Senior Design Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Researcher
Company: DLR Group
Location: Dallas, Texas, United States; Houston, Texas, United States; Omaha, Nebraska, United States; Phoenix, Arizona, United States; Washington, D.C.
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Design Research / Built Environment Strategy
Date Posted: 2026-05-08T21:13:13
Experience Level: 3-5 Years Professional Experience
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead research initiatives focused on the built environment's impact on education, teaching, learning, and training within an integrated design firm.
• Act as a crucial liaison between design teams, clients, and stakeholders, translating complex research findings into actionable design strategies.
• Contribute to and foster DLR Group's evidence-based design culture, driving innovation and curiosity across interdisciplinary teams.
• Support and grow relationships across various firm sectors to crosspollinate information and enhance the design of training spaces.
• Develop thought leadership through writing, presentations, and participation in professional organizations, representing DLR Group's research expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Senior" Design Researcher, implying a need for demonstrated leadership, mentorship capabilities, and the ability to independently manage research projects. The emphasis on "built environment's impacts on education, teaching, learning, and training" suggests a specialized focus within the broader design research field, requiring a strong understanding of pedagogical principles and facility planning in educational contexts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Ideate, plan, and execute research projects to understand the built environment's effects on educational outcomes, teaching methodologies, and learning efficacy.
• Collaborate closely with integrated design teams in Higher Education and K-12 Education, as well as other sectors, to embed research insights into design processes.
• Present research findings and recommendations clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including clients, project stakeholders, and internal design professionals.
• Develop and refine research tools, methodologies, and frameworks for studying teaching, learning, and training environments, contributing to the firm's knowledge base.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and compliance with Human Subjects Research Protection (HSRP) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements, particularly for research involving minors and student data privacy.
• Curate and maintain a comprehensive research library of relevant literature, benchmarks, and reports pertaining to educational and training topics.
• Manage multiple research projects concurrently, ensuring high-quality, ethical, and timely delivery of research outcomes.
• Mentor junior researchers and cross-functional team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and process improvement.
• Represent DLR Group's research capabilities at professional conferences and through industry engagement, contributing to the firm's thought leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of client-facing project work, internal strategic research, and professional development. The emphasis on HSRP/IRB compliance and managing research involving minors is a critical operational and ethical responsibility. Mentorship is explicitly called out, indicating an expectation for leadership contributions beyond individual project tasks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree from a program with a strong focus on research methodologies, social science, design research, statistics, education, or a closely related field.

Experience: 3-5 years of relevant professional or academic work experience related to the purpose, planning, design, or management of educational/training facilities.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in fundamental quantitative and qualitative research tools, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and direct observations.
• Demonstrated experience with mixed-methods research, specifically applied to understanding the built environment's impact on education, teaching, learning, and training.
• Strong ability to communicate complex research concepts and findings effectively to non-expert audiences through verbal, written, and visual mediums.
• Proven experience working with and facilitating diverse stakeholder groups throughout the research process to gather insights and build consensus.
• Familiarity with current Human Subjects Research practices and an understanding of IRB requirements, particularly concerning minors and student data privacy.
• Experience in developing and executing research plans for educational or training facilities.
• Ability to manage time and workload efficiently across multiple projects, ensuring ethical and timely completion of work.
• Aptitude for developing thought leadership content, including writing articles, reports, and presentations.

Preferred Skills:

• PhD or advanced training in research methodologies, social science, design research, statistics, education, or a similar discipline.
• Direct professional experience relevant to the planning, design, or management of educational or training facilities.
• Certifications in Design Thinking, Design Research, or Evidence-Based Design.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications and/or speaking engagements related to the built environment's impact on education, learning, or training.
• Experience in writing and managing research grants and projects.
• Familiarity with DLR Group's existing research tools and activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred qualifications is clear. The emphasis on "direct experience" with mixed-methods research related to the built environment's educational impact is a key differentiator. The preference for publications and speaking engagements suggests a desire for candidates who can contribute to the firm's external reputation and thought leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, design, and execute research projects related to the built environment and its impact on learning spaces.
• Case studies showcasing the application of mixed-methods research (quantitative and qualitative) to solve specific design challenges in educational or training contexts.
• Evidence of translating research findings into actionable insights and design recommendations for diverse stakeholders.
• Examples of research deliverables, such as reports, presentations, and visual summaries, tailored for non-expert audiences.
• Documentation of experience with Human Subjects Research protocols and ethical considerations in data collection.
• Showcase of experience facilitating stakeholder workshops or interviews to gather critical design research data.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of research process documentation, detailing project phases from initial scoping to final reporting.
• Methodologies employed for data analysis, including both qualitative coding and quantitative statistical analysis techniques relevant to user behavior and environmental impact.
• Workflow examples demonstrating how research findings are integrated into the iterative design process to inform and refine architectural and interior designs.
• Documentation of how research insights are communicated and socialized with design teams, clients, and other project stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Researcher role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just present findings but demonstrate the entire research process, from problem definition and methodology selection to ethical considerations and the concrete impact of the research on design decisions. Emphasize the "translation" of research into actionable design elements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $130,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Disability insurance coverage.
• Wellness programs designed to support employee health and well-being.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.
• Generous paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for work-life balance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), providing employees with ownership in the company.
• Bonus opportunities based on individual and company performance.

Working Hours: The standard workweek is 40 hours. DLR Group operates on a four-day in-office work model, with Fridays offering flexibility for remote work or other non-office locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a strong benchmark for a Senior Design Researcher in these locations. The benefits package is robust, with a notable emphasis on employee ownership (ESOP) and bonus opportunities, which aligns with the firm's "ownership" value. The hybrid work model with a defined in-office structure is a key aspect of the work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, Interiors, Planning, and Building Optimization. DLR Group operates within the professional services sector, focusing on the built environment. Their integrated approach means they handle multiple facets of design and project development internally.

Company Size: DLR Group is a large firm, indicated by the broad range of locations and the comprehensive benefits package. While not explicitly stated, a firm with offices in multiple major US cities and a 100% employee-owned structure typically implies a significant number of employees, likely in the hundreds or thousands. This size offers opportunities for diverse project exposure and career mobility.

Founded: DLR Group is a long-standing firm with a history that informs its culture. As a 100% employee-owned firm, its founding principles likely emphasized collaboration, shared success, and client focus. The firm's commitment to sustainability goals (2030 Challenge, ME2040, SE2050) indicates a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious culture.

Team Structure:

• The Design Research team is part of a larger integrated design firm, working collaboratively with architects, engineers, and interior designers.
• This role will primarily partner with leaders and designers in the Higher Education and K-12 Education sectors, but also has the potential to support other practice areas.
• The reporting structure likely involves a manager or director within the Design Research team, with significant autonomy expected for a Senior Researcher.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with researchers expected to integrate seamlessly with project teams and client groups.

Methodology:

• DLR Group champions an integrated, evidence-based design culture, meaning research is not an isolated function but a driver of design decisions.
• Data analysis and insights are used to inform strategic planning and design solutions.
• Workflow optimization is a key outcome of integrating research into the design process, leading to more effective and efficient built environments.
• Automation and efficiency are likely pursued through smart research tools and processes that streamline data collection and analysis.

Company Website: http://www.dlrgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "elevating the human experience through design" and its 100% employee-owned structure are critical cultural elements. For a Senior Design Researcher, understanding how research directly impacts human experience, especially in educational settings, and how that translates into firm-wide ownership and shared success will be key. The sustainability commitments also signal a values-driven organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position. It signifies a professional who has moved beyond foundational research execution to leading research initiatives, mentoring others, and contributing to the strategic direction of research within the firm. The role requires independent project management, advanced methodological expertise, and the ability to influence design outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Researcher will report to a Research Director or a senior leader within the Design Research discipline. They will work collaboratively with project managers, design leads, and other designers across various sectors. The role involves both direct reporting and matrixed project-based team interactions.

Operations Impact: The core impact of this role is enabling evidence-based design that directly influences the effectiveness and user experience of educational and training facilities. By translating research into design, this role impacts client satisfaction, project outcomes, and DLR Group's reputation as a leader in designing environments that enhance learning and teaching. The research also contributes to the firm's intellectual property and thought leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of educational design research (e.g., early childhood learning environments, higher education research labs, corporate training facilities).
• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Research Lead or Director role, managing a team, overseeing a research portfolio, and setting strategic research agendas for the firm.
• Thought Leadership: Develop a strong personal brand through publications, conference presentations, and contributing to firm-wide knowledge initiatives.
• Cross-Sectoral Expertise: Expand research application across DLR Group's diverse portfolio beyond education, such as healthcare, sports, or justice sectors.
• Business Development: Contribute to winning new projects by showcasing research capabilities and developing research proposals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a significant step up from an intermediate role, demanding strategic thinking and leadership. Growth opportunities are clearly tied to deepening expertise, managing teams, and becoming a recognized authority in the field, aligning with typical career paths for senior researchers in design-oriented firms.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: DLR Group operates on a hybrid model, requiring employees to be in the office four days a week. This suggests a structured, collaborative office environment designed for in-person teamwork, client meetings, and access to shared resources. Fridays offer flexibility, accommodating remote work or other non-office settings.

Office Location(s): The role is available in multiple major US cities: Dallas, Houston, Omaha, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C., as well as Lincoln and Kansas City (implied by the raw data). This broad geographic spread allows candidates to choose a location that suits them, while also indicating a firm with a significant national presence and the ability to support distributed teams.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is conducive to the four-day in-office model, likely featuring collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms equipped for presentations, and potentially dedicated research labs or quiet zones.
• Access to DLR Group's suite of design and research tools, software, and technology will be available to support day-to-day work.
• Frequent interaction with integrated design teams, project managers, and other researchers will be standard, fostering a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.
• The hybrid model allows for a balance between focused individual work and team-based collaboration.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is 40 hours. The hybrid model provides flexibility on Fridays, allowing for a balance between structured in-office collaboration and independent work from a remote location. This schedule supports the need for deep work in research while maintaining strong team connections.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a defined in-office presence is crucial. It suggests that while flexibility is valued, in-person collaboration and team cohesion are prioritized, especially for a role that requires close interaction with design teams and clients. The multiple office locations offer significant choice for the candidate.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly your experience in design research for educational environments.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to explore your background, research philosophy, experience with mixed-methods research, and understanding of the built environment's impact on learning.
• Team/Peer Interview: Meetings with other Design Researchers and potentially members of the education design team. This stage assesses your collaborative style, communication skills, and ability to integrate into interdisciplinary teams. Expect to discuss specific case studies from your portfolio.
• Presentation/Case Study: A dedicated session where you will present a significant research project from your portfolio. This is a critical opportunity to demonstrate your research process, findings, communication clarity, and ability to translate research into design recommendations. Prepare to answer detailed questions about your methodology, stakeholder engagement, and project outcomes.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or principal to discuss cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and overall alignment with DLR Group's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those demonstrating mixed-methods research in educational or training settings.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your research objectives, methodologies used, your specific role, key findings, and, most importantly, the impact of your research on the final design or client decisions.
• Highlight Process: Detail your research process – from stakeholder engagement and ethical considerations (HSRP) to data collection, analysis, and synthesis.
• Visual Communication: Use compelling visuals (charts, diagrams, photos, mock-ups) to illustrate your findings and recommendations. Ensure clarity and conciseness in all visual aids.
• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation like a story: problem, approach, findings, solution/recommendation, and impact.
• Tailor to DLR Group: Research DLR Group's work in education and their evidence-based design approach. Frame your experience and projects in a way that aligns with their values and goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential case study or a hypothetical research challenge related to designing educational spaces.
• Practice articulating research problems, proposing methodologies, and outlining potential deliverables under time constraints.
• Think about how you would approach gathering insights from diverse stakeholders (students, teachers, administrators) for a specific design scenario.
• Prepare to discuss how you would ensure ethical research practices in such a scenario.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio and presentation skills, which is standard for research-focused roles. Candidates should prepare to not only present their past work but also demonstrate their strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities through hypothetical scenarios.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Software: Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti) and quantitative analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis).
• Survey Platforms: Experience with tools like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or Google Forms for designing and deploying surveys.
• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for team communication and virtual meetings.
• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools such as Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing project timelines and tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel for creating clear and impactful data visualizations.
• Statistical Software: As mentioned above, tools like SPSS, R, or Python for in-depth statistical analysis.
• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation and basic analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM-focused, understanding how research data can inform customer relationship management strategies within the firm might be beneficial.
• Familiarity with any internal DLR Group systems for knowledge management or project documentation.
• Experience with tools that facilitate automated data collection or reporting where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, the nature of the role implies a need for strong analytical and data visualization skills, as well as proficiency in standard office productivity and collaboration suites. The emphasis on "research methodologies" and "statistics" suggests a need for statistical software expertise.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment: Dedication to delivering high-quality research that genuinely impacts design outcomes.
• Creativity: Applying innovative research approaches to uncover new insights and solutions for the built environment.
• Environmental Stewardship: Understanding how research can contribute to sustainable and responsible design practices in educational facilities.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical research standards, particularly concerning human subjects and data privacy.
• Ownership: Taking responsibility for research projects, from initiation to impactful implementation, and contributing to the firm's collective success.
• Sharing: Actively sharing knowledge, insights, and best practices within the Design Research team and across interdisciplinary project teams.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with designers, clients, and stakeholders to achieve shared project goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary: Working seamlessly within teams composed of architects, engineers, interior designers, and other specialists.
• Client-Centric: Engaging directly with clients and stakeholders to understand needs and present findings.
• Knowledge-Sharing Focused: Actively participating in discussions, workshops, and presentations to disseminate research findings and foster a learning environment.
• Feedback-Oriented: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback to continuously improve research processes and design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values provide a direct framework for how operations professionals are expected to conduct themselves. For a Senior Design Researcher, demonstrating how their work embodies these values – particularly integrity, ownership, and sharing through their research outputs and collaborations – will be crucial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Abstract Concepts: Effectively translating complex research findings on the built environment's impact into concrete, actionable design recommendations for non-researcher audiences.
• Navigating Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the varied perspectives and priorities of different stakeholders (students, educators, administrators, clients) in the research and design process.
• Ethical Research in Educational Settings: Ensuring strict adherence to HSRP and IRB guidelines, especially when working with minors and sensitive student data, while still gathering robust insights.
• Integrating Research into Fast-Paced Design Cycles: Finding efficient ways to embed research insights into project timelines that can be demanding and fast-paced.
• Quantifying Impact: Developing robust methods to measure and demonstrate the tangible impact of research-informed design on educational outcomes and user experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge research techniques, potentially including behavioral analytics, AI-driven insights, or advanced statistical modeling.
• Specialized Design Areas: Deepen expertise in specific educational typologies or emerging trends in learning environments through project work and firm-supported training.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Develop leadership skills through mentoring junior researchers and potentially leading research initiatives or practice areas.
• Industry Engagement: Participate in conferences, workshops, and professional organizations to stay abreast of industry trends and expand professional networks.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain a broader understanding of architectural, engineering, and interior design processes through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the practical difficulties of applying research in a real-world design context. The growth opportunities are well-defined and align with advancing expertise, leadership, and industry influence, offering a clear career progression path.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used mixed-methods research to solve a complex design problem in an educational setting. What was your process, what were the challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on methodology, problem-solving, and impact.)
• "How do you approach translating complex research findings into actionable recommendations for a client who may not have a research background?" (Focus on communication, stakeholder management, and practical application.)
• "Imagine you are tasked with researching the impact of flexible learning spaces on student engagement in a university setting. What would be your initial research plan, including methodologies and key stakeholders to involve?" (Focus on strategic planning, methodology selection, and stakeholder identification.)
• "How do you ensure ethical research practices, particularly when working with human subjects, and what is your experience with HSRP/IRB requirements?" (Focus on ethics, compliance, and responsibility.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about DLR Group's integrated design approach, and how do you see design research fitting into that model?" (Focus on alignment with firm strategy.)
• "How do you embody DLR Group's values of 'Ownership' and 'Sharing' in your research work and collaborations?" (Focus on cultural fit and values demonstration.)
• "How do you stay current with research trends and best practices in the built environment and education sector?" (Focus on continuous learning and industry awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the challenge, your research journey, the insights uncovered, and the design solutions influenced.
• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your research methodology, data collection, analysis techniques, and how you navigated any ethical considerations.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics or qualitative evidence demonstrating how your research positively influenced the project's design or outcomes.
• Visual Clarity: Use clear, concise visuals that support your narrative without overwhelming the audience. Ensure charts and graphs are easy to interpret.
• Interactive Engagement: Be prepared to engage in a dialogue, answer in-depth questions, and potentially discuss how you might adapt your approach to new scenarios DLR Group presents.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating not just technical research skills but also strategic thinking, communication prowess, ethical awareness, and cultural alignment. The portfolio presentation is highlighted as a critical component for showcasing these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience matching the required qualifications, emphasizing your 3-5 years of relevant work, mixed-methods research expertise, and experience in educational or training facility contexts. Use keywords from the job description such as "built environment," "education," "teaching," "learning," "training," "quantitative research," "qualitative research," and "stakeholder facilitation."
• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that showcases 2-3 key research projects. Ensure each project clearly details the problem, your methodology, findings, and the impact on design. Focus on projects related to educational or training environments and highlight your experience with mixed-methods research and stakeholder engagement.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting one of your portfolio projects. Be ready to articulate your process, insights, and the tangible outcomes of your research. Anticipate questions about your methodology, ethical considerations, and how you translate research into actionable design advice.
• Research DLR Group: Familiarize yourself with DLR Group's mission, values, and their work in the education sector. Understand their integrated design approach and how design research contributes to their success. Note their commitment to sustainability and evidence-based design.

⚠️ 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.