Director of Residential Design
Gardner/Fox Associates, Inc, Bryn Mawr, PA, United States
Gardner/Fox Associates (GFA)
is an established, award-winning design-build firm serving the Main Line, the Greater Philadelphia region, and beyond. Known for high-end residential renovations, custom homes, and thoughtful design solutions, GFA delivers a fully integrated process that combines design excellence with construction execution.
We are currently seeking a senior-level professional to join our leadership team as
Director of Residential Design . This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly visible and impactful role within a respected firm—working with discerning residential clients while leading a talented internal design department.
The current Director of Residential Design is planning to retire in approximately two years, creating a unique opportunity for a qualified candidate to transition into a long-term leadership position and help shape the future of our residential practice.
Position Overview The
Director of Residential Design
is responsible for guiding residential clients from initial engagement through schematic design, budgeting, bid presentation, and ultimately securing signed construction contracts. This role requires a unique combination of design talent, strong client relationship skills, business development instincts, and the ability to lead projects toward successful execution.
The successful candidate will oversee the residential design department—including Interior Design and Glenbrook Cabinetry—while coordinating closely with drafting and construction teams to ensure projects are thoughtfully designed, clearly scoped, and financially viable.
Key Responsibilities
Follow up on residential sales opportunities and lead early client engagement
Conduct initial client meetings and facilitate discovery and goal-setting discussions
Develop and present design proposals and design agreements
Lead initial design meetings and establish project direction and scope
Prepare conceptual sketch plans and schematic layouts
Coordinate the handoff of initial plans to drafting staff for detailed drawing development
Lead ongoing client meetings throughout schematic design and refinement
Prepare schematic-level construction budgets aligned with design intent and feasibility
Collaborate closely with internal construction teams to validate scope and cost assumptions
Present construction bids, negotiate contracts, and secure signed construction agreements
Serve as the primary design leader and client-facing representative during early project phases
Oversee and mentor the residential design department, including:
Interior Design staff
Glenbrook Cabinetry team
Coordination with drafting personnel and workflows
Maintain design quality standards, project documentation expectations, and a consistent client experience
Collaborate with firm leadership on business development, design strategy, and long-term growth initiatives
Qualifications
10+ years of high-end residential design experience (renovations and/or custom homes preferred)
Proven ability to manage client relationships from concept through signed construction contract
Strong schematic design capability and comfort producing conceptual sketch plans
Experience preparing early-stage construction budgets and understanding real-world construction costsDemonstrated success presenting proposals, bids, and negotiating contracts
Strong leadership experience managing and mentoring design staff
Deep understanding of residential construction and design-build processes
Excellent communication and presentation skills, particularly with high-end residential clientele
Degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or a related field preferred
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Performance-based bonus potential
Comprehensive benefits package (health insurance, PTO, holidays, and related benefits)
Long-term growth opportunity within an established and respected firm
Clear leadership succession pathway as the current Director transitions into retirement
Why Gardner/Fox? At Gardner/Fox Associates, we believe great residential design is built on trust, communication, and a truly integrated process. Our design-build structure allows our teams to guide clients from vision through construction with clarity, accountability, and craftsmanship.
This position offers the opportunity to lead meaningful, high-quality residential projects while shaping the future of a respected design department within a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.
How to Apply Please submit a resume and portfolio (PDF or link), along with a brief introduction outlining your experience in high-end residential design and client leadership.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
is an established, award-winning design-build firm serving the Main Line, the Greater Philadelphia region, and beyond. Known for high-end residential renovations, custom homes, and thoughtful design solutions, GFA delivers a fully integrated process that combines design excellence with construction execution.
We are currently seeking a senior-level professional to join our leadership team as
Director of Residential Design . This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly visible and impactful role within a respected firm—working with discerning residential clients while leading a talented internal design department.
The current Director of Residential Design is planning to retire in approximately two years, creating a unique opportunity for a qualified candidate to transition into a long-term leadership position and help shape the future of our residential practice.
Position Overview The
Director of Residential Design
is responsible for guiding residential clients from initial engagement through schematic design, budgeting, bid presentation, and ultimately securing signed construction contracts. This role requires a unique combination of design talent, strong client relationship skills, business development instincts, and the ability to lead projects toward successful execution.
The successful candidate will oversee the residential design department—including Interior Design and Glenbrook Cabinetry—while coordinating closely with drafting and construction teams to ensure projects are thoughtfully designed, clearly scoped, and financially viable.
Key Responsibilities
Follow up on residential sales opportunities and lead early client engagement
Conduct initial client meetings and facilitate discovery and goal-setting discussions
Develop and present design proposals and design agreements
Lead initial design meetings and establish project direction and scope
Prepare conceptual sketch plans and schematic layouts
Coordinate the handoff of initial plans to drafting staff for detailed drawing development
Lead ongoing client meetings throughout schematic design and refinement
Prepare schematic-level construction budgets aligned with design intent and feasibility
Collaborate closely with internal construction teams to validate scope and cost assumptions
Present construction bids, negotiate contracts, and secure signed construction agreements
Serve as the primary design leader and client-facing representative during early project phases
Oversee and mentor the residential design department, including:
Interior Design staff
Glenbrook Cabinetry team
Coordination with drafting personnel and workflows
Maintain design quality standards, project documentation expectations, and a consistent client experience
Collaborate with firm leadership on business development, design strategy, and long-term growth initiatives
Qualifications
10+ years of high-end residential design experience (renovations and/or custom homes preferred)
Proven ability to manage client relationships from concept through signed construction contract
Strong schematic design capability and comfort producing conceptual sketch plans
Experience preparing early-stage construction budgets and understanding real-world construction costsDemonstrated success presenting proposals, bids, and negotiating contracts
Strong leadership experience managing and mentoring design staff
Deep understanding of residential construction and design-build processes
Excellent communication and presentation skills, particularly with high-end residential clientele
Degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or a related field preferred
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Performance-based bonus potential
Comprehensive benefits package (health insurance, PTO, holidays, and related benefits)
Long-term growth opportunity within an established and respected firm
Clear leadership succession pathway as the current Director transitions into retirement
Why Gardner/Fox? At Gardner/Fox Associates, we believe great residential design is built on trust, communication, and a truly integrated process. Our design-build structure allows our teams to guide clients from vision through construction with clarity, accountability, and craftsmanship.
This position offers the opportunity to lead meaningful, high-quality residential projects while shaping the future of a respected design department within a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.
How to Apply Please submit a resume and portfolio (PDF or link), along with a brief introduction outlining your experience in high-end residential design and client leadership.
#J-18808-Ljbffr