Director - Design and Innovation

MA Design•Columbus, OH

About The Position

At MA Design, we believe that great design has the power to transform lives and communities. We are a team of passionate architects, designers, and thinkers who are committed to creating spaces that inspire, uplift, and enrich the human experience. If you are passionate about design, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to join MA Design. Together, let's create spaces that make a difference. MA Design is hiring a Director - Design and Innovation. This position is a senior leadership role for a visionary architect and people-focused leader who thrives at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and execution. This role oversees studio operations, mentors and inspires design teams, sets firmwide design standards, and serves as a public-facing thought leader for MA Design. You’ll collaborate closely with our Principals to shape business development strategy, advance thought leadership, and ensure our work consistently reflects the highest level of design quality.

Requirements

B. Arch from an accredited program; 15 years experience overall, including min. (5) as Sr. PM in architecture firm; architectural licensure required
Strong problem solving skills, communication skills, leadership skills, decision making skills, and mentorship skills
Positive, forward-looking attitude
Accountable internally and externally
Innovative and facilitates innovation
Team Builder - motivates studio members and is inspiring and influential
Solid knowledge of construction materials and methods including sustainable solutions
Understand appropriate industry technologies and software
Understand and incorporate use of contractor, client-specific, and construction management driven software as required
Ability to appropriately leverage Revit as required to accomplish goals of the position, either directly or through team members.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
High level of proficiency in building code as applicable to each project
Ability to work under pressure of tight deadlines

Responsibilities

Work with the client and project teams to develop architectural solutions from conceptual level through schematic design - with input through construction documentation.
Leads development and production of graphic presentations, 3D renderings, and construction drawings
Provides ongoing design review as projects progress through the construction document phase
Manages and mentors staff as it relates to architecture and design.
Leads design workshops, charrettes, visioning sessions for the office, such as the bi-monthly Design Discussion Collaboration sessions.
Collaborates with other senior designers in the office to plan and execute our internal annual MAD Awards
Serves as a public-facing design leader and ambassador for MA Design
Identifies emerging design trends, tools, and methods and pilots them responsibly
Leads client-facing design conversations on strategic and high-visibility projects
Bridges creative leadership with strategic thinking
Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement within the firm and the practice of architecture
Influence design direction on large or strategically important projects
Ensure design approaches align with client goals, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation
Technically rigorous; maintain consistent quality across all deliverables through regular check-ins and final reviews
Participate in production efforts as needed
If registered, sign and seal drawing sets within the studio (or coordinate as required), ensuring compliance with firm authorization and responsible charge requirements
Oversee studio staffing, workflow, scheduling, and utilization
Ensure designer hours align with project fees and utilization targets
Coordinate cross-studio collaboration through weekly scheduling meetings
Coordinate with Project Managers to ensure designer time is properly allocated in the project plan
Review and approve timesheets and expense reports weekly
Mentor, manage, and inspire design staff at all career stages
Conduct performance reviews and support growth, promotions, and compensation planning with Principals
Actively support career development planning through regular check-ins and feedback
Identify and develop emerging design leaders within the studio
Participate in recruiting efforts and staff interviews
Foster transparency, accountability, and upward feedback
Model MA Design’s Core Values, Mission, and Vision every day
Partner with office leadership on business development strategy and pursuits
Build and maintain strong client relationships, with a focus on long-term retention
Champion design approach, staffing strategy, and quality for marketing proposals
Lead or participate in interviews and project pursuits
Advance MA Design’s thought leadership through writing, speaking, conferences, and social media
Represent MA Design in professional, social, and community organizations

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Health Reimbursement Arrangement
Options for Health Savings Account and Medical/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Basic life insurance coverage provided by MA
Opportunities for additional life insurance, disability, critical illness, and accident coverage
Leadership opportunities
Paid time off (PTO) bank merges sick, vacation, and personal time, which allows you to the flexibility to use your paid time off as you see fit
Seven paid holidays, plus two half-day paid holidays and two floating paid holidays
401(k) profit sharing plan and retirement savings advising
Certification and licensure assistance
Ongoing career development and advancement opportunities
Mentorship program
Impromptu get-togethers
Workstation flexibility, including a cafe space, hoteling stations, and standing desk compatibility
Flexible Schedule
Opportunities for community engagement with our CSR partners
Casual atmosphere with a supportive and collaborative team