London, UK
Technical design director
at Perkins&Will
Perkins & Will is seeking a technical design director to join its studio in London.
We are an award-winning international design firm and industry leader in commitment to sustainable design. Our London office is established as one of the most successful design firms in the UK and Europe, delivering a wide range of professional design services including corporate interiors, strategic workplace consultancy services, new build architecture, large-scale urban design and planning development and hospitality.
Role summary
The technical design director is responsible for creating a culture of technical excellence in the London/Dublin offices. This individual is involved in all technical aspects of project delivery and is required to provide an overview of all project construction documents, detailing and coordination activities; assure implementation of the Perkins & Will quality assurance and control programs; implement and contribute to Perkins & Will details and quality assurance procedures; research new technologies and building systems, and integrate the ethos of living design into project technical methodology. Working closely with the digital practice team, the TDD will ensure that every project is planned from inception to optimize the positive impact of digital workflows.
Essential to this process is the mentoring of staff to support, develop and monitor the technical quality within the office. This is an integrated approach that includes all members of the project team and enhances the appreciation of excellent, coordinated digital information and well-detailed buildings as part of the overall design culture of the firm. The technical director represents the office in the firm-wide technical initiatives and coordinates with the related living design, and project management initiatives.
The technical director is the office leader in the investigation of innovative technologies and systems that can improve the quality, cost-effectiveness and performance of our work, including high-performance building systems and materials that reduce environmental impact.
The position will have project responsibilities and the technical director will have responsibility to manage projects or projects in addition to their studio leadership function.
The technical director, in partnership with the management and design leaders in the office, establishes a culture of excellence including:
- high-quality, coordinated construction documents
- excellent construction quality and building performance
- highly competent technical staff
- risk management with minimal RFI’s, change orders, and claims
- facilitation of innovative design
Essential job functions
Technical leadership:
- provide oversight of the technical aspects of project delivery including implementation of project document planning, standards and quality assurance
- assure compliance with code, program, sustainability goals and budget
- collaborate in development of technical implications of design decisions
- facilitate Perkins & Will and project goals of excellence in design, execution, and sustainability
- assist in the implementation and development of Perkins & Will document and CAD standards for quality and productivity
- ensure a thorough project recording system is maintained
- develop and maintain a system to monitor project status, quality assurance and efficiency
- assure project documentation quality assurance consistent with Perkins & Will standards
- ensure compliance with the comprehensive program of quality control consistent with Perkins & Will standards
- facilitate training to improve the knowledge of staff including support and development of the Perkins & Will learning center training system
- champion quality in design and technical execution and performance
- champion the Perkins & Will standards and project delivery manual
- champion fiscal responsibility and performance in the technical development of projects
Management:
- collaborate with the design principals and project designers to ensure technical performance and design quality
- collaborate with project principals to ensure technical assignments and performance on projects and within market sectors
- collaborate with the operations director to ensure proper technical assignments to projects and facilitate the performance of project technical teams
- collaborate with project managers to ensure project architects/technical team members understand their roles, responsibilities and importance to project success
- develop, maintain and retain oversight of mentoring and coaching relationships with project architects and technical staff
- actively promote the importance of quality documentation consistent with Perkins & Will standards
- representation in the excellence in execution initiative (EE), leading the effort to enhance and embrace project delivery systems technology and innovation at the office level
- collaborate with project leadership and compliance team to develop and maintain technical standards and performance and ensure risk management
- facilitate the effective collaboration of technical personnel and standards in collaboration among Perkins & Will offices
- facilitate training based on lessons learned and unresolved project issues
Essential job functions:
- professional degree in architecture
- licensed architect in the state of practice
- 15-plus years’ experience on large-scale and complex projects
- experienced in a variety of projects, in every phase with expertise in two or more of Perkins & Will market sectors
- advanced technical skills
- materials application, building codes, building systems and engineering systems knowledge
- management and leadership
- understanding of the relationship of building technology with client needs, consultant requirements and construction, throughout the entire project development process
- advanced knowledge of project design, construction documentation and construction materials
- general understanding of legal aspects of the profession and proven risk management ability
- effective verbal and written communication and presentation skills (including content development)
- demonstrates collaborative and professional work ethic
- ability to direct or coordinate the work efforts of technical staff
- LEED AP or equivalent (within six months of hire)
Perkins&Will are an equal opportunity employer and supports talent from diverse backgrounds that bring experiences, viewpoints and solutions that best serve our clients, community and enrich our work environment.
Please submit your application via the ‘apply for job’ button below.