Design Director Job at MBH Architects in Alameda

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We are seeking a highly organized, creative leader to join MBH as a Design Director. This individual will play a key role in developing and executing innovative design strategy and will focus on retail, restaurant, and hospitality design concepts for our clients.

MBH is an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. To request a reasonable accommodation during the interview process, please email resumes@mbharch.com.

What You'll Do

Design Development

• Develop innovative and functional design concepts that meet client objectives and brand standards
• Create compelling design presentations, including renderings, sketches, and mood boards
• Collaborate with the Client’s design team to refine and develop design concepts
• Stay current on retail and restaurant design trends, materials, and technologies

Technical Expertise

• Oversee schematic‑level construction documents, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and details
• Ensure projects comply with building codes and regulations

Project/ Client Management

• Develop project timelines and budgets for multiple design projects simultaneously, and manage these projects to ensure they are delivered on time and within budget
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, managing their expectations to ensure satisfaction
• Provide space planning, interior elevations, and other visuals based on the client’s design standards and specific site conditions
• Present design concepts and proposals to clients
• Address client feedback and incorporate changes into designs
• Identify & negotiate additional services with the client in a timely manner
• Assist with developing proposals and reviewing contracts
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders for timely deliverables
• Ability to direct the internal team on producing design documents that convey the design intent

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, including marketing and operations
• Communicate design vision and concepts clearly and effectively to both internal and external stakeholders
• Participate in team meetings and design reviews

Marketing & Business Development

• Lead and actively participate in business development initiatives to secure new design projects for the studio, including identifying opportunities, networking, and developing client relationships
• Drive the strategic growth of Design opportunities within the retail and restaurant studio by identifying emerging market trends, cultivating new client segments, and expanding service offerings
• Collaborate with firm leadership and marketing teams to create compelling proposals, presentations, and promotional materials that showcase MBH’s design capabilities and unique value proposition

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
• Progressive career experience from Design Professional to Design Director, experience working at an Architectural firm as a Design Manager/ Director
• Experience leading a team of Designers & the ability to develop and grow a junior staff
• Knowledge of design software, including Revit, Sketchup, Bluebeam, Enscape, and Rhino
• Advanced knowledge of building codes and accessibility requirements, and the ability to implement them into construction drawings
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects
• Experience or ability to grow a design studio
• Experience effectively presenting design concepts at industry conferences, including a track record of successful speaking proposal submissions
• Ability to influence client stakeholders to align on design decisions
• Strong leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and collaboration skills
• Ability to travel on an as needed basis
• The ability to work across multiple offices and time zones

Nice To Have

• LEED accreditation and experience

About MBH Architects

MBH Architects offers the best of both worlds: the resources of a top‑tier firm with the supportive culture of a close‑knit team. With offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, Denver, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, we provide hybrid flexibility and global reach.

Our success is built on meaningful collaboration and continuous education. Through integrated services (architecture, environmental graphics, fixture and interior design), we deliver world‑class projects, including multi‑family housing, labs, retail experiences for iconic brands, and many more. We believe great work happens when people feel supported and inspired.

What sets us apart? A strong sense of community, dedication to sustainability and social impact, and a culture that celebrates creativity and connection—whether through design competitions or our legendary waffle‑offs.

If you are passionate about your work, and strive for excellence in everything you do, MBH Architects could be the perfect fit for you.

MBH participates in EVerify for all of our US hires and follows applicable local and national hiring laws for all of our locations.