Design Manager (Mixed-use Development)

Related • West Palm Beach, FL

16h • Onsite

About The Position

The Design Manager will oversee all aspects of the design process for Related Ross’s large-scale, mixed-use developments. This individual will be responsible for setting design standards, managing multi-disciplinary consultant teams, and ensuring design excellence from concept through project completion. The role demands a leader with the ability to guide complex projects through all phases of design, documentation, and construction.
This position requires a strategic thinker who can balance creative vision with technical rigor, lead internal and external design partners at top architecture firms, and collaborate closely with the development and construction teams to deliver world-class residential environments. The Design Manager will report to the Executive Vice President of Development with a strong co-reporting line to the Executive Vice President of Construction.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture preferred.
• 12-15+ years of experience in residential design and project management.
• Proven experience managing large-scale, mixed-use projects, with affordable and workforce housing projects in the state of Florida preferred.
• Experience working with high-profile architecture firms and overseeing design documentation and construction administration.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to direct and mentor multiple design managers.
• Strong understanding of building codes, zoning, accessibility, and permitting processes.
• Skilled in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and other industry-standard tools.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on, detail-oriented management style aligned with Related Ross’s collaborative culture.

Nice To Haves

• Florida market experience preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with affordable housing is a plus but not essential; firm resources are in place to support that component.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to design and consultant teams for all phases of large-scale residential projects.
• Lead, mentor, and guide less experienced design managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and design excellence.
• Serve as the primary liaison between development, construction, and design teams to align design intent with project goals.
• Represent Related Ross in high-level coordination with architects and other leading design firms.
• Establish design management standards, processes, and quality controls from concept through construction documentation and project delivery.
• Coordinate design deliverables in alignment with entitlement, permitting, and construction schedules.
• Oversee all aspects of design documentation, construction administration, and design completion.
• Coordinate with the VP of interior design for the design process for interior design, amenity spaces, and overall residential experience.
• Lead the selection, negotiation, and management of architecture, engineering, and specialty consultants.
• Prepare and negotiate consultant RFPs, contracts, and fee proposals in collaboration with legal and development teams.
• Track consultant progress, invoices, and deliverables; manage changes in scope or budget as required.
• Review and comment on consultant deliverables, ensuring coordination among architectural, structural, MEP, and systems designs.
• Oversee the selection and integration of building systems (foundation, structure, envelope, MEP, technology) to achieve performance and design objectives.
• Ensure all construction documentation is 100% coordinated, complete, and accurate before issue.
• Collaborate closely with construction partners on cost estimating, constructability, and value engineering.
• Partner with the development team to align design with programmatic, financial, and operational goals.
• Collaborate with operations, marketing, and leasing teams to ensure residential and amenity designs meet business objectives.
• Manage and maintain design schedules in coordination with the master project schedule.
• Coordinate internal and external design reviews and secure approvals from key stakeholders.
• Record, track, and communicate action items from all design and coordination meetings.

Benefits

• Personalized Health Care: Multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options; Employee Assistance Program
• Financial Benefits: Competitive salary and incentive packages; matching 401(k); FSAs and HSA; employer-paid life and AD&D insurance; paid leave & disability programs
• Social Wellness: 19+ days of PTO; mental health counseling & resources; fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance; volunteer days and donation matching
• Career Development: Learning & training programs; tuition & certification reimbursement; internal advancement opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level