Gensler

Your Role

Discoveries made in scientific industries are changing our world. The shift in laboratory research from the bench top to the laptop changes the workplace landscape in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors engaged in science R&D, and places greater emphasis on shared amenity and community spaces. This trend toward integrating lab and non-lab facilities reflects changes in technology and a greater emphasis on collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. We’re helping industry-leading clients find scientific, sustainable solutions to global problems with workplaces that responsibly embrace the future.

Gensler is seeking a Design Director in our Shanghai office with strengths in conceptual design, laboratory and workplace planning, and knowledge of specialty architectural environments. In the Design Director position, we anticipate that you are a subject matter expert in planning and design of large research and development projects and exhibit excellent verbal and graphic communication skills in design presentations. Utilizing exceptional client relationship skills, and a portfolio of innovative, resilient design solutions with an emphasis on built work, you will work collaboratively to develop overall design concepts, formulate design presentation strategies and provide creative and process leadership to multiple design teams through all phases of projects.

What You Will Do

• Lead the design process for projects of all scales and types within the Sciences practice area and collaborate with designers in other practice areas to develop cohesive, award-winning, innovative, and client-centric solutions
• Offer and support creative, sustainably-focused laboratory planning and design decisions that are in line with project goals, while pushing the envelope beyond traditional approaches
• Collaborate and deliver project solutions based on market expertise and deep understanding of client goals
• Lead design presentations and interviews with clients, contractors, and agencies, as well as engineering and specialty consultants
• Work closely with office leadership to identify and recruit best-in-class talent
• Actively mentor staff in their growth in the design profession
• Work with office and regional leadership in business development efforts to grow our practice in the Greater China region through expanding existing client relationships, developing new relationships and diversifying our lines of work
• Provide vision for proposals and strategy for interviews to secure project opportunities
• Assist in the development of Gensler’s design portfolio for reference in pursuing new work
• Strengthen our market reputation through thought leadership and a differentiated point of view
• Advance our reputation through conference presentations, authoring publications and active social media presence

Your Qualifications

• Licensed Architect with Bachelor’s degree or higher in Architecture with at least 15 years of architectural or related experience, inclusive of 10+ years’ experience leading the design of lab and life sciences facilities
• LEED Accredited Professional preferred
• Knowledge of laboratory planning and design strategies which enhance creativity and collaboration for end-users in science lab and workplace environments
• Demonstrated experience developing relationships with new and existing clients
• Substantial experience working directly with senior management representatives, facilities and project managers, and other project stakeholders leading planning studies to achieve programmatic requirements
• Leadership experience, including managing client expectations, multi-disciplinary teams, and meeting scope/schedule/budget
• Advanced knowledge of the architectural planning and design process for science facilities, code requirements and design of building systems for science such as structural and MEP systems.
• Possess strong presentation skills with the ability to articulate ideas in interviews and other presentations
• Adept at storytelling, engaging as a communicator and inspiring with an energetic personality
• Skilled at developing and motivating teams of people both internally and externally, along with a desire to mentor team members
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and sustainable building practices required. Experience must include completed highly-sustainable buildings for science.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests. We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical insurance, social insurance, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer profit sharing, and twice annual bonus opportunities.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.