Regional Design Director - Great Lakes Region
Cannon DesignLocation not specified
Full Time
Posted December 11, 2025
$204k - $255k
Apply Now
Application opens on company website
Job Description
The Regional Design Director leads creative excellence and design quality across multiple offices within a specific geographic region, overseeing design innovation, team development, client engagement, and regional growth strategies to uphold the firm's Living-Centered Design ethos.
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.
- Lead client relationships by developing innovative design concepts that align with client goals and societal needs.
- Manage and nurture a community of regional designers, promoting collaboration, innovation, and mentorship.
- Recruit, retain, and develop senior design talent within the region.
- Contribute to regional and firm-wide strategic growth plans and business development initiatives.
- Align regional design initiatives with the firm’s overall impact-driven and Living-Centered Design ethos.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture required; Bachelor's or master's degree 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 preferred.
- Strong oral presentation and storytelling skills required.
- Must be able to understand and execute business strategy.
- Must have professional acumen and maturity demonstrated by the ability to communicate authentically and respectfully.
- Travel required.
- 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.
- Ability to develop and communicate regional and firm business metrics, including contributing to regional growth goals and achieving a minimum of 10% year-over-year growth.
- Demonstrated ability for innovative thinking and developing innovative design solutions addressing challenges of people, business, community, society, and the environment.
- Support a culture of collaboration, transparency, safety, and trust, partnering with strategic thinkers to advance Living-Centered Design.
- Ability to recruit, retain, and grow mid-career design talent to senior leadership roles.
- Possess a passion for understanding and contributing to the firm’s business and client needs, supporting design-led growth initiatives.
- Demonstrable design talent evidenced through a portfolio of significant work, with recognition from awards and publications.
- Ability to lead and manage high-performance design teams, fostering collaboration and community among regional design leaders.
- Ability to develop strategic regional growth plans and participate in defining and executing regional and firm-wide business strategies.
- Experience in developing and implementing a strategic regional growth plan aligned with firm goals.
- Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly, both in writing and speaking, in at least 3-5 external venues annually.
- Ability to represent the firm externally at regional events, conferences, and broader industry events.
- Ability to lead design presentations with storytelling emphasis, capturing and communicating client goals and how design solutions add value.
- Experience in managing and mentoring senior design leaders and building high-performance teams.
- Ability to support and promote Living-Centered Design ethos in organizational culture and client work.
- Experience in developing and maintaining relationships with clients to support a culture of clients for life over commodity work.
Benefits & Perks
Salary range of $204,240 to $255,300 annually, with potential for discretionary bonuses
Full benefit package including medical, dental, and vision coverage
Flexible spending account options
Voluntary insurances
Paid time off
Flex-time schedules
Remote work options
401k plan
Employee perk programs
Ready to Apply?
Join Cannon Design and make an impact in renewable energy
Stay Updated on Sustainability Jobs
Get the latest renewable energy jobs and career tips delivered to your inbox.
Job Alerts
Get notified about new sustainability jobs
More at Cannon Design
Jobs in Location not specified
More jobs at Cannon Design
Office Practice Leader I
Cannon Design
NEW
Minneapolis
Full Time
2d
$144k-180k
Architect III
Cannon Design
NEW
Los Angeles
Full Time
2d
$83k-104k
Electrical Assessor II
Cannon Design
NEW
Not specified
Contract
2d
$58k-72k
More jobs in Location not specified
Account Executive APJ
Planet
NEW
Remote
Full Time
2d
Account Executive NATO
Planet
NEW
Remote
Full Time
2d
Account Executive NATO
Planet
NEW
Remote
Full Time
2d