Regional Design Director - East Region

Cannon Design

Location not specified

Full Time

Posted April 27, 2026

$204k - $255k

Not Specified

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Job Description

The Regional Design Director leads and oversees creative excellence, design quality, and organizational growth within a specific geographic region, managing design teams, fostering innovation, and representing the firm externally to promote Living-Centered Design principles.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee and ensure design excellence and quality across the regional portfolio.
Lead regional efforts in securing awards, publications, and recognition for design work.
Represent the firm externally at regional events, conferences, and speaking engagements.
Partner with marketing to communicate regional design impact and narratives.
Lead client presentations, focusing on storytelling and communicating design value.
Mentor and develop regional design teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.
Recruit, retain, and grow senior design talent within the region.
Align regional design initiatives with the firm’s strategic growth and impact goals.
Participate in regional and firm-wide strategic planning and business development efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture required; Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture from an accredited program preferred.
Generally, at least 20 years of related experience in design leadership roles or equivalent is required.
A minimum of 3 years experience leading others in a design studio or design practice segment required.
Current US Architectural Registration preferred.
Design portfolio of significant built and unbuilt work demonstrating design ability.
Third-party recognition of work as a lead or supporting designer by local, regional, or national design awards programs and recognized design publications or digital platforms is required.
Strong oral presentation and storytelling skills required.
Must be able to understand and execute business strategy.
Travel required for the role.
Ability to manage a diverse team of creatives in architecture and other disciplines spread across multiple offices, including hiring, design management, resource allocation, and mentorship.
Demonstrable design talent evidenced through a portfolio of significant work.
Ability to communicate complex ideas, both business and design, in a compelling manner to convince others of their value.
Professional acumen and maturity demonstrated by the ability to communicate authentically and respectfully.
Must be able to develop and implement regional growth strategies aligned with firm business metrics, including achieving a minimum of 10% year-over-year regional growth.
Ability to lead and participate in strategic regional and firm-wide initiatives, including defining and executing business plans and growth initiatives.
Ability to foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, safety, and trust within the regional design community.
Ability to build high-performance design teams, mentor future leaders, and promote a community of designers.
Understanding of regional and firm business metrics, including financial targets and growth objectives.
Ability to develop innovative design solutions addressing societal, environmental, and community challenges.
Willingness to challenge the status quo and develop strategic differentiation for the firm.
Ability to support a collaborative approach to organizational problem-solving and talent development.
Passion for understanding and contributing to the business of the firm and its clients, supporting design-led growth initiatives.
Ability to contribute to the development and execution of a regional strategic growth plan and participate in regional leadership activities.