Director of Design

American is an Investment manager to institutional investors and with over $6 billion in assets under management, has provided real estate investment management services for over 26 years utilizing core and value-added commingled funds and separate accounts.

The Director of Design will be responsible for overseeing all architecture and design planning for American’s growing national portfolio of real estate assets in product types that include office, industrial, retail and multi-family.

* Review asset management goals and objectives regarding all real estate assets, concerning design oriented issues on new construction, value add modifications or building upgrades. * Prepare and develop design programs to support asset management investment strategies for each property assigned. * Source, organize, recommend, and coordinate all aspects of architecture and design for each project with outside service firms (e.g. architects, designers, and other design professionals). * Manage and develop overall project estimates and budgets and work with the asset management team to present and seek approval from senior management. * Develop schedules and controls and communicate project status to senior management. * Negotiate design contracts, and oversee administration and performance of the contracts. * Provide guidance and oversight of architecture and design activities related to company’s customary use, operation and maintenance of the properties. * Responsible for completing all design projects according to the agreed timeframe and within the limits of the approved budget. * Review plans and specifications prepared by consultants, and identify value-engineering opportunities. * Review and recommend invoices for payment, and monitor all financial transactions. * Participate with new acquisitions regarding any design oriented issues. * Review and comment on physical due diligence reports submitted by consultants, and inform company of findings as it relates to any design oriented issues.

* 10+ years of related experience in architecture and/or design or related field, with background in commercial real estate preferred * Strategic thinker, action oriented with proven success managing multiple projects simultaneously * Excellent analytical, logistical and planning capacity and exceptional communication skills * Ability to work in a collaborative working environment * Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred * Southern California area resident preferred