Full-Time

Studio Design Leader

Education

DLR Group

DLR Group

1-10 employees

Compensation Overview

$90k - $130k/yr

Denver, CO, USA

Hybrid

Hybrid schedule: four days in-office, remote on Fridays.

Category
Architecture & Civil Engineering (1)

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Requirements
  • 10+ years of relevant experience as a Designer on educational projects.
  • Demonstrated experience in a client facing role for multiple education projects (K-12 and/or Higher Education).
  • Sketch-up and other 3D Rendering Software (Revit, Enscape, Lumion).
Responsibilities
  • Have the ability to craft and test conceptual ideas quickly and to facilitate collaborative review of the work.
  • Promote design excellence through design charettes, critiques, sharing of projects, and design award submissions.
  • Work collaboratively with Sector Leaders and staff to lead the pursuit, award, design and resolution of work.
  • Be a recognized and respected as a design expert within the education market.
  • Provide thought leadership and innovation within the firm as well as with clients and the educational industry.
  • Have an appreciation and passion for leading an integrated design team.
  • Have excellent presentational, written, and verbal communication skills coupled with strong organizational skills.
  • Attend industry events and improve DLR Group brand recognition through publications, conferences, and speaking engagements.
  • Ability to work both independently and effectively in a cross-disciplinary team atmosphere and across multiple offices.
  • Have a comprehensive understanding of the coordination aspects and related requirements of all design disciplines.
  • Ability to travel as project needs demand.
  • As a Senior Architectural Designer, you will be responsible for developing designs from conception through design development, preparing construction documents, specifications, and team coordination, and supporting the project team through construction administration for a variety of project types and sizes.
Desired Qualifications
  • Master’s Degree in Architecture or B.Arch professional degree
  • Licensed Architect or ability to become registered
  • NCARB certified

Company Size

1-10

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Founded

1966

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Secured 200,000 SF Vanderbilt Stevenson Center 6 research facility design in April 2026, with 2028 completion[3].
  • Launched Infrastructure practice in April 2026, securing a 10-year regional power agency contract and Mainspring Energy work[1].
  • Neil Sauer joined as Principal Healthcare Leader for the Southeast in 2026, adding 30+ years of neuroinclusive design experience[5].

What critics are saying

  • Gensler dominates higher education research design; Vanderbilt's $200M+ project faces entrenched competition within 12–24 months[7].
  • Burns & McDonnell undercuts DLR on mid-market power contracts due to stronger utility ties, risking 35–50% loss in 6–12 months[7].
  • China's Q2 2025 regulatory restrictions threaten DLR's Shanghai office and Asia-Pacific pipeline for 2026–2028, with 50–70% probability[7].

What makes DLR Group unique

  • DLR Group is 100% employee-owned, distributing leadership across 35 global studios without a corporate headquarters[4].
  • The firm vertically integrates architecture, engineering, interiors, and planning to deliver sustainable, human-centered solutions[4].
  • Its new Infrastructure practice combines aviation, power, and transportation expertise under Principal David Chow since April 2026[1].

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Wellness Program

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation

Flexible Work Hours

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Company News

Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City
Jun 30th, 2026
MCC-Longview opens state-of-art Automotive Institute and launches a new automotive program.

MCC-Longview opens state-of-art Automotive Institute and launches a new automotive program. June 30, 2026 Seven years in the making, MCC's leadership envisioned modernizing the automotive technology program to expand workforce training opportunities. In its initial phase, the existing automotive High Technology building was renovated and the collision repair program was expanded. Now after more than a year since its ground-breaking, the new MCC-Longview Automotive Institute combines its academic and corporate training programs entirely in one building, including its new diesel technology program. In June 2026, the college opened the Automotive Institute, a facility designed to support hands-on learning. The new program is equipped with state-of-the art equipment with ten bays specific to the needs of diesel motor and commercial vehicles, allowing for hands-on learning in this industry specific field. The first program cohort begins in the Fall 2026. "For more than 60 years, MCC has set the standard for automotive training and education in our region, preparing more than 9,500 students for careers in the industry," states Dr. Beatty, Chancellor and CEO of Metropolitan Community College. "Now with expanded capabilities, open-concept design and modernized teaching labs, MCC is in the position to further its impact even more." The new renovated institute includes: * Dedicated space for each of the three automotive programs * A second-floor observation bridge overlooking 24 automotive work bays * Expanded footprint for the Collision program The project was led by architect firm DLR Group and general contractor McCown Gordon, in partnership with LM2 Construction, the Automotive Institute has an open architectural design inspired by modern auto dealerships. Many of Missouri's state and local elected leaders joined MCC staff, faculty and its project partners at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 5th, including Congressman Emanual Cleaver, Missouri Speaker Rep. Jon Patterson, Rep. Keri Ingle of MO-District 35 and Lee's Summit Mayor Beto Lopez to name a few. "Today dedication is a huge milestone for the City of Lee's Summit. We take a lot of pride in Lee's Summit with workforce initiatives... we would like to be considered the model for workforce initiatives," states Mayor Lopez. "This is a huge need for our community and across the country, and to have that here in Lee's Summit, Missouri, we're very proud of that, we will be a continued partner as long as I am mayor." The MCC-Longview Automotive Institute is the fifth and final building of the Path Forward Capital Campaign led by the MCC Foundation, and it completes the second and final phase of the campaign. The mission of the Path Forward Capital Campaign is to strengthen MCC's workforce pipeline of local talent by adding scholarships, enhance programs and state-of-the-art facilities. "We will continue to tackle the region's economic and workforce challenges with new programs, new buildings and partner with employers to fill in industry and talent gaps," states Dr. Beatty.

Veregy
Jun 4th, 2026
Powering the future of Arizona's workforce.

Powering the future of Arizona's workforce. June 4, 2026 * Veregy * $ * Company news * $ * Veregy acquires JDC Energy Services, expanding its footprint across the Northeast. Strategic acquisition strengthens Veregy's national reach and deepens its energy efficiency capabilities in one of the country's most dynamic markets. Phoenix, Arizona, June 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Veregy, LLC (veregy.com), an Energy Services Company (ESCO) focused on accelerating the energy transition in the United States, today announced the acquisition of JDC Energy Services, LLC (jdcenergyservices.com), formerly an affiliate of DCO Energy, LLC. JDC Energy Services, now A Veregy Company, is a leading ESCO providing energy-efficiency engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services headquartered in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. The acquisition strengthens Veregy's national growth strategy and establishes a larger presence across the Northeast, where demand for energy efficiency, infrastructure modernization, and performance contracting continues to grow. JDC Energy Services brings decades of experience helping public- and private-sector clients develop self-funded energy projects, backed by demand-side, supply-side, and construction management expertise. With offices in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Melville, New York, JDC has developed a strong regional presence serving municipalities, schools, healthcare organizations, and commercial clients throughout New Jersey, New York, and neighboring states. Veregy CEO, Wes Walker, said, "The partnership reflects Veregy's long-term strategy to grow thoughtfully in the region while staying focused on client outcomes." He noted that JDC has earned a strong reputation for delivering measurable results and said, "The combination gives Veregy the experienced team, trusted relationships, and operational depth needed to expand our impact across the Northeast." The partnership brings together complementary strengths at a time when the Northeast remains one of the country's most active markets for sustainability and energy efficiency investment. Valerie Moran, Executive Vice President of JDC Energy Services, said "Joining Veregy creates new opportunities for the JDC team and the clients it has supported for years", adding that "Veregy's national platform, financial strength, and broad service offerings will help the combined organization pursue more complex projects while maintaining the high-touch service JDC clients expect." With the acquisition complete, Veregy expands its ability to deliver turnkey solutions across the region, including energy efficiency upgrades, HVAC and lighting modernization, cogeneration, renewable energy, smart building technology, fleet EV infrastructure, and guaranteed energy savings performance contracts. The combination of Veregy's national resources and JDC's on-the-ground experience is expected to create immediate value for clients seeking integrated energy and infrastructure solutions. By pairing regional execution capabilities with a broader platform, the combined organization is positioned to help more clients reduce operating costs, modernize facilities, and advance long-term sustainability goals. About Veregy Veregy is an award-winning NAESCO-accredited Energy Services Company (ESCO) focused on accelerating and simplifying the energy transition. Veregy, LLC provide turnkey engineering and construction services to reduce its clients' energy and operating costs through energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades, smart building technology, EV fleet infrastructure, clean energy generation, and sustainability. Contact Data Vincent Esparza, VP of Marketing and Communications Veregy, LLC (www.veregy.com) [email protected] Veregy coordinated the 2026 Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS) Charity Golf Outing, which raised a record-breaking $16,850+ in support of the Appalachian Children Coalition. Veregy is proud to partner with CHASSE Building Team and DLR Group on the new West-MEC Southeast Campus in Phoenix, Arizona, a cutting-edge 54,000+ sq. ft. Career & Technical Education facility designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and technology. Veregy is proud to announce the completion of a $12 million, 12,000-square-foot expansion of the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, a cultural landmark that celebrates the art, history, and heritage of the American West. For rural healthcare, energy isn't just a utility expense, it's a clinical and financial risk. This thought leadership article explains Energy as a Service (EaaS) in plain language and shows how rural hospitals, clinics, and community care hubs can use performance-based models to improve reliability, reduce operational burden, and make costs more predictable. MBS International Airport, in partnership with Veregy, is proud to announce the nearing completion of its landmark $2.3 million solar energy project. This multi-phase initiative has officially established MBS as a leader in aviation sustainability, recently earning the prestigious title of "Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Commercial Airport of the Year."

Architecture Pulse
May 5th, 2026
Taryn Borelli promoted to Senior Associate at DLR Group.

Taryn Borelli promoted to Senior Associate at DLR Group. Taryn Borelli has been promoted to Senior Associate at DLR Group, marking a significant milestone in their professional journey. The promotion recognizes their strong contributions to sustainable design and leadership within the landscape architecture and urban design sectors. Advancing sustainable design leadership. As sustainability becomes a central focus in the built environment, firms are increasingly recognizing leaders who drive environmentally responsible and innovative design solutions. Borelli's elevation reflects DLR Group's commitment to advancing sustainable practices across its projects and strengthening its leadership in landscape architecture. Their credentials, including ASLA, LEED GA, and SITES AP, underscore a strong foundation in sustainable and performance-driven design methodologies. Operational details: expanding leadership role. In their new role as Senior Associate, Borelli will continue to contribute to high-impact projects while taking on expanded leadership responsibilities. This includes guiding design strategies, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, and delivering solutions that balance environmental performance with functional and aesthetic goals. Their work spans landscape architecture and urban design, where they have played a key role in shaping projects that integrate sustainability with community-focused development. Economic impact: strengthening design capabilities. Leadership promotions within design firms contribute to enhanced project delivery and innovation. By elevating experienced professionals, firms like DLR Group strengthen their ability to meet increasing demand for sustainable infrastructure and resilient urban environments. This also supports long-term growth by fostering talent and ensuring continuity in delivering high-quality design solutions. Strategic significance: shaping the future of the built environment. Borelli's promotion signals a continued focus on sustainability and leadership development within DLR Group. As the firm expands its portfolio, leaders with expertise in sustainable landscape architecture will play a critical role in shaping future-ready environments. This milestone not only reflects individual achievement but also reinforces the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and innovation in driving the evolution of the built environment.

Architecture Pulse
May 4th, 2026
Giancarlo Zamora appointed Associate at DLR Group, marking leadership milestone.

Giancarlo Zamora appointed Associate at DLR Group, marking leadership milestone. Giancarlo Zamora has been appointed as an Associate at DLR Group, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey. The recognition reflects consistent contributions, leadership, and a strong impact within the architecture and built environment sectors. Context: recognizing excellence in architecture. The Associate title at DLR Group is awarded through peer and leadership nominations, emphasizing not only individual performance but also contributions to team success and firm-wide growth. Zamora's appointment highlights his ability to deliver impactful work while fostering collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. This recognition aligns with broader industry values that prioritize leadership, innovation, and a commitment to advancing the built environment. Operational details: A culture of collaboration. Alongside Zamora, several professionals were also recognized as Associates, including Miranda Stalling and Chloe Hanley Kempken, among others such as John Riordan, Celine Haddad, Kari Botek, Karla Iannicelli, Kylee Angelo, Ernesto L. Alonso, Tina Navarro, Selene E. Ramirez-Barragan, and Mark Gilman. These appointments underline DLR Group's emphasis on collaboration, teamwork, and shared achievement. The recognition celebrates individuals who contribute not only to project success but also to organizational development and culture. Economic impact: strengthening talent and innovation. Leadership recognitions such as this play a crucial role in strengthening organizational capabilities. By promoting high-performing professionals, firms like DLR Group enhance their ability to deliver innovative design solutions and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving architecture and construction landscape. Such advancements also contribute to talent retention and long-term growth within the firm. Strategic significance: building future leadership. Zamora's appointment signals the beginning of a new chapter focused on leadership and continued impact. As an Associate, he is expected to play a key role in shaping projects, mentoring teams, and contributing to the firm's strategic vision. More broadly, the recognition reflects DLR Group's commitment to nurturing future leaders who will drive innovation and excellence across the built environment.

Business Wire
Apr 14th, 2026
DLR Group launches global infrastructure practice spanning aviation, power and transport

DLR Group, a global integrated design firm, has launched a new Infrastructure practice spanning aviation, power generation and horizontal transportation markets. The practice combines design, engineering and planning expertise to deliver large-scale infrastructure solutions for public utilities, transportation agencies and existing clients across federal, data centre and healthcare sectors. The team is led by Principal David Chow and includes specialists in aviation, renewable energy and urban planning. The practice launches with major contracts including a 10-year agreement with a regional power agency for facility improvements across multiple states and work with Mainspring Energy on linear generator technology. The 60-year-old firm, which is 100% employee-owned, serves public and private sector clients globally with a focus on sustainable, human-centred design solutions.