Design Director

Design Director | Bellevue, WA

About American Capital Group

Founded in Bellevue, Washington in 1986, American Capital Group stands proud as a family-owned leader in real estate development. With over three decades of dedicated service, our expertise shines in the realm of multifamily community development. To date, we have crafted over 80 multifamily properties across twelve states, managing 20+ of these properties in four Western states.

Our success stems from our comprehensive approach. We handle every aspect of real estate development in-house, encompassing Engineering and Design, Acquisitions, Development, Construction Management, Property Management, and Asset Management. This integrated strategy has solidified our position as an industry trailblazer.

For a deeper insight into our journey and achievements, we invite you to explore our website.

https://www.acg.com

Position Overview

• Schedule – Monday through Friday 7am o 4pm - Flexibility to work additional hours may be required to meet company/project needs.
• On-Site Requirement: This position requires physical presence at our corporate office during office hours.
• Compensation Package–
  • $125,000 to $135,000 / Year
  • Bonus Incentives include:
  • Other compensation may include profit sharing and vehicle allowance.
  • The above compensation is a range. Offers are made based upon a candidate's experience and the geographical location of this position.

What We Offer

• Competitive starting wages (listed above).
• A company-wide commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• A positive work environment where employee's contributions are valued.
• A fun culture with team building activities and events.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits. Employer pays 85% of employee's premium.
• 401k contribution opportunity with an annual company match.
• Paid sick leave accrual equivalent to 1.33 hours for every 30 hours worked (~11 days per year).
• Paid vacation starting at three weeks and increasing with tenure.
• 13 paid holidays, including 2 personal holidays of your choice.
• Comprehensive training programs and development opportunities.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum of 12-15 years' of experience in architectural design required.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in designing large-scale multifamily projects is required.
• Experience in a leadership role is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in Revit/BIM is required.
• Bachelor or master's degree of Architecture or related field
• Licensed architect in one of the 50 states. The company will provide financial support for obtaining reciprocity in Washington.
• Strong proficiency in relevant architectural software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Enscape, or similar tools.
• In-depth knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, and industry standards related to multifamily design.
• Demonstrated ability to balance design aesthetics with technical functionality and constructability.
• Understanding of sustainable design principles and a commitment to creating environmentally responsible projects.
• Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Proficient in effective communication and teamwork.
• Maintains a positive outlook and embraces a collaborative team approach.
• Shows responsibility and takes pride in their work.
• Fluent in English, with strong reading, speaking, and writing skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Your Role

Strategic Design Leadership:

• • Establish a clear and consistent framework that guides the design process, ensures quality and coherence, and aligns with the ACG's mission and values.
  • Delve into the company's mission, vision, and long-term objectives and set standards for design that reflect these values.
  • Study industry standards and best practices and incorporate into design strategies.
  • Review designs from leading firms and/or competitors and consider this when updating and creating standards at ACG.
  • Consider the latest technological advances, sustainable practices, and emerging trends in architecture.
  • Include diverse stakeholders into the design strategy process from senior architects, junior architects, project managers, and individuals from development and construction. Different perspectives help enrich the standard-setting process.
  • Determine standards and aesthetics for different geographical areas.
  • List out guiding principles. These might include sustainability, user-centered design, innovation, or context sensitivity, among others.
  • Specify design processes, workflows, and approval hierarchies.
  • Highlight mandatory design elements or criteria, such as materials to use or avoid, spatial configurations, and accessibility standards.
  • Include reference images or diagrams where necessary.
  • Standardize the software tools for design, modeling, and simulation.
  • Consider tools that enhance collaboration, like BIM (Building Information Modeling).
  • Detail sustainable design practices, aiming for certifications like LEED or BREEAM.
  • Include local building codes, regulations, and other compliance mandates.
  • Establish a method for designs to be reviewed against the set standards.
  • Consider periodic audits to ensure compliance.
  • Architectural design standards aren't static. They should evolve with time, technology, and industry shifts.
  • Schedule periodic reviews to update the standards.
  • This could include details about material palettes, typologies, color schemes, and other aesthetic elements that define the company's architectural language.

Design Oversight:

• • Review and approve architectural design concepts, plans, and drawings to ensure compliance with project goals, standards, and specifications.
  • Provide direction on design and give guidance to project teams, facilitating creative problem-solving and design excellence.
  • Ensure quality and accuracy of architectural plans specifications and documentation.
  • Implement QC procedures to maintain design integrity and adherence to standards.
  • Ensure projects adhere to all relevant codes and regulations.
  • Lead, coordinate, or review design development, ensuring alignment with the firm's design standards and vision.
  • Evaluate the feasibility of design proposals and suggest alterations when necessary.
  • Coordinate with consultants like civil, structural, MEP engineers, and landscape architects for integrated design solutions.
  • Assists project architects and designers to ensure plans are in conformance with clients standards and applicable codes.
  • Ensure that everyone within the company is aware of the standards.
  • Communicate externally, especially to clients, to highlight the company's commitment to design excellence.
  • Make sure the standards are easily accessible to all team members.
  • Create a digital archive and consider printed copies for reference.

Project Management:

• • Stay current with local building codes, zoning regulations, and industry standards.
  • Identify potential project risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, maintaining open communication and addressing their needs and concerns.
  • Present project updates, progress reports, and design proposals to clients and stakeholders.
  • Monitor project expenditures, identify cost-saving opportunities, and mitigate budget overruns.
  • Oversee and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and maintaining budgetary constraints.
  • Coordinate between the design team, construction team, and clients, acting as the main point of communication for architectural matters.
  • Monitor construction to ensure design integrity is maintained and best practices are adhered to.
  • Oversee and manage a portfolio of projects from conception to completion.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders, including developers, contractors, and local authorities, to ensure smooth project execution.
  • Ensure timely and on-budget delivery of projects without compromising design quality.

Team Leadership & Development:

• • Provide mentorship and guidance to junior architects and design team members.
  • Ensure the architectural team remains updated with the latest design trends, technologies, and tools.
  • Guide and oversee the design strategy of the projects and department.
  • Collaborate with other departments to ensure design aligns with production, marketing, and other business goals.
  • Review and approve design concepts in conjunction with the Director of Architecture and VP of Design.

The responsibilities above are not all-inclusive.

Our Culture

At American Capital Group, we deeply value respect, collaboration, integrity, and transparency. These core principles guide our interactions and decisions, creating a work environment where every voice is heard and valued. We understand that our employees are the cornerstone of our success, and we foster a culture that encourages teamwork and open communication. Our commitment to integrity and transparency not only shapes the way we do business but also how we support and appreciate our dedicated team members. We believe that by nurturing these values, we create a stronger, more successful company where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Candidate Screening & Interview Process

All applicants who meet the qualifications for this position are encouraged to apply. Upon submission of your application, you may be invited to participate in a preliminary virtual interview with a member of our Human Resources team. Successful candidates will proceed to virtual and/or on-site interviews with the Hiring Manager(s).

Other requirements:

• Willingness to complete an online assessment test.
• Willingness to complete a 4-panel drug screening and background check upon hire.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER & AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an environment where all employees are respected, treated fairly, and given equal opportunities to thrive. We encourage applicants of all races, colors, religions, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, national origins, ages, disabilities, veteran status, and all other characteristics to apply. Our commitment to equality, respect, and inclusivity means we strive to reflect the communities we serve and welcome the unique contributions that come from diverse perspectives.