Regional Design Director

Integrated Design and Advisory (IDA) is one of four (4) Business Verticals at Michael Baker International with more than 850 professionals located across the country. We unite architecture and engineering design expertise with strategic advisory services to deliver holistic and innovative solutions that address the business and project objectives of our clients. We serve market sectors, including industrial, defense contractors, data centers, aerospace, life sciences, healthcare, higher education, aviation, rail and transit, and the federal government.

Our multidisciplinary approach leverages the early involvement of all project stakeholders and key disciplines including planning, architecture, interior design, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural and fire protection (MEP+S+FP) engineering. Our Advisory capabilities provide solutions across the project life cycle along with sustainability and resilience. This service underscores the firm’s proficiency across a range of domains including strategic consulting, planning, cybersecurity, building controls, cost management, commissioning, program management, construction support, building information modeling, digital twins, emergency response, disaster recovery, operational continuity, energy resiliency, among other areas.

Over the past 85 years, Michael Baker has built a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation, and integrity as we partner with our clients to solve complex built environment and critical infrastructure challenges. We have achieved success as a company by employing a solutions-oriented mindset and continually evolving our capabilities to best serve our clients. Integrated Design and Advisory supports our long-term growth strategy, enhanced capabilities, and unique areas of expertise that focus on high performance buildings, intelligent systems, and critical infrastructure. We are focused on an integrated approach, informed decision-making, and innovative solutions to aggressively pursue, win, and execute large, complex projects for government and private sector clients.

Position Description

Michael Baker International is seeking an enthusiastic, articulate, and motivated Design Director for the West Region who will collaboratively lead the creative vision and elevate design excellence through our architecture practice. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of design at Michael Baker, driving innovation, and ensuring our projects reflect the highest standards of creativity, functionality, and technical excellence.

The Design Director will collaborate closely with Michael Baker International leadership and project teams to define design strategies, inspire creative solutions, and position the firm as a leader in architectural innovation. This design leadership role reports to and supports the Regional Architecture Principal.

As a champion of the seller-doer model, the Design Director will focus on leading and supporting regional teams in proposal development, project execution, and design excellence, driving innovation across diverse markets. This role will help shape our design vision, ensuring consistency, creativity, and technical excellence across all projects. Strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills-internally and externally-are essential to influence design culture and client engagement. The successful candidate will demonstrate significant experience in delivering large, complex Architectural/Engineering (A/E) projects, including Design/Build delivery, in collaboration with geographically dispersed, multi-disciplinary teams.

Key priorities

• Lead and/or support multi-disciplinary design teams through the development of project design and construction documentation, from project inception through construction.
• Establish and champion design excellence across all projects and pursuits in the region in close collaboration with the Architecture Principals and Design Directors in other regions to ensure a consistent vision.
• Drive innovation and thought leadership to position Michael Baker at the forefront of architectural trends.
• Proactively engage project teams through decision-making processes and the development of technically sound and innovative planning and design solutions.
• Strengthening client relationships and advocating for design vision in all engagements.
• Integrate design excellence into business objectives and strategic pursuits.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead with confidence and accountability, managing performance while demonstrating flexibility in addressing unexpected challenges. Navigate conflict constructively and foster an empathetic, collaborative culture.
• Ensure technical and creative alignment across teams, projects, and clients. Leverage the diverse talents within Michael Baker to deliver innovative, high-quality design solutions that meet client needs and elevate the firm’s reputation.
• Promote consistent use of design tools. Actively participate in weekly coordination meetings with Architecture Principal and Directors of Architecture to align resources, maintain quality standards, and ensure seamless project execution.
• Encourage communication and cooperation between offices and disciplines to strengthen design integration and project outcomes.
• Actively coach and mentor staff, supporting professional growth and cultivating future design leaders.
• Identify and attract industry-leading designers to support strategic growth and strengthen Michael Baker’s design capabilities.
• Encourage knowledge sharing through mentoring, in-house presentations, case studies, and continuing education opportunities.
• Engage with clients, consultants, and subject matter experts throughout the development of projects. Develop and maintain positive client relations. Communicate design, construction, and other issues to clients in a clear and compelling way.
• Implement cutting-edge design approaches, technologies, and methodologies.
• Drive research and development initiatives to promote leadership in architectural innovation.
• Cultivate system innovation and constructability throughout all phases.
• Contribute to winning proposals by articulating design vision and differentiators.
• Assist leadership and business development teams with growth planning and actively participate in project pursuits, interviews, and proposal development.
• Prepare detailed proposals, visualizations, technical reports, and presentations for clients, ensuring clear articulation of design concepts and value propositions. Deliver engaging presentations to secure client buy-in and project approvals.
• Regularly attend local industry and client events representing our comprehensive capabilities to promote brand awareness.

Professional Experience/Requirements

• The ideal candidate is a licensed Architect in one or more states across the region, NCARB-certified, with proven success leading complex A/E programs with collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams.
• 8+ years of similar experience leading architectural design, development, and construction documentation roles.
• Experience with a variety of project procurement methods, including design-bid-build and design-build.
• Proven multitasking ability in fast-paced environments.
• Possess strong personal/team management skills relating to design, coordination, and time management.
• Proficiency with Building Information Modeling (BIM) Autodesk Revit 2025, BIM 360/ACC, and Microsoft Office Suite is required. Experience with digital delivery and the ability to collaborate and lead teams in implementing AI-driven, generative, and parametric tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills exhibited through the ability to articulate ideas, both verbally and in writing; personable and outgoing in work relationships, both externally and internally; highly precise, detailed, and self-organized; frank and candid during all business relationships.
• American Institute of Architects (AIA) membership is highly preferred.
• LEED Accredited Professional BD+C is preferred.
• Travel (25%+/-) is anticipated based on program/project responsibilities.

COMPENSATION

The approximate compensation range for this position is $125,000 to $175,000 annually. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

ABOUT US

Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.

Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.

We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.

We Make a Difference.

Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.

EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.

*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.