Design Project Manager (DeNovo)

About the role

The Design Project Manager leads design execution for de novo projects from feasibility through construction administration. They collaborate with various departments to ensure projects meet operational requirements, budgets, and standards.

Responsibilities

• Supports the application and refinement of de novo prototypes, including architectural standards, finish palettes, equipment integration, detailing, and building systems.
• Documents and maintains national design standards, specifications, exhibits, and approved manufacturer lists to ensure consistency and scalability across all De Novo projects.
• Executes design execution for multiple projects simultaneously, from site feasibility and schematic design through construction administration, ensuring alignment with operational requirements, budget targets, schedule commitments, and constructability standards.
• Maintains design schedules and deliverable milestones for assigned projects, identifying risks and escalating delays that may impact permitting, construction, or opening timelines.
• Reviews and approves drawings, specifications, and consultant deliverables for compliance with prototype standards and cost objectives.
• Manages design-to-budget objectives and drives cost-per-square-foot optimization through system level evaluation, material standardization, and repeatable detailing strategies.
• Supports program-wide value engineering initiatives while preserving brand integrity and clinical intent.
• Partners with Construction leadership to improve constructability, reduce change orders, and drive continuous improvement in delivery speed and quality.
• Supports early-stage feasibility and site test fits, evaluating building configuration, utility capacity, site constraints, clinical requirements, and prototype fit.
• Develops conceptual plans, renderings, and presentation materials to support internal decision making and stakeholder alignment.
• Coordinates integration of veterinary equipment and specialized clinical requirements into design, including imaging, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, acoustical, technology, and other building-system requirements as applicable.
• Conducts post-occupancy reviews and incorporates lessons learned into recommendations for updates to standard and prototype refinements.
• Builds and maintains strong cross-functional relationships to ensure design standards reflect real operational, clinical, and client experience needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, interior design, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in architectural or design project management.
• Strong front-end design experience with an emphasis on schematic and conceptual design.
• Experience supporting prototype-based, multi-site, retail, healthcare, dental, or veterinary facility development programs.
• Proficiency in Bluebeam and working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Revit; experience with SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design and visualization software preferred.
• Ability to communicate design ideas quickly and clearly through graphics and drawings.
• Demonstrated experience managing architects, engineers, and other external design consultants across multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong understanding of design schedules, permitting, constructability, and design-to-build principles.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and delegation skills.
• Excellent graphic, verbal, and written communication skills.
• High level of attention to detail and quality.