About Circular
Circular is an award-winning, multidisciplinary practice blending sustainable architecture, interiors, brand, and experience design. We create human-centered spaces and systems that deliver delight, well-being, and community impact. Based in DUMBO, Brooklyn, were a Certified B Corp advancing an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.
Role Overview
Were seeking a Design Director with the vision to elevate our work and the judgment to deliver it. Partnering closely with the Principal, youll steer studio strategy, shape project development, uphold design quality, and mentor a talented team. This role offers clear runway for leadership growth within the firm.
Key Responsibilities
- Design Leadership: Set the creative direction across the studio. Champion design excellence thats contextual, functional, and futurereadyadvancing client goals, community benefit, and Circulars impact.
- Team Development &Mentorship: Grow people and practice. Coach teams in design craft, digital workflows, building code, construction administration, and project management. Foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where everyone can do their best work.
- Project Oversight: Own outcomes from concept through closeout. Coordinate subconsultant scopes and contracts, manage risk, track schedules and milestones, and ensure complete, approvable deliverables.
- Resource &Financial Stewardship: Align staffing with project needs, monitor utilization and billing on select projects, and tune workflows to meet budgets and deadlineswithout compromising design quality.
- Equity, Learning &Practice Growth: Embed equity and circulareconomy thinking into everyday decisions. Identify skill gaps, advocate for tools and training, and advance strategies for adaptability, creative reuse, and lifecycle performance.
Qualifications
- Education: M.Arch required; architectural license preferred.
- Experience: 812+ years in a designdriven practice with fullphase project experience and a portfolio demonstrating design excellence and technical depth.
- Technical Proficiency: Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite; strong knowledge of documentation, detailing, materials, codes, and construction technologies.
- Project Management: Proven ability to run multiple complex projectsbudgets, schedules, deliverables, and stakeholder coordination.
- Local Knowledge: Deep familiarity with NYC zoning, building codes, construction standards, and regulatory agencies.
- Leadership: A track record of mentoring, building trust, and guiding teams toward successful outcomes.
- Communication: Clear, concise writing and confident presentation skills; strong collaborator.
- Eligibility: Fluency in English and valid longterm U.S. work authorization.
What Youll Gain
- A collaborative, creative studio where curiosity, rigor, and innovation are valuedand your ideas move real projects forward.
- Impact at scale on highprofile publicsector, commercial, and institutional projects that serve communities.
- Leadership through mentorshipshape the growth of talented teammates while accelerating your own leadership path.
- Handson responsibility from concept to construction with engaged clients and multidisciplinary partners.
- Continuous learning through design critiques, knowledgesharing, and sponsored professional development in advanced building performance and sustainability credentials.
- Once hired, you will receive paid training to achieve Passive House Designer certification through PHI.
- Purposedriven practice at a Certified B Corp committed to equity, circulareconomy strategies, and design that benefits people and planet.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
Workplace Culture
Circular offers an intensebutcasual, designdriven environment. Were recognized for innovation in sustainability and social impact across diverse project types and scales.
Current work includes commissions with NYC DDC Design Excellence, the NYC School Construction Authority, private educational clients, and brand/retail engagements such as BMW of North America and Los Angeles Apparel.
We support healthy worklife balance with health/wellness benefits, paid holidays, and PTO. Visa sponsorship may be considered for candidates already residing in the United States.
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