Technical Director

Typical Years of Requisite Experience:15+ years Professional Licensure: Required Common and Baseline Responsibilities * Establishes and promotes a culture focused on high-quality, innovative design, with emphasis on technical resolution of design challenges * Familiarizes staff with, and promotes regular use of, the Project Delivery Manual. * Responsible for management of, and Studio adherence to, Quality Assurance and Quality Control processes (Quality Program). * Ensures that all projects in the Studio comply with applicable codes, Perkins&Will resiliency and sustainability goals, industry standard construction techniques and current building science best practices. * Ensures that projects are thoroughly, accurately and efficiently documented at every design phase. * Monitors progress of projects relative to schedule and budget (Perkins&Will fee and project costs). * Manages Studio engagement with the Firmwide Specifications Group and monitors delivery of specifications for all projects. * Champions fiscal responsibility and performance in the technical development of projects. * Mentors staff to develop, support and encourage technical design excellence. * Facilitates staff engagement with PWU and other learning resources to increase technical competency. * Facilitates documentation and dissemination of lessons learned and the resolution of project issues. * Manages high-risk project situations. * Investigates and implements management processes and tools to improve project cost, quality and schedule. * Researches and reports on new technologies, materials and building systems. * Collaborates with other Studio leaders to ensure appropriate technical staffing assignments and project performance. * Participates in the interviewing and hiring of technical staff candidates. * Represents and leads the local implementation of firmwide technical initiatives and policies. * Collaborates with project managers to ensure project technical team members understand their roles, responsibilities and importance to project success. * Collaborates with the Firmwide Specifications Group to create Studio-specific master sections when required to reflect local or regional project delivery. * Maintains a working knowledge of AIA contract documents, Perkins&Will standard edits of these and their applications on projects. * Facilitates effective collaboration among technical personnel in multi-Studio projects. * Assists local and Firmwide Learning and Development groups to in identifying learning needs and developing content to fulfill these needs. * Develop and maintain contacts within local and national AEC communities as Studio and Firmwide resources. * Present to the Studio regularly to raise and maintain awareness of technical design issues, initiatives and advancements. * Participates in the Firmwide Technical Design Community, regular Technical Director calls and periodic Firmwide initiatives. * Actively promotes the firm and technical design advancement through publishing, speaking engagements and social media outlets. High-level Summary of Critical, Baseline Technical Skills and Certifications Proficiencies * Able to translate design intent into technical solutions * Able to enhance and promote client needs with building technology * Has a working knowledge of: * Quality assurance and quality control procedures * Building codes (national (e.g., IBC, NFPA), state, county, city) * Risk management, contracts, and legal aspects of design and construction, including claims and disputes * Building systems, construction materials, and construction types * Engineering systems, especially consultant requirements and coordination * Construction documentation * Specification writing * Construction contract administration * Construction delivery methods and procedures and changes in same * Familiar with Lean project delivery practices. * Accessibility codes * Energy codes * Zoning assessment * Effective oral and written communication and presentation skills, including public speaking * Collaborative and professional work ethic * Good organizational skills * Ability to direct or coordinate work efforts of staff on multiple projects Software * Working knowledge of Revit, Rhino and other design software used by Perkins&Will * Microsoft Office Suite * Adobe Creative Cloud * Bluebeam Licensure/Certifications/Education * Licensed architect in the state of practice * NCARB Certificate * Construction Specifications Institute CDT, CCS, or CCCA certification is a plus * LEED GA within 6 months of hire * Professional Accreditation in one area of Living Design that interests you: LEED AP with Specialty, BREEAM AP, WELL AP, SITES AP, Passive House Institute Certified Passive House Consultant/Designer CPHC/CPHD, or ILFI Living Future Accreditation * Member of at least one relevant professional organization (e.g., AIA, CSI)

Created: 2026-04-02