How to Become a Design Manager

The primary role of a design manager is to provide leadership for his team of designers throughout the course of a project.

For example, a design manager could lead a team of designers on the development of a product's brand, or manage an architectural firm while designing a new building.

These include identifying client project needs, communicating a project outline to his design staff, supervising staff members, providing assistance when necessary and monitoring budget.

Perhaps the most important part of being a design manager is effectively identifying his client's needs for each project.

It's essential for a design manager to know this information before beginning any other stages of the design process.

Don’t be afraid to take a unique path to your goal.

Only by having a desire to look at other sectors of construction can a Structurally biased person really have the range of skills required and this can take years to achieve, in fact as a DM you never stop learning as it's so important to continue with as much training as possible and attend CPD seminars on Safety, new construction materials, Building Regulations updates/CDM compliance/MEP and Architectural based topics.

Get to know and appreciate more the actual level of information and detailing that Architects and Building Services consultants require as traditionally Structural Engineers tend to be totally focused on the main structure and not really get too excited by all of the other remaining elements like internal fitting out/Landscaping works/Acoustics/Internal and external lighting/ internal finishes throughout etc.

Maybe even consider working initially for a Specialist Sub-Contractor as a Design Manager/Co-ordinator is a very good way to get into mainstream DM with main contractors.

Be strategic about naming page templates.

As the Design Manager of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands, you will support the Director, Luxury Architecture and Construction who supports the Waldorf Astoria, Conrad and LRX Brands.

You will also support the Vice President Architecture & Design - Luxury Brands, as well as the Senior Vice President of Global Design Services with portfolio growth initiatives.

You will collaborate with Brand, Development, and Technical Services teams to build and maintain GDS Design Initiatives, brand narratives and design and construction standards.

Your evaluations are critical for design, brand and technical reviews to achieve GDS approvals for conversion, renovation and newly constructed properties.

You will build positive partnerships with all Hilton internal constituents and owners, developers and designers to promote our dynamic approach relative to planning and operational efficiencies.

Skilled and educated, design managers work full-time hours in an office.

Design managers are artistic and creative, familiar with design quality and the strategies involved in creating good designs.

Successful candidates have at least seven years of design experience and three years of design management experience.

Successful design managers should also possess the following skills.

Conflict management – since they manage a team of multiple designers, design managers should be able to manage and resolve conflict between individual team members and between different teams.