Architectural Design Manager

Incredible opportunity to be part of an amazing portfolio and team!

Based in El Segundo, CA, we are currently seeking an Architectural Design Manager who embodies our values: kind, scrappy, uplift communities, creative persistence, curiously open minded, magical places, and build great teams.

In addition to a competitive compensation package, CenterCal offers a comprehensive benefits package and company culture that is collaborative and focused on the health and well-being of its strongest asset – all employees!

• Medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability and a group term life benefit.
• 401k plan - Under the Company’s current benefits package, eligible employees can begin participating after 90 days of employment.
• Financial advisement services through the company’s 401k advisor.
• Unlimited PTO Plan
• Company paid holidays
• Two paid community service days – one individual volunteer day and one company-sponsored.
• Flexible spending accounts and more!

GENERAL PURPOSE: The Design Associate / Manager is responsible for significant architectural design aspects of projects from early concept and schematic design through the early stages of design development. This role provides day-to-day oversight and coordination of design work performed by internal designers and external consultants while remaining actively involved in drawings, designs, layouts, presentations, and 3D visualizations. The role works closely with Design Studio leadership to translate project goals and design direction into clear, coordinated design solutions; identify design and technical issues; mentor junior staff; and manage multiple project responsibilities independently with limited supervision.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES: Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Architectural Design & Project Development

• Develop and advance architectural concepts from initial design studies through schematic design and early design development.
• Translate design direction, conceptual sketches, planning studies, and project requirements into clear architectural drawings, diagrams, models, and presentations.
• Develop building massing, architectural character, facade compositions, storefront systems, material palettes, roof forms, entries, and exterior architectural elements.
• Prepare conceptual floor plans, elevations, sections, facade studies, and architectural details appropriate to the project stage.
• Develop and maintain SketchUp models and Enscape visualizations to communicate architectural design intent.
• Produce presentation-quality graphics, renderings, diagrams, and design exhibits for internal reviews, executive presentations, entitlement efforts, and consultant coordination.
• Coordinate architectural design efforts with architects, landscape architects, civil, structural, MEP, lighting, signage, and other project consultants.
• Provide clear design direction, markups, sketches, models, and reference materials to consultants and junior design staff.
• Review consultant drawings and design deliverables for consistency with approved design direction, project standards, and overall architectural intent.
• Evaluate alternative design solutions balancing design quality, constructability, cost, schedule, tenant requirements, and project objectives.
• Provide day-to-day oversight and guidance to junior design staff and review drawings, models, graphics, and presentations for design consistency, accuracy, and quality.
• Support the transition of projects to outside architects and consultant teams as projects advance beyond the Design Studio early design development scope.

Project & Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Design Studio leadership to ensure alignment with project goals, schedules, and design direction.
• Collaborate with Development, Construction, Leasing, Operations, and other internal teams to incorporate project requirements into architectural design.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining architectural design standards, templates, material libraries, and visualization resources.
• Prepare professional visual materials for communication with executives, internal teams, tenants, consultants, municipalities, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in project and Design Studio meetings and contribute proactively to design discussions and problem solving.
• Assist in mentoring junior designers and support continued development of Design Studio workflows, digital tools, design resources, and emerging technologies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The following are the minimum qualifications which an individual needs in order to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Please note that the minimum qualifications may vary based upon the department size and/or geographic location.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or a closely related design field.
• 8+ years of relevant professional experience in architecture, design, mixed-use development, retail, commercial, hospitality, residential, or related project types.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD for architectural drawings, plans, elevations, sections, diagrams, and design studies.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.
• Advanced proficiency in SketchUp and strong proficiency in Enscape for architectural modeling, design exploration, real-time visualization, and rendering.
• Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu and the Microsoft ecosystem, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize AI software and emerging AI-powered design, visualization, research, presentation, and productivity tools, and to quickly integrate new technologies into established workflows.

Competencies

• Strong architectural design sensibility and ability to translate conceptual direction into well-developed design solutions.
• Strong visual communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to design quality.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to clearly communicate architectural design intent.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced design and development environment.
• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across multiple disciplines.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound design judgment with limited supervision, and provide constructive direction and mentorship to junior design staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

Nature of work requires an ability to effectively communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, and operate standard business office equipment.

Travels as required to meet accountabilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: In general, the following conditions of the work environment are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job within the environment.

Work performed in a general office environment.

The base salary for this position starts at $95,000 per year, commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for a discretionary bonus.