Lead Designer

Roles and responsibilities

The Lead Designer will be an advocate for design excellence within the office through an integrated and collaborative approach. The Design Leader consistently exhibits and demonstrates a commitment to AECOM’s core values – Collaboration, Creativity, Community, Integrity and the Environment.

Working with us, you will:

• Manages design team members during the implementation of design to ensure clarity and quality of concept is maintained through detail level.
• Manages client interaction and decision making relative to design from a complete Basis of Design, or User Requirements Brief
• Create and develop planning and design concepts for university, institutional and/or healthcare facilities, such as Earth and Life Science & Engineering Facilities, STEM Education (Science and Engineering) Facilities, Professional Schools (Business, Law), General Classroom Facilities, and Student Life Facilities (Residential, Dining, Recreation).
• Present design solutions to client representatives and/or design review committees.
• Supervise the development of renderings and presentation drawings for client presentations and internal meetings.
• Mentor, provide oversight, and monitor the design work of others to ensure integrated and cohesive designs.
• Will report to the Architectural Studio Leadership and will work closely with the Architectural Discipline Leader, Office Director, Marketing and Senior Designers of the firm to market our services in the various practices

An ideal candidate has:

• Must have thorough knowledge of applicable International building codes.
• Demonstrated effectiveness and commitment to working in a team-based setting, delivering high client service and technical competence.
• Advanced graphic and verbal presentation skills
• Proficiency with Computer Modeling (rhino, Revit) AutoCAD, SketchUp, AR/VR presentation techniques Photoshop, Illustrator and PowerPoint.
• Strong business acumen and critical thinking skills in the pursuit of work
• Strong communication skills and the ability to earn the respect of clients, team members, direct reports and others external to the firm
• Has the ability to lead an integrated design process including architects, interior designers, engineers, planners and site designers.
• Demonstrated coaching and mentoring skills to develop future design talent

Qualifications

• Registration as a RIBA or equivalent licensed architect is required; LEED AP is preferred.
• Minimum 15-20 years’ experience as primary or secondary lead architectural designer on institutional building types.
• Experience in education projects is required.

Desired candidate profile

1. Design Expertise

• Creative Vision: Strong ability to conceptualize and develop original, innovative design solutions that align with the client’s needs, brand identity, and project goals.
• Proficiency in Design Tools: Mastery of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Sketch, Figma, AutoCAD, or other relevant design programs. Familiarity with 3D modeling software (e.g., Rhino, Blender, 3ds Max) may be required for specific industries.
• User-Centered Design: Deep understanding of user-centered design principles, focusing on creating designs that provide the best user experience (UX). This includes wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.
• Visual Design: Expertise in typography, color theory, layout, and composition. Ability to create visually appealing designs that communicate effectively.
• Branding: Strong knowledge of branding principles, including the ability to create or evolve brand identities, design marketing materials, and ensure consistency across all design outputs.

2. Leadership and Team Management

• Team Leadership: Leading and mentoring a team of designers, offering guidance and support to ensure quality work, and helping to develop the team’s skills and knowledge. Ensuring all team members are aligned with project goals.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Collaborating with other departments (marketing, product, engineering, etc.) and external clients to ensure designs meet business objectives, user needs, and technical requirements.
• Resource Management: Allocating and managing resources effectively within the design team, including time, talent, and budgets. Ensuring that projects stay on schedule and within scope.
• Conflict Resolution: Handling any team or project-related conflicts, ensuring smooth communication and problem-solving between team members, clients, and stakeholders.

3. Project Management

• Project Planning and Coordination: Overseeing the end-to-end process of design projects, from the initial concept to final delivery. Creating project timelines, defining milestones, and managing deadlines.
• Scope Management: Ensuring that the project stays within scope by managing client expectations and balancing design needs with project constraints (e.g., time, budget, resources).
• Quality Assurance: Reviewing and approving final design outputs to ensure they meet high standards and are delivered on time. Providing constructive feedback to team members and making revisions as necessary.

4. Technical Skills

• Design Systems: Knowledge of creating and maintaining design systems, including style guides, UI kits, and component libraries, to ensure consistency across all design projects.
• Web & Mobile Design: Expertise in designing for digital platforms, with a focus on responsive design and mobile-first principles. Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and front-end development practices is an added advantage.
• 3D and Physical Product Design (if applicable): For roles in architecture, industrial design, or product design, proficiency in CAD software and understanding of prototyping and manufacturing processes.
• Motion Graphics & Animation (if applicable): Experience in designing motion graphics or animations for digital media, advertising, or web.

5. Problem-Solving and Innovation

• Design Thinking: Strong understanding of design thinking principles, focusing on solving complex problems by understanding user needs and iterating on design solutions.
• Innovation and Trends: Ability to stay on top of current design trends, new technologies, and emerging design practices. Bringing fresh ideas and creative solutions to projects.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to assess complex design challenges, prioritize features, and make informed decisions about design solutions that align with both user needs and business objectives.

6. Communication and Collaboration

• Client Communication: Serving as the main point of contact for clients, presenting design concepts, and incorporating client feedback into the design process. Ability to manage and refine client expectations while maintaining a professional relationship.
• Internal Collaboration: Working closely with other departments (e.g., marketing, engineering, product management) to ensure that designs are aligned with project goals and technical requirements.
• Presentations: Preparing and delivering presentations of design concepts and final work to both internal teams and external clients, explaining design decisions, rationale, and process.
• Feedback Management: Collecting and integrating feedback from various stakeholders while ensuring that the final design aligns with the vision and goals of the project.

7. Business Acumen

• Understanding Client Needs: Translating business objectives into design solutions, ensuring that the final product addresses the client’s needs and goals.
• Budget and Resource Management: Managing the budget for design projects, balancing resources, and ensuring that costs are kept within the allocated budget without compromising quality.
• Market Awareness: Keeping up with market trends and competitor designs to inform decisions and ensure that designs are competitive and relevant in the industry.

8. Educational Background

• Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, Product Design, Fine Arts, or a related field.
• Advanced Degree (optional): A Master’s degree or further specialization may be beneficial for those looking to advance into more senior design leadership positions.
• Certifications (optional): Certification in design software or methodologies, such as Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) or UX Design certification, can be beneficial.