Design Director

About Circular

Circular is an award-winning, multidisciplinary practice blending sustainable architecture, interiors, brand, and experience design. We create human-centered spaces and systems that deliver delight, well-being, and community impact. Based in DUMBO, Brooklyn, we're a Certified B Corp advancing an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.

Role Overview

We're seeking a Design Director with the vision to elevate our work and the judgment to deliver it. Partnering closely with the Principal, you'll steer studio strategy, shape project development, uphold design quality, and mentor a talented team. This role offers clear runway for leadership growth within the firm.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership : Set the creative direction across the studio. Champion design excellence that's contextual, functional, and future-ready—advancing client goals, community benefit, and Circular's impact.

Team Development & Mentorship : Grow people and practice. Coach teams in design craft, digital workflows, building code, construction administration, and project management. Foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where everyone can do their best work.

Project Oversight : Own outcomes from concept through closeout. Coordinate sub-consultant scopes and contracts, manage risk, track schedules and milestones, and ensure complete, approvable deliverables.

Resource & Financial Stewardship : Align staffing with project needs, monitor utilization and billing on select projects, and tune workflows to meet budgets and deadlines—without compromising design quality.

Equity, Learning & Practice Growth : Embed equity and circular-economy thinking into everyday decisions. Identify skill gaps, advocate for tools and training, and advance strategies for adaptability, creative reuse, and lifecycle performance.

Qualifications

Education : M.Arch required; architectural license preferred.

Experience : 8-12+ years in a design-driven practice with full-phase project experience and a portfolio demonstrating design excellence and technical depth.

Technical Proficiency : Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite; strong knowledge of documentation, detailing, materials, codes, and construction technologies.

Project Management : Proven ability to run multiple complex projects—budgets, schedules, deliverables, and stakeholder coordination.

Local Knowledge : Deep familiarity with NYC zoning, building codes, construction standards, and regulatory agencies.

Leadership : A track record of mentoring, building trust, and guiding teams toward successful outcomes.

Communication : Clear, concise writing and confident presentation skills; strong collaborator.

Eligibility : Fluency in English and valid long-term U.S. work authorization.

What You'll Gain

A collaborative, creative studio where curiosity, rigor, and innovation are valued—and your ideas move real projects forward.

Impact at scale on high-profile public-sector, commercial, and institutional projects that serve communities.

Leadership through mentorship—shape the growth of talented teammates while accelerating your own leadership path.

Hands-on responsibility from concept to construction with engaged clients and multidisciplinary partners.

Continuous learning through design critiques, knowledge-sharing, and sponsored professional development in advanced building performance and sustainability credentials.

Once hired, you will receive paid training to achieve Passive House Designer certification through PHI.

Purpose-driven practice at a Certified B Corp committed to equity, circular-economy strategies, and design that benefits people and planet.

Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Workplace Culture

Circular offers an intense-but-casual, design-driven environment. We're recognized for innovation in sustainability and social impact across diverse project types and scales.

Current work includes commissions with NYC DDC Design Excellence, the NYC School Construction Authority, private educational clients, and brand / retail engagements such as BMW of North America and Los Angeles Apparel.

We support healthy work-life balance with health / wellness benefits, paid holidays, and PTO. Visa sponsorship may be considered for candidates already residing in the United States.

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