Director - Design and Innovation

Description

 At MA Design, we believe that great design has the power to transform lives and communities. We are a team of passionate architects, designers, and thinkers who are committed to creating spaces that inspire, uplift, and enrich the human experience.

If you are passionate about design, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to join MA Design. Together, let's create spaces that make a difference.

MA Design is hiring a Director - Design and Innovation. This position is a senior leadership role for a visionary architect and people-focused leader who thrives at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and execution.

This role oversees studio operations, mentors and inspires design teams, sets firmwide design standards, and serves as a public-facing thought leader for MA Design. You’ll collaborate closely with our Principals to shape business development strategy, advance thought leadership, and ensure our work consistently reflects the highest level of design quality.

The role of the Director - Design and Innovation involves the following duties:

Design Leadership & Vision

• Work with the client and project teams to develop architectural solutions from conceptual level through schematic design - with input through construction documentation.
• Leads development and production of graphic presentations, 3D renderings, and construction drawings
• Provides ongoing design review as projects progress through the construction document phase
• Manages and mentors staff as it relates to architecture and design.
• Leads design workshops, charrettes, visioning sessions for the office, such as the bi-monthly Design Discussion Collaboration sessions. 
• Collaborates with other senior designers in the office to plan and execute our internal annual MAD Awards
• Serves as a public-facing design leader and ambassador for MA Design
• Identifies emerging design trends, tools, and methods and pilots them responsibly
• Leads client-facing design conversations on strategic and high-visibility projects
• Bridges creative leadership with strategic thinking
• Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement within the firm and the practice of architecture

Technical Excellence & Quality Control

• Influence design direction on large or strategically important projects
• Ensure design approaches align with client goals, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation
• Technically rigorous; maintain consistent quality across all deliverables through regular check-ins and final reviews
• Participate in production efforts as needed
• If registered, sign and seal drawing sets within the studio (or coordinate as required), ensuring compliance with firm authorization and responsible charge requirements

Studio Operations & Financial Oversight

• Oversee studio staffing, workflow, scheduling, and utilization
• Ensure designer hours align with project fees and utilization targets
• Coordinate cross-studio collaboration through weekly scheduling meetings
• Coordinate with Project Managers to ensure designer time is properly allocated in the project plan
• Review and approve timesheets and expense reports weekly

People Leadership & Development

• Mentor, manage, and inspire design staff at all career stages
• Conduct performance reviews and support growth, promotions, and compensation planning with Principals
• Actively support career development planning through regular check-ins and feedback
• Identify and develop emerging design leaders within the studio
• Participate in recruiting efforts and staff interviews
• Foster transparency, accountability, and upward feedback
• Model MA Design’s Core Values, Mission, and Vision every day

Business Development, Marketing & Thought Leadership

• Partner with office leadership on business development strategy and pursuits
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, with a focus on long-term retention
• Champion design approach, staffing strategy, and quality for marketing proposals
• Lead or participate in interviews and project pursuits
• Advance MA Design’s thought leadership through writing, speaking, conferences, and social media
• Represent MA Design in professional, social, and community organizations

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• B. Arch from an accredited program; 15 years experience overall, including min. (5) as Sr. PM in architecture firm; architectural licensure required
• Strong problem solving skills, communication skills, leadership skills, decision making skills, and mentorship skills
• Positive, forward-looking attitude
• Accountable internally and externally
• Innovative and facilitates innovation
• Team Builder - motivates studio members and is inspiring and influential
• Solid knowledge of construction materials and methods including sustainable solutions
• Understand appropriate industry technologies and software
• Understand and incorporate use of contractor, client-specific, and construction management driven software as required
• Ability to appropriately leverage Revit as required to accomplish goals of the position, either directly or through team members.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
• High level of proficiency in building code as applicable to each project
• Ability to work under pressure of tight deadlines

Why choose MA?

Rooted in a set of core values, we prioritize our people above all else. We have cultivated a collaborative and inclusive culture where every voice is celebrated and every contribution is recognized. We firmly believe in nurturing the growth and development of our team members, offering continuous opportunities for learning, mentorship, and professional advancement.

By joining our talented team at MA Design, you will embark on an extraordinary journey fueled by creativity and innovation. As an integral part of our passionate team, you will contribute to making a positive and lasting impact on the world through the transformative power of design. Together, we will craft spaces that not only fulfill their functional purpose but also leave an enduring impression on those who experience them.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement
• Options for Health Savings Account and Medical/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Basic life insurance coverage provided by MA
• Opportunities for additional life insurance, disability, critical illness, and accident coverage
• Leadership opportunities
• Paid time off (PTO) bank merges sick, vacation, and personal time, which allows you to the flexibility to use your paid time off as you see fit
• Seven paid holidays, plus two half-day paid holidays and two floating paid holidays
• 401(k) profit sharing plan and retirement savings advising
• Certification and licensure assistance
• Ongoing career development and advancement opportunities
• Mentorship program
• Impromptu get-togethers
• Workstation flexibility, including a cafe space, hoteling stations, and standing desk compatibility
• Flexible Schedule
• Opportunities for community engagement with our CSR partners
• Casual atmosphere with a supportive and collaborative team

Core Values

• Always Passionate
• Give More Than You Get
• Relentlessly Innovative
• Stronger Together
• Energetically Optimistic
• Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
• Treat Others As They Want To Be Treated

MA Design provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MA Design complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

MA Design expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of MA Design's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.