Senior Design Manager- Corporate Real Estate

Raymond James is a financial services firm seeking a Senior Design Manager for their Corporate Real Estate division. The role involves leading the design team in overseeing interior planning and design development, ensuring alignment with company standards and client requirements.

Responsibilities:

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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 minor renovations to full‑scale buildouts
• Support standardization of design tools, templates, processes, and visual communication standards

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Project Management, or related field
• 3–5 years of direct experience in workplace, commercial interior, or architectural with demonstrated success managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Highly self-motivated and independent, with the ability to proactively drive projects forward, make informed decisions, and manage priorities with limited oversight
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with internal stakeholders, external consultants, vendors, contractors, and branch clients
• Strong team coordination and collaboration skills, supporting Design Managers, Project Managers, and cross-functional team members to ensure project goals, schedules, and deliverables are achieved
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy, quality, and attention to detail
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify project challenges early and implement effective solutions
• Client-focused mindset, with a commitment to delivering a positive experience while balancing business, budget, and design objectives
• Proficiency in coordinating project documentation, design reviews, vendor communication, and project execution from concept through completion
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners
• This is a hands-on, execution-focused position requiring active day-to-day project coordination and delivery rather than strategic leadership of a large team
• Required Software Proficiency: AutoCAD, Revit (or SketchUp), Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Office
• Previous experience working in a financial services firm or other corporate environment is strongly preferred
• Architectural license, Interior Design license, LED certification is a plus