CannonDesign is looking for an architectural/interior Design Leader to join its Commercial team based in New York City. We're a creative group, motivated by pushing boundaries and inventing new ways of best achieving our clients' goals. We work around the world. If this piques your interest, read on.
ABOUT OUR FIRM
In 2019, Fast Company named us as a world changing company and one of the most innovative design firms in the world. Last year, our Commercial team had two projects recognized, again by Fast Company, as World-Changing Ideas. That describes us well. We're part of an integrated firm, more than 1,000 people strong, bringing together a spectrum of services united with a drive to design innovations to make this a better place through our ethos of Living-Centered Design, no matter what market we serve.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As Design Leader, you will report to the Executive Director of the Commercial Practice, and the Office Practice Leader in your physical location. Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Perform in a lead design role in all phases of project design with a focus on strategy, visioning, programming, conceptual design, and design development, while also guiding detailing, documentation, and FF&E. This role will include leading both architectural and prime interior design projects.
- Create innovative design concepts that synthesize our clients' culture, goals, and aspirations to deliver solutions responsive specifically to them. Guide the design through all phases, with particular emphasis on early development.
- Prepare and direct the preparation of client presentation materials to convey the design in a compelling and sophisticated manner. Lead design presentations, with an emphasis on storytelling and aiding client understanding of the design. Capture and communicate key client goals and metrics and how our design solutions add value to our clients' success. Collaborate with marketing and communications team to build strong narratives of our work.
- Work within our culture of being an integrated practice by collaborating with technical leaders and employing sensitive consideration of systems design in holistic solutions.
- Integrate performance-based and sustainable design strategies into design solutions.
- Engage in activities that strengthen, differentiate, and promote our brand locally, regionally and nationally. Publishing our projects in design and market-specific media outlets, as well as other potential opportunities for publication such as articles on research and innovation is expected. You will be expected to regularly submit and successfully win design awards. Presentation at and contribution to conferences is encouraged for our top design leaders.
Culture, Growth and Mentorship
Partner with us in creating a strong design culture and practice in the Commercial market and the firm. You will be responsible for:
- Mentoring and growing emerging professionals toward future creative leadership. You will assist in nurturing an environment that exemplifies collaboration, experimentation, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
- Creating a stimulating and rewarding environment that sets the tone for design excellence in your market and demonstrates it across the firm.
- Recruiting and retaining design talent in the Commercial market.
- Empowering staff and delegating effectively; building high-performance teams by encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.
- Provoking critical thinking and critique of our work.
Client and Business Development
You will be responsible for developing and maintaining client relationships; building client trust and loyalty; and collaborating in bringing in work. You will be expected to build upon CannonDesign's legacy clients, as well as your own prior relationships for these purposes. You will seek out and identify new client opportunities for CannonDesign in collaboration with the business development and marketing teams.
ABOUT YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture. Master's degree in Architecture preferred.
- Current US Architectural Registration preferred.
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in related roles.
- Additional accreditations and/or training relevant to this role is preferred.
- LEED accreditation preferred.
- Design portfolio of built and unbuilt work. Third party recognition (awards, publications) preferred.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Business acumen and proven ability to execute strategy.
- Professional acumen and maturity demonstrated by the ability to communicate authentically and respectfully.
- Travelrequired.
As a Federal Contractor, CannonDesign is required to comply with President Biden's Executive Order 14042. Therefore, as a condition of employment, all employees must provide proof of receipt of a full COVID-19 vaccination unless qualified for a valid medical or religious accommodation.
ABOUT WORKING HERE
- We are relentless in our pursuit of client adoration (not simply satisfaction). Consistent delivery of the best service is what we are about.
- We are committed to ensuring our practice is equitable for all employees, representative of the communities around us - and focused on the future of design. We advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts through the leadership of our DEI Council, Employee Resource Groups and other community advocacy initiatives.
- We're about communication and transparency here. If you want to talk to someone about an idea you have, or a challenge that needs addressing, we're ready for you.
The salary range for this position is $153,000 - $205,000 annually. This salary range is the range we believe is the anticipated range of possible base compensation at the timing of the posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the anticipated salary range for the position. Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses. We offer a full benefit package including medical, dental and vision coverage as well as flexible spending account options and voluntary insurances. We have paid time off, flex-time summer hours, remote work options, a 401k plan, and employee perk programs. For a general overview of our benefits, please visit our careers page at
Please note that candidates can only apply to our positions on our company Careers site. It's not uncommon for scammers to create positions that look legitimate on other sites; never enter your information or apply for CannonDesign positions on any platform. Should an issue arise that you feel we should be aware of, please contact us. Please provide your resume and portfolio when applying.
As a condition of employment, all employees are expected to complete mandatory training, including compliance training, within required timeframes and adhere to our internal policies and our Code of Conduct.
CannonDesign recognizes the value of diversity in our workforce. We are committed to equal opportunity. We consider all qualified employment applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, partnership status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Individuals who hold legal work authorization applicable to employment at CannonDesign in the United States will be considered without regard to citizenship/alienage.