Director of Design and Innovation

Intro
JMA Ventures LLC is an industry-leading, forward-thinking, full-service real estate development firm delivering high-quality hospitality, residential, sports and entertainment, and mixed-use projects across the country. We are committed to design excellence, innovation, and strong execution. We are seeking a Director of Design to lead and elevate the design vision across our portfolio while integrating emerging technologies to drive smarter, more efficient delivery. If you are an architect who thrives on innovative design technology and wants to apply it in the real world across a broad range of development projects, this role can unlock the next phase of your career.

Job Summary
The Director of Design will provide leadership over the strategic design direction of active and prospective development projects across the firm. This role oversees design from early concept through construction, ensuring alignment with financial goals, brand positioning, and market demands. The position requires close collaboration with senior leadership, development teams, and external consultants, with an emphasis on innovation and technology integration.

We are looking for a candidate with 5-7+ years of architectural experience and strong BIM and computational design skills to help refine and improve our feasibility, design, and development processes. This role leverages your architectural training while placing you within the development ownership group, giving you the opportunity to influence key decisions on iconic projects.

Key Responsibilities

Set and lead the overarching design vision, standards, and quality across the development portfolio

Oversee and manage architects, designers, and consultants through all design phases

Ensure alignment between design intent, budget, and project timelines

Provide leadership input during acquisitions, underwriting, and feasibility analysis

Champion integration of innovative design tools (e.g., BIM/Revit, Rhino/Grasshopper, visualization, and AI-enabled workflows)

Produce site and deal feasibility analyses (massing studies, program mixes, constraints) to inform underwriting assumptions, costs, and execution strategies

Identify risks at a portfolio level and implement strategic solutions

Collaborate directly with executive leadership, development managers, construction, and operations teams

Lead high-level stakeholder presentations and key design decision-making processes

Serve as an internal innovation lead, building a forward-looking design culture within a fast-paced, tight-knit development organization

Qualifications

5-7+ years of relevant experience in architecture, real estate development, or design leadership

Ample experience in hospitality, residential, and/or mixed-use development

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, or a related field

Deep understanding of design delivery from concept through construction, including consultant coordination and documentation

Proven experience managing mid-to-scale projects and leading design teams

Strong familiarity with BIM (Revit), visualization tools, and advanced design software

Demonstrates strong interest and leadership in emerging technologies and innovation

Additional Info
Exceptional design core competency combined with financial and operational acumen. Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills. Ability to oversee multiple complex projects simultaneously. Strategic thinker with a high level of attention to detail and design quality. Comfortable working in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment with self-starter traits and a team player mentality.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive base salary: $150,000 – $160,000 (commensurate with experience)

Performance-based bonus structure

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

401k company retirement plan

Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth

Exposure to high-profile, design-driven development projects

Interested Candidates should contact hr@jmaventuresllc.com

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