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/Certification s/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)