Project Design Manager

TL;DR

Project Design Manager (Interior Design/Project Management): Lead the design and project management process for Nontraditional (NTR) restaurant environments with an accent on translating program and operational needs into clear design intent. Focus on managing cross-functional design deliverables, reviewing impacts to drawings and prototypes, and ensuring design-to-construction alignment through site visits and milestone reviews.

Location: Washington, District of Columbia, USA

Salary: $80,750.00 - $95,000.00

Company

Cushman & Wakefield provides design and project support for nontraditional restaurant environments.

What you will do

• Lead design and project management for Nontraditional (NTR) restaurant environments (conversions, colleges, airports, stadiums, small-format, and atypical sites).
• Develop conceptual layouts, test fits, design studies, and renderings that reflect brand standards while adapting to site constraints.
• Manage project teams by directing work, reviewing deliverables, and aligning design principles, operational workflows, and timelines.
• Act as the primary design liaison between Architecture, Kitchen Design, Equipment, Development & Construction teams for NTR projects.
• Evaluate existing conditions and field complexities to deliver technically sound solutions balancing brand standards and real-world limitations.
• Conduct periodic site visits and support design-to-construction handoffs, including kickoff, milestone reviews, and change management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related design discipline, with 7+ years of experience in commercial design, architecture, or project management (restaurant/hospitality preferred).
• Strong understanding of architectural design, space planning, and construction processes, including Back-of-House workflows and kitchen equipment adjacencies (preferred).
• Proven ability to create conceptual layouts, test fits, and clear design intent documents while managing multiple projects at varying stages.
• Experience directing and reviewing work from architects, kitchen designers, and engineering consultants.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills to influence and collaborate across Design, Operations, Equipment, and Construction teams.
• Proficiency in Revit, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office required; familiarity with SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering tools (Enscape, TwinMotion) preferred.
• Willingness to travel for project reviews, site visits, and partner engagement (~25%).

Culture & Benefits

• Eligible employees can enroll in health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, and life/disability insurance.
• Paid and unpaid time away from work.
• Competitive pay based on eligibility factors including geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and collective bargaining applicability.
• Opportunity to request accommodations during the application process.