Design Manager - Workplace - Mid Level

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers. We’re tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring new ideas to solve challenging problems. Whether you’re into sketching new ideas, hacking a building or growing client relationships in global markets, there’s something here for everyone.

Our depth of expertise spans disciplines—from aviation and transportation to education, hospitality, retail, technology and more. At our core we embody an entrepreneurial spirit, always looking ahead for new ways to innovate and add to our clients' success. We share the belief that design has the power to transform organizations and change lives; whether we’re refreshing a retailer’s brand, planning a new urban district or designing a super tall building.

Our work reflects an enduring commitment to sustainability, and we believe that a diversity of voices and cultures is one of the most powerful strategic tools for securing lasting competitive advantage.

As the world’s largest design firm, Gensler has a unique obligation and opportunity to focus on sustainability in the built environment. We deepened our commitment to combat the impact on climate change in the built environment when we launched Gensler Cities Climate Challenge (GC3) in 2019. This is our pledge to meet an ambitious goal: the elimination of all greenhouse gases from our work by 2030.

Your Role

As a Gensler Tokyo Design Manager, you have a successful track record of managing all phases of architecture projects and will have overall project responsibility for client satisfaction, quality control and financial performance. You will deploy resources to ensure that the work process flows smoothly and act as the primary liaison between the team and client. This is a great opportunity to join a highly creative, collaborative team while working on trendsetting architectural projects across a variety of industries.

What You Will Do

• Be responsible for all phases of projects from the beginning to the closure and will have overall project responsibility for client satisfaction, quality control and financial performance

• Deploy resources to ensure that the work process flows smoothly and act as the primary liaison between the team and client
• Provide leadership to client and team members by communicating project objectives, contract scope, terms, and schedules proactively
• Build relationships with clients, sub-contractors, vendors and contractors that extend beyond the project completion
• Act as a trusted advisor that connects our clients with Gensler knowledge community, local, regional and global.
• Reflect Gensler's brand in the Tokyo market to build business across global and local clients
• Understand the full catalogue of Gensler’s services and deliver these integrated services for the best possible solution for our clients.
• Participate in marketing presentations, prepare marketing proposals and negotiate contracts and fees
• Track and manage financial performance of project for success (e.g., work plan, schedule, fees, change orders, billings and collections)
• Lead teams throughout the project process which includes review of staff commitments, scope and deliverables. 

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or related field

• 8+ years of related project management experience on a range of architecture projects

• Professional license or certification preferred

• LEED accreditation preferred

• Experience negotiating project scope, and fees

• Experience with the full project lifecycle, through post-occupancy

• Knowledge of building codes, standards and building structures

• Basic technical understanding of architectural design, interior and furniture design

• Experience with project management software, such as MS Project, a plus

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit

• Able to communicate fluently in Japanese and English

• Knowledge in sustainable design principles required.

• LEED, WELL, Fitwel, LFA, Casbee or other rating systems accreditation preferable.

• Understand key principles for leading and achieving net zero projects.

• Capacity to drive sustainability focused discussions with clients and teams.

• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and sustainable building practices required.

• Previous experience in sustainable design projects preferred. At least one project of the candidate portfolio should showcase this focus. Especially built projects with LEED, Living Building Challenge, WELL Building Standard, Fitwel and /or Net Zero Building certification.

Your Design Technology Qualifications

• Familiarity with the BIM project lifecycle through design, construction and operational phases

• Understanding of BIM deliverables and terminology in contracts

• Experience in collaboration within the BIM context, including cloud-based markups, consultant coordination and clash detection.

• Experience in establishing and managing BIM teams for project design and delivery

• Experience in managing design teams with Revit/Rhino/Grasshopper skills

• Understanding of real-time rendering processes within the context of BIM and parametric workflows

• Understanding of the capabilities and application of Information Management tools such as Aconex, Asite, Newforma, etc.

Life at Gensler

Gensler Asia-Pacific and Middle East is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through our Five Strategies. In partnership with our clients, we strive to create a just and equitable future for our communities and our colleagues. We celebrate our diversity and are focused on creating an inclusive workplace environment for all.

As a people-first organization, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From internal design competitions to research grants 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 and wellness programs. We also offer profit sharing and twice annual bonus opportunities.

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.