Senior Project Designer

Description

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 will ensure that the design aligns with the guiding principles of both Pfluger and the client. This person will work collaboratively in leading all design activities from pre-design through schematic design, inspiring the client and internal design team. 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.

Role & Responsibilities

• Embody Pfluger’s core values. Consistently demonstrate the principles of Do What’s Right, Build Synergy, Make a Difference, and Never Settle in all professional activities.
• 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 the comprehensive analysis of the project site to incorporate geotechnical, environmental, social, historic, and cultural conditions. Oversee space planning and block planning efforts with a high attention to detail.
• Drive strategic research on building materials, sustainable design practices, and current technologies to influence firm-wide innovative design processes.
• Lead the development of the project story and program. Guide the conceptualization of building design from both a functional and aesthetic perspective, aligning with the client’s requirements, guiding principles, and budget.
• Drive the development of design concepts through sketches, physical models, electronic models, diagrams, massing studies, and other visual formats to express the design intent.
• Act as the primary design representative in presentations to the project team, client, and building user groups.
• In partnership with the project team, lead the evaluation and selection of building systems and materials.
• Partner with the Interior Designer to direct the development of advanced floor plans, furniture layouts, and room arrangements to maximize function and aesthetics.
• Guide the development and refinement of design concepts and narratives, integrating creative ideas and technical aspects.
• Implement sustainable design principles into the building design and surrounding environment whenever possible.
• Provide expert guidance on building codes and regulations to assure project compliance.
• Lead internal design reviews and pin ups from the pre-design stage to the schematic design stage. Provide constructive feedback during all project stages to improve design solutions.
• Lead the presentation of 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 the design vision.
• Coordinate and strategically collaborate with architects, consultants, contractors, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to ensure the seamless integration of design components. Address project complexities with expertise.
• Advise on site visits in partnership with the Project Manager, providing input to ensure that construction aligns with design intent.
• Strategically guide value engineering processes to ensure design quality and intent are maintained.
• Approve substitution requests related to materials or design intent.
• Partner with the Project Manager in responding to requests for information (RFIs) by clarifying design-related issues or addressing gaps in the documentation that could impact the building's design.
• Lead multiple project teams, ensuring effective collaboration throughout all project phases.
• Serve as a key leader within the organization, contributing to strategic initiatives and the advancement of the firm.
• Act as an ambassador and steward of the firm’s portfolio of work with the ability to guide and educate others.
• Mentor and support junior staff (Technical Staff I – Project Designer III), providing guidance and fostering a culture of collaboration and professional development. Support architectural staff in pursuit of licensure and provide opportunities to earn AXP hours.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• 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, historically ensuring design excellence, accuracy, and timely delivery.
• Experience in educational projects is required.
• 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.
• Professional degree in Architecture is required.
• Licensed Architect in the state of Texas is required.
• Minimum of ten years of architectural experience.

Location

The Senior Project Designer must be prepared to commute to Pfluger’s local office and as required to Pfluger’s other offices. Since 1972, Pfluger Architects has designed spaces that reflect the vision and aspirations of the people who will use them. With more than 130 employees across five Texas offices, we focus on creating environments for K-12 and higher education that foster connection, creativity, and growth.

Our work is guided by a culture of learning, where every project is an opportunity to ask questions, challenge ideas, and try new approaches. We are driven by curiosity and imagination, always seeking innovative solutions that push boundaries and create lasting impact. And, at the heart of our process is a culture of design, where intentionality and creativity come together to ensure every project is meaningful and successful.

These values shape everything we do, helping us create spaces that inspire people to create a more meaningful human experience.