Senior Project Designer

About the Role

The Senior Project Designer is responsible for shaping the story and design narrative of each project, overseeing the conceptualization and development of inspiring, client-focused designs. This individual ensures that the design aligns with the guiding principles of both Pfluger and the client, working collaboratively to lead all design activities from pre-design through schematic design. As a key leader within the firm, the Senior Project Designer drives firm-wide initiatives, serves as a mentor for the design team, and spearheads advancements within their discipline.

Responsibilities

• Embody Pfluger’s core values: Do What’s Right, Build Synergy, Make a Difference, and Never Settle.
• Oversee the pre-design phase and set the tone for the “breaking of the bread” meeting; inspire the client and drive the visioning process.
• Supervise comprehensive analysis of the project site, incorporating geotechnical, environmental, social, historic, and cultural conditions.
• Oversee space planning and block planning with high attention to detail.
• Drive strategic research on building materials, sustainable design practices, and current technologies to influence innovative design processes.
• Lead the development of the project story and program; guide conceptualization of building design from functional and aesthetic perspectives, aligning with client requirements, guiding principles, and budget.
• Develop design concepts through sketches, physical models, electronic models, diagrams, massing studies, and other visual formats.
• Act as the primary design representative in presentations to the project team, client, and building user groups.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of building systems and materials in partnership with the project team.
• Direct the development of advanced floor plans, furniture layouts, and room arrangements with the Interior Designer to maximize function and aesthetics.
• Guide the refinement of design concepts and narratives, integrating creative ideas and technical aspects.
• Implement sustainable design principles into building design and the surrounding environment.
• Provide expert guidance on building codes and regulations to ensure project compliance.
• Lead internal design reviews and pin-ups from pre-design to schematic design; provide constructive feedback to improve design solutions.
• Present building design to key stakeholders during early project phases; address feedback and refine solutions as needed.
• Oversee and review architectural documents from schematic design to construction documentation, ensuring accuracy and alignment with design vision.
• Coordinate and collaborate with architects, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of design components.
• Advise on site visits with the Project Manager to ensure construction aligns with design intent.
• Guide value engineering processes to maintain design quality and intent.
• Approve substitution requests related to materials or design intent.
• Partner with the Project Manager to respond to RFIs by clarifying design-related issues or addressing documentation gaps.
• Lead multiple project teams, ensuring effective collaboration throughout all project phases.
• Serve as a key leader within the organization, contributing to strategic initiatives and firm advancement.
• Act as an ambassador and steward of the firm’s portfolio, guiding and educating others.
• Mentor and support junior staff (Technical Staff I – Project Designer III), fostering collaboration and professional development; support staff in pursuit of licensure and AXP hours.

Requirements

• Alignment with Pfluger’s purpose of “inspiring people to create a more meaningful human experience,” with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Extensive knowledge of architecture and design principles and practices.
• Strong visual and design skills, with the ability to effectively communicate ideas through drawings and models.
• Demonstrated proficiency in projects of the greatest size and complexity, ensuring design excellence, accuracy, and timely delivery.
• Experience in educational projects is required.
• Professional degree in Architecture is required.
• Licensed Architect in the state of Texas is required.
• Minimum of ten years of architectural experience.

Skills

• Proficiency in Revit is essential; experience with Bluebeam, other relevant design software, and Microsoft Office products is highly preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage, mentor, and motivate clients and internal teams.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Extensive knowledge of building codes, regulations, construction processes, and project documentation.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability and prior experience overseeing and guiding project teams.

Location

The Senior Project Designer must be prepared to commute to Pfluger’s local office in Austin, Texas, and as required to Pfluger’s other offices.