Director of Design

DBW EmployerPortland, OR, US (remote possible)Location:Full-timeTypeWed, Mar 18 '26Posted on:Primary ObjectiveThe primary objective of the Director of Design is to define and advance DBW’s architectural voice, ensuring that design thinking drives client engagement, early project strategy, and workplace performance outcomes.This role establishes conceptual direction across projects, strengthens DBW’s market positioning as a design-led workplace studio, and enables revenue growth through compelling design leadership during pursuits and early project phases.Success in this role means DBW becomes recognized for a distinct architectural point of view, clear conceptual narratives, and workplace environments that connect culture, performance, and space.Key Responsibilities Design LeadershipTo establish DBW’s architectural voice and conceptual design language.Define the conceptual direction for projects and pursuits Establish DBW’s architectural language and design principles Lead concept design sessions and creative workshops Develop spatial narratives that connect workplace culture and performance Guide teams in translating ideas into coherent architectural strategies Ensure projects reflect DBW’s design philosophy and standards Client Engagement & Pursuit StrategyTo strengthen client confidence and increase win rates through compelling design leadership.Participate in major client pursuits and presentations Lead conceptual discussions with clients and stakeholders Translate business objectives into spatial strategy Develop compelling design narratives for proposals Support early project visioning and programming phases Help position DBW as an “author of ideas” in the market Design Strategy & Research IntegrationTo ensure DBW’s work is informed by research, workplace strategy, and human experience insights.Integrate workplace research and behavioral insights into design thinking Develop early spatial strategies aligned with client organizational goals Collaborate with strategy and research partners Translate insights into scalable workplace frameworks Advance DBW’s thought leadership in workplace culture and performance Studio Design CultureTo cultivate a studio culture defined by curiosity, design rigor, and intellectual leadership.Mentor designers and emerging design leaders Lead design reviews and critiques Establish design standards and best practices Promote inquiry, research, and creative exploration Foster a collaborative studio environment centered on design excellence Thought Leadership & Market PresenceTo position DBW as a recognized voice in workplace design.Produce design content, articles, or research publications Participate in speaking engagements and industry events Contribute to DBW’s brand and intellectual presence Lead development of client design standards for key accounts Help define DBW’s market position in workplace architecture Leadership ExpectationsThe Director of Design must operate as a market-facing thought leader who elevates both DBW’s creative identity and its client relationships.Studio InfrastructureTo Support This Role, DBW ProvidesDesign operations leadership for workflow planning Technical teams responsible for documentation standards and QA/QC Project managers responsible for financial stewardship and delivery execution Studio administration support for research, materials, and presentation preparation View your Application History