Design Manager
We are seeking a seasoned, hands-on Design Manager to serve as the design team lead under our Design Director. This role is for a capable AEC professional who knows how projects actually get built, understands code constraints, and wants to run project operations without corporate bureaucracy.
- Location
- Hybrid / Remote
- Position Type
- Full-Time
- Compensation
- $50–$80 per hour depending on skill set
You will take ownership of day-to-day project throughput, permit workflows, and quality control, with room to expand your leadership as the firm grows.
What You’ll Do
- Drive Production & QA/QC: Act as the central gatekeeper for Permit, Shop, Owner, and Pricing drawing packages, back-checking drafting quality, dimension rigor, and field logic before plans leave the office.
- Keep the Pipeline Moving: Proactively manage project schedules, tasks, and team workload across the Design, Permit, and Construction phases.
- Construction Support: Serve as a resource to the construction team and perform incremental QA/QC checks during construction.
- Lead Teams & Troubleshoot: Direct and mentor remote junior staff, stepping in to resolve challenging accessible-design solutions.
- Client & Stakeholder Interface: Meet with property and business owners and translate complex remediation designs into plain language.
- Manage Permits & Plan Check: Own municipal permit submittals, track review timelines, steer packages through the process, and prepare clear plan-check responses.
- Tactical CAD Support: Work in AutoCAD or Civil 3D when needed to move critical drawing sets over the finish line.
Skills You Need to Be Successful
- AEC Background: 6+ years of hands-on experience in CAD drafting, project coordination, trade management, or drawing-production oversight, with demonstrated spatial logic, code fluency, permitting, and constructability knowledge.
- Accessibility Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of CBC Chapter 11B, ADAAG standards, and CASp report translation.
- PM Platform Experience: Experience managing schedules, dependencies, and task tracking in Wrike or a similar project-management system.
- Remote & Interpersonal Leadership: Excellent communication skills for directing remote drafting teams and guiding clients with confidence.
- Self-Directed Research Habits: Curiosity and problem-solving drive to research municipal standards, zoning, past projects, and code guidance for unique site conditions.
An architect or civil engineer license is desirable but not required. CASp certification, or an interest in obtaining it, also carries weight among candidates.
Why Join Us?
- Escape the Corporate Firm Treadmill: Enjoy respect for 40-hour workweeks and work-life balance.
- A Clear Operational Seat: Step into a vital role with direct mentorship from the Design Director and real ownership over design operations.
- Recession-Resistant Stability: Legally mandated compliance work supports steady project volume across changing market conditions.
- Merit-Based Advancement: Grow your compensation and operational authority as you streamline production and assume expanded duties.
- Paid Time Off: Earn 21 combined sick/PTO paid days annually.
Schedule: Flexible entry available with flexible work hours.
Compensation: $50–$80 per hour depending on skill set. Exempt salaried after a 90-day probationary period.