Senior Design Manager- Corporate Real Estate

Job Description Summary

The Senior Design Manager (SDM) is a key leadership role within the Branch Project Development (BPD) Design Team, responsible for overseeing interior planning, design development, client engagement, and coordination across all project phases. The SDM ensures that design solutions align with Raymond James standards, project objectives, and client requirements while collaborating closely with Project Management and Workplace Strategy teams.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

1. Design Development & Technical Expertise

The SDM is responsible for delivering comprehensive Design Development (DD) packages for each project, including:

• Approved space plans
• Equipment and furniture plans
• Power and data layouts
• Reflected ceiling plans
• Finish palettes, images, and specifications
• Furniture details and selections
• 3D model views, conceptual renderings, and visualization materials
• Stay informed on emerging AI‑enabled design, visualization, documentation, and workflow tools relevant to workplace planning and interior design.
• Evaluate and apply appropriate AI technologies to improve design efficiency, visualization quality, coordination accuracy, and client communication, while maintaining alignment with Raymond James standards.
• Partner with leadership and cross‑functional teams on the responsible adoption of AI tools, supporting continuous improvement of design processes and deliverables.

Required Software Proficiency:
AutoCAD, Revit (or SketchUp), Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Office

The SDM must be capable of analyzing, planning, designing, documenting, and managing interior non‑structural projects in compliance with applicable building codes, life‑safety standards, and corporate guidelines.

2. Project Design Leadership:

• Use workplace strategy guidelines and approved programs to develop space plans and layouts that align with Raymond James design standards.
• Ensure all new design standards, guidelines, and processes are consistently applied across all test fits and design deliverables.
• Translate client standards into functional design solutions through iterative test fits.
• Provide design direction and recommendations that address client business needs, operational requirements, and space optimization goals.
• Verify that all preliminary and final design concepts are safe, functional, code‑compliant, and aesthetically appropriate.
• Lead the development of finish selections and FF&E standards across multiple project types.
• Create and maintain Revit templates based on approved design standards.
• Produce conceptual-level Enscape renderings to support client understanding of proposed designs.

3. Client Management & Stakeholder Coordination:

• Serve as a primary design point‑of‑contact for internal and external clients.
• Manage client expectations throughout all phases, facilitating reviews, gathering feedback, and obtaining required approvals.
• Present design concepts and updates in formats that support strategic decision‑making.
• Guide clients in interpreting and applying design standards, branding elements, and workplace requirements.
• Participate in the development of client-specific design standards and branding materials.

4. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Project Integration:

• Coordinate closely with Project Management to align design milestones with overall project schedules, budgets, and deliverable timelines.
• Participate in project kickoff meetings, site assessments, milestone reviews, and construction coordination sessions.
• Provide timely design documentation to support permitting, vendor coordination, and construction activities.
• Maintain strong partnership with Workplace Strategy and Design Teams to ensure design consistency across the portfolio.
• Lead furniture coordination efforts, including detailed collaboration with the furniture dealer, architect, contractor, and internal teams to ensure accurate layouts, specifications, lead times, and installation planning.
• Oversee art package coordination, working directly with clients and vendors to curate, review, and approve artwork selections consistent with branding and design intent.
• Apply industry best practices and incorporate lessons learned from other supplier accounts.

5. Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement:

• Review and refine test fits, drawings, and design deliverables to ensure accuracy and alignment with project goals.
• Ensure consistent quality across all project types, from