Design Manager (Mixed-use Residential Development) at Related Ross
Responsibilities
The Senior Design Manager will oversee all aspects of the design process for Related Ross’s large-scale, mixed-use residential developments. This individual will be responsible for setting design standards, managing multi-disciplinary consultant teams, and ensuring design excellence from concept through project completion. The role demands a leader with deep residential experience and the ability to guide complex projects through all phases of design, documentation, and construction.
This position requires a strategic thinker who can balance creative vision with technical rigor, lead internal and external design partners at top architecture firms, and collaborate closely with the development and construction teams to deliver world-class residential environments. The Senior Design Manager will report to the Executive Vice President of Development with a strong co-reporting line to the Executive Vice President of Construction.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Leadership & Oversight
Provide strategic leadership and direction to design and consultant teams for all phases of large-scale residential projects.
Lead, mentor, and guide less experienced design managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and design excellence.
Serve as the primary liaison between development, construction, and design teams to align design intent with project goals.
Represent Related Ross in high-level coordination with architects and other leading design firms.
Design Process & Quality Control
Establish design management standards, processes, and quality controls from concept through construction documentation and project delivery.
Coordinate design deliverables in alignment with entitlement, permitting, and construction schedules.
Oversee all aspects of design documentation, construction administration, and design completion.
Coordinate with the VP of interior design for the design process for interior design, amenity spaces, and overall residential experience.
Consultant & Contract Management
Lead the selection, negotiation, and management of architecture, engineering, and specialty consultants.
Prepare and negotiate consultant RFPs, contracts, and fee proposals in collaboration with legal and development teams.
Track consultant progress, invoices, and deliverables; manage changes in scope or budget as required.
Design & Technical Coordination
Review and comment on consultant deliverables, ensuring coordination among architectural, structural, MEP, and systems designs.
Oversee the selection and integration of building systems (foundation, structure, envelope, MEP, technology) to achieve performance and design objectives.
Ensure all construction documentation is 100% coordinated, complete, and accurate before issue.
Collaborate closely with construction partners on cost estimating, constructability, and value engineering.
Project & Stakeholder Management
Partner with the development team to align design with programmatic, financial, and operational goals.
Collaborate with operations, marketing, and leasing teams to ensure residential and amenity designs meet business objectives.
Manage and maintain design schedules in coordination with the master project schedule.
Coordinate internal and external design reviews and secure approvals from key stakeholders.
Record, track, and communicate action items from all design and coordination meetings.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture preferred.
12-15+ years of experience in residential design and project management.
Proven experience managing large-scale, mixed-use projects, with affordable and workforce housing projects in the state of Florida preferred.
Experience working with high-profile architecture firms and overseeing design documentation and construction administration.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to direct and mentor multiple design managers.
Strong understanding of building codes, zoning, accessibility, and permitting processes.
Florida market experience preferred but not required.
Familiarity with affordable housing is a plus but not essential; firm resources are in place to support that component.
Skilled in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and other industry-standard tools.
Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Strategic thinker with hands-on, detail-oriented management style aligned with Related Ross’s collaborative culture.
Benefits
Personalized Health Care: Multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options; Employee Assistance Program
Financial Benefits: Competitive salary and incentive packages; matching 401(k); FSAs and HSA; employer-paid life and AD&D insurance; paid leave & disability programs
Social Wellness: 19+ days of PTO; mental health counseling & resources; fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance; volunteer days and donation matching
Career Development: Learning & training programs; tuition & certification reimbursement; internal advancement opportunities
Overview
Related Ross is transforming urban life in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, creating opportunity for all who live and work here. For over two decades, the company has worked to develop dynamic neighborhoods that are innovative, vibrant and inclusive. With completed, in development and planned properties in West Palm Beach and new development activity emerging in Palm Beach County, Related Ross is making long-term investments to transform and support local communities and build growth in the region.
Related Ross is a West Palm Beach-based organization that recently emerged as an independent entity from within Related Companies. Formed in 1972, Related Companies is the most prominent privately-owned real estate firm in the United States with major developments within a premier portfolio valued over $70 billion across Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, LA, Washington DC and London.
Related Ross believes in investing in its talent and cultivates a positive, team-oriented environment where every voice is valued. Employees are encouraged to boldly take on new challenges, transcend the status quo, and demonstrate a strong entrepreneurial spirit. In its relentless commitment to excellence, Related Ross works to foster an innovative approach in its team members so that they can positively impact the communities in which they conduct business.
Learn more about Related Ross at https://www.relatedross.com/.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are deliberate about the team and culture we are building. We aim to ensure competitive total compensation that is commensurate with experience, workplace geography, and market standards.
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