Architectural Design Director – Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries
Base pay range: $185,000/yr - $240,000/yr
Overview
Forest Lawn is seeking an accomplished and dynamic Architectural Design Director to oversee and direct our internal design teams. The ideal candidate is a creative and visionary leader with a proven track record of managing and delivering large‑scale architectural design projects from concept to completion. This role will manage the architectural design teams responsible for cemetery and memorial park projects, research, design, plan, and detail functional and artistic solutions for the development and beautification of Forest Lawn properties. The Design Director will establish architectural workflows that meet and exceed industry standards.
Responsibilities
- Ensure architectural team workflows adhere to industry best practices for on‑time, on‑budget project completion.
- Present cemetery development designs to the CEO and other critical stakeholders.
- Efficiently shepherd all projects through the plan check process.
- Incorporate constructability initiatives into project designs.
- Integrate art, architecture, and natural landscapes into design plans, incorporating existing and new features of terrain, topography, and vistas to enhance visitor experience.
- Incorporate existing and new artwork into designs, considering style, composition, and emotional impact of sculpture, mosaic, stained glass, and other art.
- Create, implement, and enforce in‑house design standards and QA/QC processes to ensure the quality and accuracy of all project documentation, including schematic designs and construction documents.
- Direct, lead, mentor, and manage employees by planning, assigning, and reviewing work; recognize and reward strong performance, address performance issues, and resolve employee concerns.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and high‑performance design culture.
- Lead recruitment and hiring for design staff.
- Direct and coordinate in‑house staff and outside consultants in preparing presentation drawings, construction documents, specifications, cost estimates, and schedules.
- Ensure effective use of CAD, 3D modeling, Revit, word processing, spreadsheets, and scheduling software.
- Oversee project schedules, ensuring timely completion in alignment with Forest Lawn aesthetics, design intent, and construction standards.
- Lead master planning, new construction, and major renovation projects across all Forest Lawn properties and facilities.
- Oversee permitting process by coordinating responses and modifications required by building departments or other agencies.
- Direct bidding and contract award processes, including responses to RFIs and issuance of addenda.
- Conduct periodic on‑site observations to verify construction aligns with design intent, specifications, and Forest Lawn standards.
- Consult with client individuals and departments to determine functional, spatial, and programmatic requirements of new structures or renovations.
- Plan layout of projects and integrate engineering elements into a unified design for review and approval.
- Present design concepts, study proposed plans and alternatives, and adapt based on leadership input.
- Oversee selection, purchase, delivery, inspection, and installation of statuary, marble, mosaics, stained glass, etc.
- Develop expertise in specifying, detailing, inspecting, and installing materials such as marble, travertine, and granite.
- Act as the primary liaison with stone suppliers, vendors, and fabricators on designated projects.
- Review stone selection/orders prior to confirmation to ensure alignment with design intent.
- Act as the primary liaison with our U.S. Customs broker on stone/other shipments from Italy, coordinating local delivery after shipment arrives in port.
- Oversee the monitoring of existing structures, site features, statuary, and landscaping at all Forest Lawn locations, recommending improvements as appropriate.
- Provide oversight and guidance for landscape design development.
- Partner with Products & Services to design private gardens, statuary, distinguished memorials, inscriptions, benches, vases, plaques, and other embellishments, including cost estimates.
- Partner with Bronze & Marble and Product & Services to manage stone product inventories, including drawings, bidding, ordering, shipping, and delivery to restock inventory.
- Stay current on local, state, and federal building codes, as well as cemetery‑specific regulations.
- Remain informed about construction materials, methods, and best practices.
- Participate in the preparation of annual and 5‑year budgets as requested.
Requirements
- Professional degree in architecture or related design field (Bachelor or Master of Architecture; Master preferred).
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in design and design management within an architectural office.
- Current architectural license for the state of California.
- Valid California driver’s license with required auto insurance.
- Construction site experience preferred.
- Experience with master planning and large‑scale institutional, cultural, or landscape‑integrated projects required.
- Previous design experience in cemetery, mortuary, and office development preferred.
- Proven track record of managing and delivering large‑scale architectural projects from concept to completion.
- Proven leadership experience in directing design teams and managing consultants.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects, schedules, and budgets simultaneously.
- Advanced knowledge of CAD, Revit, and other 3‑D modeling and architectural software.
- In-depth knowledge of design principles and their application in practice.
- In-depth knowledge of construction codes and regulations, including ADA and Title 24.
- In-depth knowledge of construction materials, methods, and practices.
- Ability to produce high‑quality, organized construction drawings and specifications.
- Willingness to understand artificial intelligence and its future impact on architectural design and documentation.
- Knowledge of cemetery‑specific design principles and parameters.
Benefits
Forest Lawn offers an excellent benefits package that is competitive across industries. Detailed information is available on our benefits page.
Drug Testing Policy
Prior to beginning employment, all applicants who receive a job offer must voluntarily submit to a hair‑collection drug screening test that detects use of illegal drugs within the past 90 days. A positive test may result in withdrawal of the job offer.
E‑Verify Statement
Forest Lawn participates in the federal government’s E‑Verify program. E‑Verify confirms employment authorization of new hires through a database maintained by the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with a new hire’s completion of Form I‑9. E‑Verify is not a pre‑screening tool.
Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Forest Lawn considers all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in accordance with applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Summary
Forest Lawn seeks individuals who want to make a profound and positive difference in people’s lives, and who are not satisfied with simply building a career.
Seniority Level
Director
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries
Individual and Family Services
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