Lancaster
Job Description Overview The Design Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of design activities for educational facility projects, including modernization, upgrades, and critical repairs. This role serves as the lead design professional responsible for ensuring that all project designs meet functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements, with a strong emphasis on compliance with the Division of the State Architect (DSA). The ideal candidate brings extensive experience managing design and construction efforts for public educational facilities in California, excels at coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and demonstrates strong technical knowledge of construction methods, materials, and regulatory frameworks. This position requires exceptional communication, leadership, and problem‐solving abilities, along with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‐paced environment. Responsibilities • Plan, organize, and direct design activities for school modernization, upgrade, and critical repair projects., • Serve as the lead design professional, ensuring quality control, adherence to policies and procedures, and consistent coordination with DSA., • Manage and guide the District’s design process to ensure alignment with program requirements, budgets, environmental standards, and legal regulations., • Oversee the building design process to ensure compliance with District standards, educational specifications, and applicable building codes., • Provide architects and consultants with clear direction regarding project goals, standards, site conditions, schedules, and budgets., • Establish and maintain an effective design review process that ensures quality, value, and long‐term functionality for school communities., • Manage multiple projects from conception through design development, review, approval, and handoff to execution teams., • Identify, evaluate, and recommend architectural firms based on qualifications and performance standards., • Review design changes and ensure alignment with project budgets and objectives., • Coordinate with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and District personnel to ensure timely decision‐making and project progress., • Maintain thorough documentation of all project steps to meet legal and regulatory requirements., • Conduct regular meetings, provide project updates, and resolve design‐related conflicts as they arise, • Collaborate closely with construction management teams to ensure design intent is maintained during execution., • Conduct site visits to monitor progress, verify compliance with safety standards, and support resolution of field issues., • Review and approve construction estimates, quotes, and payment applications., • Minimum 5 years of experience in architecture, design and or managing design for public facilities., • Experience in design or design management for public projects and at least 3 projects with over 10M Construction value., • Minimum of 3 years of experience on design or design management for K14/educational facilities in the State of California, • Proficient on DSA processes, requirements, and approvals., • Familiar with approved delivery methods in the State of California, • Experienced in planning and budgeting for a public school local bond construction program, • Experience managing architects, design consultants, and multidisciplinary project teams., • Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and building systems., • Proficiency with project management and design review software (Bluebeam Revu; CAD)., • Strong communication, leadership, and team‐management skills., • Ability to manage design phase of multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‐paced environment., • Knowledge of construction safety regulations, including Cal‐OSHA requirements., • Bachelor’s degree in architecture or construction related engineering degrees., • Licensed architect in the state of California and AIA preferred Bringing extensive industry experience, our diverse team of owners came together in August 2020 to form Fonder-Salari, Inc. We are proud to be Woman-Owned and Small Business (SBE) certified. We are a family-oriented group, who values working hard, our relationships and enjoying life, both at and outside of work! Our team offers comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the construction management field. We specialize in delivering public sector and educational facilities projects and programs, and doing so successfully. Fonder-Salari staff members are team builders and team leaders who strongly believe in integrity, open, honest, and direct communication. It will not take long to see our dedication and commitment to you and your project(s). Our most valuable asset is our dedicated team who is equipped with up-to-date technologies serving our clients and ultimately our community. Regardless of your role on our projects (owner, architect, engineer, contractor/subcontractor, or supplier), you are a respected member of our stakeholder team; it is our goal to not only produce successful projects, but to build real relationships.Fonder-Salari, Inc. is a full-service construction consulting firm that offers services in construction management, program management, preconstruction, contract management, facilities management, and construction support services. Serving Southern California (Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties), it is our mission to provide unbiased oversight of construction projects large and small, while closely administering each project to ensure we attain the goals set forth by our clients and meet the program and/or project’s requirements in accordance with the project schedule within the Owner’s budget.\r\n\r\nBringing extensive industry experience, our diverse team of owners came together in August 2020 to form Fonder-Salari, Inc. We are proud to be Woman-Owned and Small Business (SBE) certified. We are a family-oriented group, who values working hard, our relationships and enjoying life, both at and outside of work!\r\n\r\nOur team offers comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the construction management field. We specialize in delivering public sector and educational facilities projects and programs, and doing so successfully. Fonder-Salari staff members are team builders and team leaders who strongly believe in integrity, open, honest, and direct communication. It will not take long to see our dedication and commitment to you and your project(s). Our most valuable asset is our dedicated team who is equipped with up-to-date technologies serving our clients and ultimately our community.\r\n\r\nRegardless of your role on our projects (owner, architect, engineer, contractor/subcontractor, or supplier), you are a respected member of our stakeholder team; it is our goal to not only produce successful projects, but to build real relationships.