Design Manager - A/E - Los Angeles, CA

About the role

Bamboohr is currently seeking a Design Manager to take on a leadership role within our architectural and engineering division based in Los Angeles. This position carries full responsibility for overseeing the complete lifecycle of design projects, from initial concept development through final construction documentation and delivery. The Design Manager will lead a multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and support staff, ensuring that all project outputs consistently meet the highest standards of quality, accuracy, and professional excellence. This role requires close and ongoing coordination with project managers, clients, and external stakeholders to align design strategies with project goals, timelines, and budget constraints. The successful candidate will thrive in a demanding and fast-paced environment where strategic thinking and hands-on design leadership are equally valued and expected.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead and mentor a team of architects and engineers across multiple concurrent design projects
• Develop comprehensive project design plans including schedules, budgets, staffing, and resource allocation strategies
• Conduct thorough reviews of technical drawings, specifications, and design calculations to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Collaborate closely with project managers to align design deliverables with client expectations and agreed timelines
• Organize and facilitate regular design reviews, quality assurance audits, and internal peer review sessions
• Coordinate with external consultants, general contractors, and municipal regulatory agencies on all design-related matters
• Prepare detailed design proposals, progress reports, status updates, and technical documentation for client presentations
• Establish and maintain firm-wide design standards, best practices, documentation protocols, and quality control procedures
• Identify and resolve design conflicts, technical challenges, and coordination issues that arise during active project execution
• Oversee the integration of architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems within building designs
• Perform design risk assessments and ensure all deliverables comply with applicable building codes and local regulations
• Serve as the primary technical liaison between design teams, construction crews, and operations personnel throughout project delivery
• Monitor project budgets and design costs to ensure expenditures remain within approved financial parameters

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution
• A minimum of ten years of progressive professional experience in architectural or engineering design practice
• Demonstrated history of successfully managing design teams and delivering complex projects on schedule and within budget
• In-depth knowledge of applicable building codes, zoning ordinances, and construction industry standards and regulations
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities for effective interaction with clients and internal team members
• Hands-on experience with project management methodologies, design workflows, and integrated project delivery approaches
• Proven capacity to manage several projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail under demanding deadlines
• A strong record of leadership accomplishments including mentoring, developing, and retaining junior design professionals
• Familiarity with integrated project delivery methods and collaborative design processes is highly desirable

Nice to have

• Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related technical discipline is preferred for this role
• Active professional licensure as a licensed architect or professional engineer in the state of California
• Previous experience managing large-scale commercial, institutional, or mixed-use development projects from concept through completion
• Familiarity with sustainable design principles, energy modeling, and green building certification such as LEED or similar

Skills & tools

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit for producing architectural design documentation and construction drawings
• Working knowledge of BIM (Building Information Modeling) software and collaborative digital design workflows
• Solid understanding of structural analysis methods and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system integration
• Experience with project management platforms such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, or similar scheduling tools
• Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for design visualization
• Familiarity with cost estimation applications and construction scheduling software used in the design industry
• Ability to read and interpret structural drawings, mechanical plans, and electrical schematics with confidence

Practical notes

• This full-time position is physically based at the Los Angeles, California office location and requires on-site presence
• Applicants must possess current authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
• The role requires regular on-site attendance at the Los Angeles office during standard business hours
• Candidates should be prepared to attend regular design review meetings and participate in periodic project site visits
• This position reports directly to the Director of Design and works within a collaborative team environment