Company: Ensis Corp. Recruiting
Job Title: Director of Design – Architecture
Location: Orange, CA
TO APPLY: Please send a Resume HERE
Our client, a top OC architecture firm, is seeking a Director of Design to lead and oversee the creative vision of one of their Architectural Studios in their Orange County office. This role focuses on driving innovative, high-quality designs across a range of large, world-class, award-winning projects.
NOTE: FLEXIBLE CANDIDATE CRITERIA: Candidates with experience as a Junior or Senior Director are encouraged to apply. We are also open to highly experienced Senior Designers who demonstrate the potential and ambition to grow into this leadership role, with compensation aligned to their experience and career progression.
Purpose of Position
The Creative Director is a strategically critical leader for one of our Client’s Studios. This role guides, elevates, and inspires design excellence across the practice while strengthening the studio’s creative identity and future direction. This position influences both internal culture and external perception, helping shape the firm's growth and design reputation.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership
• Establish and advance the overall design vision for all of the studio’s work.
• Inspire teams through collaboration, mentorship, and clear communication.
• Lead concept and schematic design efforts—from site planning to elevations and material palettes.
• Maintain design quality and consistency through all project phases by partnering closely with technical leaders.
• Represent Our Client’s design perspective at conferences, design competitions, exhibitions, and industry events.
• Present design concepts to clients and jurisdictions.
Project & Client Leadership
• Engage closely with clients to understand their goals and deliver innovative, contextually appropriate solutions.
• Balance client needs, community context, and city requirements while producing forward-looking designs.
• Oversee design processes to ensure alignment with expectations, contractual requirements, and firm standards.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, navigating challenges with diplomacy and creativity.
Team & Studio Management
• Lead and mentor design directors and staff, cultivating a culture of growth, accountability, and collaboration.
• Contribute to hiring decisions, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Communicate effectively—verbally, visually, and collaboratively—with teams, clients, and consultants.
• Support studio-wide initiatives including standards, design libraries, and presentation tools.
• Work with partners and project managers on staffing, scheduling, and resource planning.
Project Delivery & Technical Coordination
• Collaborate with technical leaders to ensure projects stay true to the design vision.
• Resolve design-related issues throughout development, documentation, and construction phases.
Business Development & Marketing
• Partner with leadership to support the firm’s growth strategy.
• Participate in business development—including proposals, client engagement, and thought leadership.
• Represent Our Client at industry panels, design events, and strategic marketing initiatives.
Financial & Strategic Management
• Understand, contribute to, and uphold project budgets, fees, and financial goals.
• Monitor project performance and identify opportunities for additional services.
• Engage in strategic planning, leadership initiatives, and operational improvement efforts.
Candidate Profile
• 10–15+ years of architectural experience.
• Design-forward portfolio demonstrating creativity, innovation, and contextual awareness.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and unify design teams.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker with understanding of entitlement processes, regulatory frameworks, and architectural business operations.
Core Values
• Team-oriented
• Accountable
• Disciplined
• Process-driven
• Clear communicator
• Diplomatic
Core Competencies
• Leadership: able to inspire without dictating
• Creative Vision: pushes boundaries while staying aligned with client needs
• Mentorship: committed to developing designers at all levels
• Emotional Intelligence: reads people well and adapts accordingly
• Collaboration: works seamlessly across teams and disciplines
• Cultural Fit: aligned with Our Client’s commitment to relationships, creativity, quality, and integrity
Why This Opportunity?
Our Client is a well-established, highly respected architectural practice with a strong presence in California and U.S. projects. The Creative Director will have the influence and platform to shape design culture, elevate the studio’s creative impact, and grow into broader firm leadership.
WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS:
This position is ideal for a visionary design leader ready to drive the creative direction of an award-winning firm, shaping iconic spaces that leave a lasting impact on communities.
Compensation: $120,000 - $180,000
Employment Type: Permanent / Full Time