Project Design Manager
Acoufelt LLC, Auburn Hills, MI, United States
Acoufelt specializes in delivering high-quality soft architectural acoustics solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. We work with contractors, ceiling sub-contractors, designers, and architects to provide products that enhance and transform interior workspaces. Our portfolio includes a range of premium soft architectural materials and products designed for commercial projects.
General Description of Work
The Project Design Manager will support the Operations team in driving the successful execution of closed-won projects. This role is responsible for leading and managing a team of Project Designers who translate architectural design intent from plans and specifications into high-quality, constructible drawing packages for client review and engineering.
The Project Design Manager ensures design deliverables are accurate, efficient, and aligned with project timelines, while fostering a high‑performing, collaborative team environment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Proven experience leading, mentoring, and developing a design or technical team
Strong proficiency navigating and working within Rhino 3D (required)
Experience with Grasshopper scripting highly preferred
Strong ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and understand design intent
Familiarity with manufacturing processes, fabrication constraints, and installation requirements
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
Strong leadership presence with the ability to make decisions and set direction when needed
High attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality
Proactive problem‑solving mindset with a passion for how systems and components come together
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across cross‑functional teams
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage internal stakeholders and external partners
Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on optimizing workflows and team performance
Knowledge of architectural products, hardware, and installation methods is essential
General Qualifications & Education
3–5 years of experience in architectural design, construction, or a related field preferred
1–2 years of experience managing a team with direct reports (5–10 personnel)
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Industrial Design, Construction Management, or related field preferred
Duties / Responsibilities
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Project Designers, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and high performance
Set clear expectations, priorities, and goals for the team aligned with company objectives
Conduct regular check‑ins, performance reviews, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback
Manage team workload, capacity planning, and resource allocation to meet project demands
Identify skill gaps and support training and development initiatives
Project Oversight & Execution
Oversee the development of shop drawings, schedules, and 3D models, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and alignment with design intent
Perform quality control reviews of team output to maintain high standards across all deliverables
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and meet internal and client expectations
Proactively identify risks, bottlenecks, or design conflicts and drive resolution
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Project Management, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to ensure seamless project execution
Collaborate with the Operations Director and Senior Leadership to achieve quarterly and strategic goals
Support project handoffs from sales through production, ensuring clarity and continuity
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
Engage with clients, architects, and designers as needed to clarify design intent, resolve issues, and present solutions
Act as a point of escalation for complex design challenges or project concerns
Ensure client expectations are understood and reflected accurately in deliverables
Process Improvement & Innovation
Continuously evaluate and improve design workflows, tools, and standards to increase efficiency and scalability
Support the development and implementation of design standards, templates, and best practices
Leverage tools such as Rhino and Grasshopper to drive automation and innovation in the design process
Software
Strong working knowledge of Rhino 3D (required)
Experience with Grasshopper , Bluebeam , and Salesforce preferred
Competitive compensation and bonuses
Comprehensive health insurance including a choice of two medical plans, dental, vision, employer paid health savings account, and voluntary accident, hospital, life, critical illness.
Paid Time Off starting at 15 days with carry over
#J-18808-Ljbffr
General Description of Work
The Project Design Manager will support the Operations team in driving the successful execution of closed-won projects. This role is responsible for leading and managing a team of Project Designers who translate architectural design intent from plans and specifications into high-quality, constructible drawing packages for client review and engineering.
The Project Design Manager ensures design deliverables are accurate, efficient, and aligned with project timelines, while fostering a high‑performing, collaborative team environment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Proven experience leading, mentoring, and developing a design or technical team
Strong proficiency navigating and working within Rhino 3D (required)
Experience with Grasshopper scripting highly preferred
Strong ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and understand design intent
Familiarity with manufacturing processes, fabrication constraints, and installation requirements
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
Strong leadership presence with the ability to make decisions and set direction when needed
High attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality
Proactive problem‑solving mindset with a passion for how systems and components come together
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across cross‑functional teams
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage internal stakeholders and external partners
Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on optimizing workflows and team performance
Knowledge of architectural products, hardware, and installation methods is essential
General Qualifications & Education
3–5 years of experience in architectural design, construction, or a related field preferred
1–2 years of experience managing a team with direct reports (5–10 personnel)
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Industrial Design, Construction Management, or related field preferred
Duties / Responsibilities
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Project Designers, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and high performance
Set clear expectations, priorities, and goals for the team aligned with company objectives
Conduct regular check‑ins, performance reviews, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback
Manage team workload, capacity planning, and resource allocation to meet project demands
Identify skill gaps and support training and development initiatives
Project Oversight & Execution
Oversee the development of shop drawings, schedules, and 3D models, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and alignment with design intent
Perform quality control reviews of team output to maintain high standards across all deliverables
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and meet internal and client expectations
Proactively identify risks, bottlenecks, or design conflicts and drive resolution
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Project Management, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to ensure seamless project execution
Collaborate with the Operations Director and Senior Leadership to achieve quarterly and strategic goals
Support project handoffs from sales through production, ensuring clarity and continuity
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
Engage with clients, architects, and designers as needed to clarify design intent, resolve issues, and present solutions
Act as a point of escalation for complex design challenges or project concerns
Ensure client expectations are understood and reflected accurately in deliverables
Process Improvement & Innovation
Continuously evaluate and improve design workflows, tools, and standards to increase efficiency and scalability
Support the development and implementation of design standards, templates, and best practices
Leverage tools such as Rhino and Grasshopper to drive automation and innovation in the design process
Software
Strong working knowledge of Rhino 3D (required)
Experience with Grasshopper , Bluebeam , and Salesforce preferred
Competitive compensation and bonuses
Comprehensive health insurance including a choice of two medical plans, dental, vision, employer paid health savings account, and voluntary accident, hospital, life, critical illness.
Paid Time Off starting at 15 days with carry over
#J-18808-Ljbffr