Gensler

Your Role 

Gensler is seeking an experienced Design Director to join our Oakland team – an innovative and award-winning designer who is a passionate collaborator and mentor to staff. You will develop overall design concepts, formulate design presentation strategies and provide creative process leadership to multiple design teams through all phases of projects. Our Retail and Consumer Experience Design Directors deliver seamless, connected shopping experiences across platforms and maximize engagement between brands and customers. We are collaborative and client focused, with a commitment to design experience, sustainability, and equity. Join us, and work collaboratively with our leadership team to help grow our practice in the NW region. 

Our vision is to reimagine the future of where we live, work and play through the power of design. Together, we have the opportunity to extend Gensler’s sphere of influence well beyond the place and spaces we create to positively impact our communities. 

What You Will Do 

• Client management, project organization and start-up, and the development of new business in the market sector. 
• Work in collaboration with other Gensler leaders within the Retail CX Practice Area 
• 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 Northwest region by developing new relationships and expanding existing client relationships while diversifying our lines of work 
• Strengthen our market reputation through thought leadership and a differentiated point of view 
• Participate in public speaking engagements at industry events and conference presentations, author publications and increase awareness through active social media outlets 

Your Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Architecture, Design or Interior Design. 
• Ideal candidate will possess 15+ years of architectural or interior design experience, inclusive of 5 or more years’ experience in an architecture and design firm in marketing, client development, and/or management of a studio, practice group, or regional office. 
• Adept at storytelling, engaging as a communicator and inspiring with an energetic personality 
• Passionate about empowering and nurturing creative teams and to lead by example. 
• Exceptional and innovative designer who sees every project with fresh eyes. 
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to be articulate and convincing in interviews and other presentation 
• Demonstrated experience developing and cultivating relationships with new and existing clients 
• Substantial experience working directly with senior client representatives, including marketing and operational managers, and other project stakeholders leading planning and fixturing 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, code requirements and design of building systems such as structural and MEP systems. 
• Skilled at developing and motivating teams of people both internally and externally, along with a desire to mentor team members. 
• Demonstrated commitment to resilience and sustainable building practices required. 

For consideration, please submit cover letter, resume and portfolio in PDF format. 

• The base salary will be estimated between $144,400 - $165,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience. 

Here are a few articles on our Retail Practice area: 

What Makes a Great Retail Experience? Community, Connection, and Exhibition (gensler.com) 

Retail Design for Better Consumer and Employee Experiences (gensler.com) 

From Stores to Stories: Immersive Experience and the Future of Retail | Gensler 

Implementing Sustainable Design Strategies in the Retail Environment (gensler.com) 

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, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, 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. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.