VP of Design Innovation

Position Summary

NexCore Group, a national leader in healthcare real estate and senior living development, is seeking a Vice President of Design & Innovation to help lead programming, planning, and design across our Senior Living portfolio. This role blends architectural rigor with design, and development capability, serving as a design subject matter expert, design decision maker, and strategic contributor to early-stage pursuits. The VP, Design & Innovation manage all aspects of the design of projects from concept through execution. This is an opportunity for a high-potential architect (10–15 years) with deep Senior Living Design experience who is ready to step beyond traditional practice into a broader real estate development environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Architectural Planning

• Serve as a design expert, representing NexCore and Experience Senior Living in early visioning and throughout project delivery.
• Lead architectural programming, building concepts, operational flow diagrams, blocking and stacking, unit design, and interior design.
• Develop test fits, site plans, landscape concepts, parking plans, and interior layout solutions that align with operational, regulatory, and brand standards.
• Design, draw and render conceptual site plans, floor plans, building exteriors and interiors for presentations, and for design team direction.
• Review, critique, and elevate design work across multiple concurrent projects including interior design concepts, FF&E coordination, lighting, RCPs, flooring schedules, art selection, and finish standards.
• Apply codes, FGI guidelines, AHJs, and licensing requirements to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Lead or support the generation and review of 3D renderings, visualizations, and presentation materials.
• Assist in developing, refining, and documenting NexCore's brand, design, and planning standards.

Design Consultant Coordination & Project Management

• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architects, civil, MEP, structural, interior designers, and specialty consultants to ensure alignment, quality, and milestone achievement.
• Review consultant deliverables, synthesize feedback, and drive consensus among internal stakeholders, operations teams, and healthcare clients.
• Support development, construction, and capital teams in managing design decision-making aligned with schedule, cost, and pro forma requirements.

Qualifications

Required

• Accredited degree in Architecture.
• Active architectural license (NCARB).
• 10–15 years of experience, with a focus on Senior Living Design.
• Strong capability in programming, planning, workflows, and technical design.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and 3D modeling tools (SketchUp, Rhino, or similar).
• Proven ability to engage with clients and design teams in a polished, professional manner.
• Demonstrated interest, aptitude, in development, client meetings, proposals, interviews, or industry engagement.

Attributes of the Ideal Candidate

• High-potential "up-and-comer" showing clear trajectory toward senior leadership.
• Desire to work beyond architecture and in development, operations, and strategy.
• Relationship-building mindset; consultative, collaborative, and empathetic to Senior Living needs.
• Comfortable managing multiple deadlines and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinker with curiosity, humility, and strong professional presence.

Work Environment & Travel

• Based in Denver HQ; hybrid options may be available.
• National travel expected (estimated 20–30%, flexing with project needs).
• Fast-paced, highly collaborative environment with cross-functional exposure across Development, Capital, Construction, Senior Living Operations, and Design.

Benefits

• Compensation: $160,000 - $175,000 / year
• Eligible for discretionary benefits: performance bonus
• Eligible for standard employee benefit elections: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, FSA, HSA, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance (employee and dependents), Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), vacation days, sick days, and other benefits