Title: Director of Project Delivery
Location: San Antonio, TX
Overview: Our client has gained national recognition as a leader in design, sustainability, culture, and financial performance. The firm's work has consistently won top national and international recognition, and in 2024 was awarded the AIA Gold Medal this year. The firm has ranked #1 in the Architect 50, Architect Magazine's annual list of the best architects in the US. As their reputation has grown, so has its size, currently over 150 people with offices in San Antonio and Austin. They work across various project types, including Higher Education, Urban Environments, Commercial, Hospitality, Civic & Cultural, K-12 Schools, Custom Residential, and Eco-Conservation.
Our client is looking for someone to centralize and strengthen a comprehensive Project Delivery Process, bringing projects from concept to completion. This individual will lead the development of an enhanced QA/QC program that safeguards the quality and thoroughness of design documentation and the construction administration process. The role includes establishing and maintaining documentation standards and details, enhancing the drawing review process, developing a core group of documentation experts, mentoring architects in the construction process, etc. The role will be a key piece of a larger risk management program that addresses the entire design and building process from contract review, go/no-go criteria, to project close-out. The successful hire will eventually need to be based in their San Antonio office, but they’re flexible working through the timing of a transition.
Why you should consider this role:
- It's a firm-wide position where they will have oversight of all projects and a diverse range of typologies. This individual will be able to mold things as they see fit and play an integral role in continuing to elevate the firm's work.
- Their unique brand and design-driven practice allow the firm to compete for and acquire work nationally and internationally.
- The firm places a strong emphasis on nurturing a collaborative, fulfilling, and flexible work environment. In doing so, they have developed a strong sense of community that continues to evolve with the influx of new personalities and perspectives. They are extremely proud of their low attrition rate, and a big reason people stay is the people-focused culture.
- They excel in their ability to maintain a diverse practice in an era of increasing specialization while also thriving financially. The business is profitable and continues to grow.
- This is a critical leadership role, and this opportunity will appeal to an ambitious, forward-thinking talent who can bring lessons learned to a prominent mid-sized firm.
- Offer a competitive compensation/benefits package and will cover relocation costs since we’re conducting a national search.
- San Antonio has a small-town feel but with big-city amenities, affordable real estate, and COL compared to other major metro cities, lower taxes (no state income tax), proximity to Austin, etc.
Responsibilities:
Documentation Standards, Workflow and Review
- Define, develop, and lead the implementation of Contract Administration Best Practices and Document Workflows.
- Analyze data to identify areas for improvement in the quality control system.
- Develop strategy and manage protocols for recommended peer reviews for consultants, waterproofing, etc.
- Directly interface with leadership, Director of Design Performance and Design Technology, to develop efficiencies and documentation best practices across software platforms.
- Lead a multi‐stage review and final evaluation of design and construction documents to confirm compliance with the contract deliverables and project documents (including but not limited to drawing set organization, details, dimensions, interdisciplinary coordination items, specifications coordination, etc.).
- Review technical documents and specifications for compliance with applicable codes, constructability and risk management, and produce a review report.
Mentorship and Collaboration
- Cultivate a collaborative environment for studio knowledge-sharing and mentoring.
- Provide leadership and guidance on Construction Documentation and Contract Administration issues as required.
- Identify and implement training programs that assist with strengthening project team skillsets and documentation resources.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field.
- 15+ years of related experience is required.
- 10+ years of experience focused on programming, planning, and designing all phases of various laboratory types such as clinical, biocontainment, research and development, academic teaching and research pharmaceutical, physical science, and advanced technology facilities.
- Experience with designing animal research, clean rooms, and GMP manufacturing facilities is preferred.
- Advanced knowledge of technical and regulatory requirements for laboratory design.
- Advanced experience with technical coordination of all disciplines to achieve proposed lab design.
- Advanced experience with laboratory programming, lab design, preparation of quality construction documents, specifications, permit processing, and construction administration.
- Knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills: focused, articulate, and motivated. Ability to convey and present laboratory planning concepts and requirements to clients. Collaborates with designers and mentors other team members.
- Experience with proposal development, interview participation, and presentations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Bluebeam Revu is required.
- Knowledge of CAD, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.
- Enthusiastic commitment to the multidisciplinary design process and team environment.
- Ability to travel locally and nationally up to 30% of the time.
- Architecture or Interior Design licensure and LEED AP preferred.