Senior Design Manager, Mixed-Use

About the role

Job Location: Corporate Indianapolis

Primary Purpose

The Senior Design Manager is responsible for leading the planning and design of mixed‑use developments in alignment with Simon’s business model and strategic objectives. The role collaborates closely with internal partners—including Development, Leasing, Project Management, and Operations—to define project goals and deliver coordinated design solutions. Working with the development team, this position manages the full design process through external architectural and engineering consultants, presenting recommendations to senior leadership and guiding approved direction through successful implementation.

Principal Responsibilities

Design Leadership

• Manage external AE consultants through the design process from concept through construction.
• Provide master planning input on mixed-use projects in Simon’s real estate pipeline.
• Review consultant design concepts and construction drawings providing feedback with development, provide design suggestions and alternatives to assist in meeting Simon goals for the Project.
• Participate in Value Engineering sessions to ensure that the overall design goals are met.
• Review and comment on construction submittals of major specialty design components.
• Provide input and coordination assistance for the procurement and installation of all project fixtures, furnishings, and equipment. Review purchase orders and submittals for FFE and any owner supplied items.
• Make necessary site visits for project meetings to review progress of construction and mock-ups, participate in resolving design related problems.

Design Management

• Develop project design scope, schedule, and budget for Architect/Engineer services.
• Actively seeks and solicits proposals from external consultants best suited for the assigned project.
• Prepare Request for Proposals (RFP) for new projects, evaluate responses and make selection with project team.
• Prepare consultant contracts and additional services, using Simon standard templates. Manage contracts through Simon’s Project Management system.
• Review and approve consultants invoicing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Architecture from a NAAB-accredited school
• Architecture license and registration in at least one U.S. state
• Minimum of 15 years’ progressive AE industry experience, inclusive of 10 years multifamily and or hospitality design is required. This experience may include project roles as Designer, Project Architect, or Project Manager.
• Advanced knowledge of multifamily, mid-rise, institutional owned projects including planning, zoning, design metrics and development parameters.
• Broad experience in the hospitality market sector is required.
• Proven track record of managing A/E design consultants.