Design Manager

Design Manager - University Construction Project

Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Department: Project & Development Services (PDS) / Construction Management
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead and coordinate the design development of a large-scale university campus project in Dehradun. The role will be responsible for managing the complete design lifecycle, ensuring seamless coordination between architects, consultants, contractors, project stakeholders, and client representatives to achieve project objectives related to quality, functionality, sustainability, cost, and schedule.

The ideal candidate should possess strong experience in managing institutional, educational, mixed-use, or large commercial developments from concept design through construction execution.

Key Responsibilities

Design Management

• Lead and manage the complete design process from concept to construction documentation.
• Coordinate with architects, structural, MEP, landscape, faade, interior, and specialist consultants.
• Review and monitor design deliverables against project requirements, standards, budgets, and timelines.
• Ensure compliance with local building regulations, NBC guidelines, fire and life safety codes, accessibility requirements, and sustainability standards.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary design coordination and resolve design conflicts during all project stages.

University Campus Planning

• Oversee master planning, academic buildings, administration blocks, student housing, sports facilities, auditoriums, libraries, dining facilities, and supporting infrastructure.
• Ensure design solutions align with the educational vision, operational requirements, and future expansion plans of the university.
• Review space planning, circulation, campus connectivity, and end-user requirements.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary interface between the client, consultants, project management team, and contractors.
• Conduct design workshops, review meetings, and technical coordination sessions.
• Present design recommendations and updates to project leadership and client stakeholders.

Technical Review & Quality Assurance

• Perform design audits and technical reviews for architectural, structural, and MEP packages.
• Ensure design consistency, constructability, maintainability, and operational efficiency.
• Review value engineering proposals and recommend cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
• Identify and mitigate design-related risks affecting project delivery.

Cost & Schedule Management

• Monitor design progress against project timelines and milestones.
• Coordinate with cost consultants to ensure designs remain within approved budgets.
• Support tender documentation, contractor clarifications, and design-related procurement activities.
• Evaluate design changes and their impact on project cost and schedule.

Construction Support

• Provide design management support during construction.
• Review shop drawings, material submittals, RFIs, and design change requests.
• Coordinate consultant responses and ensure timely resolution of site issues.
• Conduct periodic site visits to ensure design intent is maintained during execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related discipline.
• Master's Degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Project Management, or Urban Planning preferred.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, RICS, LEED, or equivalent will be an advantage.

Experience

• 8-15+ years of experience in design management, architecture, project management, or construction consultancy.
• Experience in large educational campuses, universities, healthcare, mixed-use, commercial, or institutional developments.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary consultant teams.
• Exposure to campus infrastructure, residential facilities, sports complexes, and academic buildings preferred.