinking, strong leadership, exceptional communication skills, and a deep understanding of how to advocate for and deliver on an owner's vision within the complex AEC landscape.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the MOCA Systems careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to specifically highlight your experience in design management, owner representation, team leadership, and managing complex construction projects. Ensure keywords from the job description are incorporated naturally.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a professional portfolio (digital format preferred) that showcases 2-3 of your most relevant and complex projects. Focus on demonstrating your strategic approach, leadership capabilities, and ability to deliver on owner objectives. Prepare concise case studies for each project.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research MOCA Systems, Inc., their projects, and their company values. Prepare specific examples to answer behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your experience with design management, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving. Practice presenting your portfolio.

• Technical Readiness: Ensure you are proficient with the required design software (Revit, Bluebeam Revu, Rhino, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite) and can discuss your experience using them in a design management 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.