Design Director, Sports & Recreation

At HDR, our employee‑owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

The Design Director plays a pivotal role in leading innovative design solutions that advance community well‑being around the world, from healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks.

Responsibilities

Develop highly innovative, creative, integrated and effective design solutions

Have an established design reputation evident through design awards, publications, education or other venues, and positive client references

Guide initial design concepts and ideas from pursuit and selection through successful project completion on multiple projects

Meet design excellence goals while meeting management goals and project budgets

Teach and train other designers and interdisciplinary AE project teams in the essentials of design excellence and in the critical tenets of HDR's Design Philosophy

Mentor and develop junior design staff, challenging, inspiring and/or motivating others to join in the constant pursuit of design excellence

Be a key design leader who must have the vision and attitude to lead design efforts while effectively partnering with the global design director, office management, project management, and AEP discipline leaders on all efforts

Capable of identifying, attracting and retaining key design staff, and will be responsible for targeting and developing strategies for hiring senior and junior design talent

Be active in local, national or international professional design related organizations

Preferred Qualifications

Masters in Architecture or closely related field

Experience functioning as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities

Experience on large‑scale projects, including stadiums, arenas, training facilities in the intercollegiate athletics market and professional market

Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED

Willing to travel

Required Qualifications

Bachelors in Architecture or closely related field

A minimum of 15 years experience functioning as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities

Maintains professional architectural registration

Proven track record of winning project pursuits and maintaining strong client relationships

Experience in leading a collaborative, iterative design process with clients and colleagues

Experience and/or interest in integrating sustainable building design

Demonstrated experience with the Design Excellence Program as operated through the GSA's Public Buildings Service (PBS)

Excellent leadership and mentoring skills

Excellent writing and communication skills

Must be capable of leading a team and making client presentations

Ability to collaborate and integrate with existing team

An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

Location
United States - Missouri - Kansas City

Industry
Architecture

Schedule
Full‑time

Employee Status
Regular

Business Class
Sports and Recreation

Job Posting Date
April 10, 2026

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