Your Role
Gensler is at the forefront of transformative design solutions that drive change and deliver exceptional value for our clients. Our commitment to innovation, creativity, and impactful design outcomes has positioned us as a leader in the industry. We are seeking a visionary Design Director who is passionate about pushing the boundaries of design to lead our talented team and elevate our client solutions.
Design Directors play a crucial role in shaping the creative direction of our projects and guiding a diverse team of designers across various disciplines. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of design principles and a proven track record of delivering exceptional results that resonate with project stakeholders. This individual will be responsible for ensuring that our design outcomes not only meet but exceed client expectations, resulting in groundbreaking and meaningful design solutions that drive value creation and successful outcomes.
What You Will Do
Leadership & Strategy: Provide visionary leadership for the design team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Develop and implement strategic design initiatives that align with client goals and business objectives.
Client Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and objectives to deliver compelling design solutions. Act as the primary point of contact for major projects, ensuring clear communication and satisfaction.
Mentor, Coach and Support Growth: Guide designers in discovering their strengths, mentor and coach to enhance and develop design skills. Provide open communication, active listening, and thoughtful questioning to unleash the potential of talent and teams within our People First culture.
Creative Direction: Oversee design projects from concept through execution, ensuring that creative ideas are innovative, impactful, and aligned with the firm’s high standards. Mentor and inspire the design team to explore new ideas and concepts.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with other communities within the firm, including practice area/subject matter experts, client relationship leaders, and regional leadership, to integrate various perspectives into the design process and enhance the overall project delivery.
Quality Assurance: Ensure all design deliverables are of exceptional quality and meet the firm’s standards for creativity, aesthetics, and functionality. Conduct regular reviews and provide constructive feedback to the design team.
Market Trends & Innovation: Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive insights. Bring fresh ideas and innovations to the table that ensure the firm remains a leader in design excellence and is well represented and published in the marketplace.
Your Qualifications
Current NCIDQ certification as an Interior Designer, Licensed Architect and /or Certification in the field of expertise preferred and required to achieve titled status within the firm.
Bachelor’s degree in Design, Architecture, Fine Arts, or a related field.
LEED AP or WELL AP preferred.
Minimum of 15 years of experience in design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a highly regarded design firm.
Commercial experience required; Lifestyle Sectors including but not limited to: hospitality, multifamily, senior living, Cultural, public amenity preferred and Workplace interiors a plus
Proven track record of delivering successful, innovative design outcomes that have had a significant impact on client satisfaction and business growth.
Exceptional portfolio showcasing a variety of design projects, highlighting innovative approaches and successful client solutions.
Strong understanding of design principles, user experience,
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate design concepts and decisions effectively to clients and teams.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a world-class design firm recognized for its innovation and impact.
Lead a talented team of designers and collaborate with industry leaders on groundbreaking projects.
A dynamic and inclusive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation.
Competitive salary and benefits package, including professional development opportunities.
Application Process: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter detailing their design philosophy and leadership experience, and a portfolio showcasing their work.
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From hiking and camping excursions to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
Skills Required
- Current NCIDQ certification as an Interior Designer or Licensed Architect
- Bachelor's degree in Design, Architecture, Fine Arts, or a related field
- Minimum of 15+ years of experience in design
- At least 5 years in a leadership role within a large or renowned design firm
- Exceptional portfolio showcasing a variety of design projects
Gensler Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Gensler and has not been reviewed or approved by Gensler.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Incentive programs include twice‑yearly bonuses and profit sharing that are positioned as meaningful parts of total compensation. Employee ownership elements can reward longer tenure and contribute to overall earnings beyond base pay.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Employee stock ownership and stock appreciation programs provide wealth‑building avenues beyond salary. These equity mechanisms are highlighted as part of the standard package.
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Healthcare Strength — Core coverage spans medical, dental, and vision alongside life and disability, EAP/mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Benefits breadth is described as solid within the industry context.
Gensler Insights
What We Do
Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 53 locations and more than 6,000+ professionals networked across the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Founded in 1965, the firm works globally with more than 4,000 clients across more than 33 practice areas spanning the work, lifestyle, community, and health sectors. Everything we do is guided by our mission: To create a better world through the power of design. We believe the power of design can spark positive change and create a future that promotes equity, resilience, and wellbeing for everyone. Gensler was named one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work in 2020, 2019, 2017 and 2016, and our award-winning culture has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021. Our people-first philosophy is centered on the core ideas of diversity empowerment, impact, community, respect, and growth. You can learn more about our commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace at https://www.gensler.com/careers#diversity.
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