Design Director

Location: Houston

WHO WE ARE

PDR is an interior architecture and workplace design firm committed to shaping a better world through the power of design. We believe that the workplace is a strategic business tool. It's more than a location, it's a catalyst for culture, productivity, and growth. As we continue to design forward-thinking environments that empower people to thrive, we're looking for a dynamic, versatile professional to join our team and help amplify our story..

WHY JOIN US?

We are a people-first firm. At PDR, you'll be part of a culture that champions innovation, collaboration, and purposeful design. We offer a flexible, supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and celebrates collective success.

TIME COMMITMENT

This position assumes 32 hours billable and 8 hours non-billable per week to assist in evolving design at PDR, business development, and marketing.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Design Director (DD) will have the overall responsibility to co-develop the evolution of design at PDR and with partner guidance, lead an integrated studio alongside all PDR Directors in both design culture and design practice. The evolution of design at PDR will include evolving our design philosophy, establishing a design voice/brand that can be leveraged both internally and externally to elevate design at PDR, and rolling out the Culture of Design framework/ecosystem. It will also include evolving our design standards and tools when the need arises.

The DD will be the Design Service Lead Expert who not only will be responsible for being an expert studio resource on all PDR design standards and tools, but who also must build a strong, collaborative team of designers across all offices that are dedicated to design excellence and positive market impact. As a creative advisor across all projects and project teams, the DD will ensure all final design products meet or exceed PDR design brand expectations.

The DD will also play an active role in business development and marketing efforts. As a Subject Matter Expert in design, he/she will assist partners in new business development by helping respond to proposals and attending interviews. The DD will also work closely with design practice principals and the marketing team to showcase our design work and design thought leadership.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Evolve & Establish

• Directly reports to and collaborates with Design Principal, Amy Collins, to elevate design at PDR, champion a Culture of Design at PDR, and lead the design studio across all PDR offices
• Champion PDR’s design voice/brand which includes a climate positive focus 
• Works closely with all PDR Directors to share knowledge, collaborate, and drive behaviors towards an integrated studio
• Using your unique design perspective and market knowledge, bring new, client-focused, innovative approaches to the design process, standards and tools  
• Work closely with all office librarians to create a process to strategically curate a balanced mix of relevant, innovative and inspiring vendor trips, lunch-n-learns, CEU’s and tabletop presentations across all PDR offices

Manage & Update

• Reinforce new hire training to both new and existing PDR design team members on design standards and tools
• Develop and provide new training to all design team members on any new standards or tools adopted
• Coordinate with HR and design principals on vendor trip opportunities to ensure all designers and architects across all offices have a chance to attend appropriate trips to broaden their knowledge base

Research & Innovation

• Attend industry trainings, webinars, trade shows, product factory tours to stay up to date with changes and innovations in design
• Researches and shares current market trends with the design studio on a regular basis
• Presentations to clients or touring groups to talk about what PDR is doing to research and remain a design think tank

Guide & Mentor

• As the Design Service Lead Expert, provide design expertise and guidance to all teams across all PDR offices
• Contributes as a creative advisor and SME on multiple projects and to multiple project teams, while remaining a lead designer on select, high-profile projects when needed
• Provides creative direction on all projects including but not limited to design concept development, overall design strategies/language, solving for complex design problems or generating cost-saving alternative ideas
• Holds all design team members accountable to all design standards, tools and processes including but not limited to DD engagements and completing project phase close-outs
• Facilitates professional development among all design staff through sponsorship of trainings, webinars, trade shows, product factory tours, and/or internal discussions
• Travel will be required to be a resource for all PDR offices

Grow the Practice

• Participates in the evolution of PDR’s design POV in response to market changes
• Promotes our PDR design voice/brand both internally and externally
• Work closely with the marketing team to coordinate award submissions, project photography, and provide content for social media posts    Develops and nurtures client relationships
• Assist partners in responding to proposals and interviewing for potential work
• Seeks out top talent and helps to recruit when needed

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in Interior Architecture, with a minimum of 10 years in commercial interiors, and can exhibit expert-level knowledge on all facets of design, including but not limited to: bridging strategy to design, developing strong design concepts that support project guiding principles, develop innovative design solutions that deliver a compelling human experience, appropriate material selection and specification, appropriate FFE selection and specification, a deep understanding of detailing and constructability, a deep understanding of ADA and building code, and be able to design within the project budget and schedule
• Must be a licensed Architect or Interior Designer
• LEED CI and WELL Building accreditation is required upon hire or within six months of hire
• Must exhibit a strong design portfolio
• Must have a working knowledge of Revit, Enscape, Adobe Suite, and MS Office
• Must have integrity, fortitude, and credibility complimented by a bias for action with a strong sense of accountability
• Must be a team player and have the ability to collaborate and work well with colleagues in accordance with PDR’s workplace RESPECT policy and our Core Values
• Must understand and support the PDR integrated studio
• Must have strong leadership skills that motivate and inspire teams
• Must be able to develop and grow skillsets of team members and exhibit a mentoring and coaching mindset
  
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must have strong business development skills with the ability to articulate a pitch confidently
• Must be a strong storyteller - effectively conveying a design strategy internally with a team and externally with clients
• Must be self-motivated, research-driven, disciplined and have strong organizational skills
• Must show understanding of our design philosophy and serve their clients with this approach
• Must be an excellent advisor to their clients by guiding and helping their clients maintain a level of confidence throughout the entire project
• Must be active in the external design community, including nurturing relationships through professional organizations and academic institutions

WHAT WE OFFER

• Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life options
• 401k Plan with Company Contribution
• Company Approved Allowances
• Paid Employee Parking
• Employee Assistance Program and Services
• Competitive Vacation and Holidays
• Annual Professional Development Allowance
• License and Exam Reimbursement
• Mentorships and Coaching
• Career Growth Opportunities

IF YOU ARE READY TO WORK HARD, LEARN A LOT, AND HAVE FUN DOING IT, HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!

1. Submit your resume along with your portfolio if this sounds like the perfect role and team for you.
2. Forward to a friend or colleague that you think would love to hear about this role.
3. Learn more about us on our website + social media.

Interview Process

If your resume is selected, our HR team will reach out to you to set up an interview and next steps. Click the "Apply" button below to submit your resume.

PDR is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creates a diverse environment. All employment decisions at PDR are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. PDR encourages applicants of all ages. PDR is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.