Director of Design

Finding a better way.

At CHA, we believe in the power of clean water, resilient energy, safer roads, and structures that harmoniously blend with their surroundings. We create solutions. We help People. We improve our world. At CHA, we embed ourselves in our communities - and take pride in improving things where we live. At the foundation is a commitment to inclusion and diversity and choosing to treat everyone with dignity and respect. We also take accountability for making decisions that promote sustainability in our business and our designs. We are on a mission to reduce our environmental footprint and bring greener solutions to our clients. We are responsibly creating a more sustainable future in ways that we can all see and touch. Together. Every day.

CHA Consulting, Inc. is currently seeking a Director of Design to join our Commercial & Institutional – Architectural & Structures Team at any of the following office locations: Boston, MA; Albany, Brooklyn, or Syracuse, NY; Portland, ME; Bethlehem, PA; or Atlanta, GA.

CHA's architects envision buildings that will have a lasting impact by providing architectural design, interior design and planning that is focused on the people who will live, work, learn, grow and expand their horizons in these spaces. Our architects and designers seek to create high-quality, collaborative designs that stress innovation grounded in careful listening to functional needs and tailored to culture and specific organizational needs. At CHA, architects and engineers work together to create solutions that endure in the built environment.

At CHA, the Director of Design is a key role tasked with shaping the vision and the future of architectural excellence. This pivotal role blends creative leadership with strategic business acumen, driving innovation and inspiring confidence both internally and externally. We are seeking a charismatic and experienced design leader who can elevate our design culture, mentor emerging talent, and deliver exceptional results aligned with client expectations and budgetary goals.

The Director of Design leads the process of creating and developing fundamental design principles to guide a project from the earliest stages of conception through completion, upholding design standards and ensuring consistent, high-quality design output across all projects. The professional in this role is responsible for developing work plans for the design process, providing direction throughout project development, and monitoring design support staff to ensure design quality and plan compliance. The Director of Design provides internal, cross-departmental leadership by collaborating on strategic design initiatives to CHA’s market presence and supporting business development efforts with innovative design strategies. Additionally, this individual develops and maintains strong client relationships to drive business expansion, while identifying and developing emerging design talent and staff.

At CHA, you can build a career and find your passion across our diverse business lines and project teams. Being part of CHA means being part of a team of talented professionals, where you’ll find support for your career growth and the opportunity to impact our industry and our communities. Find your “why” at CHA!

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture is required; Master's degree in Architecture preferred  
• Minimum of 20 years of relevant experience required
• Licensed Architect is required
• LEED accreditation is required
• Extensive knowledge of Architectural Design
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional creativity, foresight and mature architectural judgment in anticipating and solving complex architectural and design problems
• Outstanding graphic presentation and communication skills
• Articulate, capable of clearly communicating design intent to clients, consultants, & staff
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to empower and foster a strong design sensibility in junior staff
• Expertise in design documentation, building materials/systems, and construction methods
• Passionate about trends in architectural design and their practical application
• In-depth experience in one or more of our key market segments: PK-12 education, higher education, corporate/commercial, community
• Willingness and desire to participate in business development, marketing, & client presentations

$165,000 - $200,000

Salary is based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training, and fair market evaluation based on industry standards. 

At CHA, we work every day to create solutions, help people, and improve our world, committed to creating and fostering excellence in our diverse and highly talented teams. Our teams continually strive to find better ways – always searching, never settling – to achieve extraordinary results. Our values around hiring, training, and community engagement reflect a company culture that is inclusive and forward leaning, always pushing the limits of what is possible.

We as an organization celebrate the values of inclusion and equality, and advocate for the full participation of all people in an environment free of discrimination. To support these values, we invite all qualified applicants to be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.