Design Manager

Design Manager
Type: Full-Time Salaried Employee (Exempt)
Location: Hybrid, based in or near Columbus, Ohio, or Western North Carolina (Asheville, Charlotte, or nearby)
Target Start Date: December 1, 2026
Apply By: November 20, 2026
About nSCALE
nSCALE Design & Development is a real estate development and architecture firm working at the intersection of design, real estate finance, and strategy. Founded in 2021, the firm provides development advisory, architecture, interior design, market research, and financial analysis, with a focus on affordable housing, green infrastructure, and mission-driven community projects. Our clients include community-based organizations, nonprofits, institutions, and developers pursuing projects that matter to the places they serve. Current work includes adaptive reuse projects in North Carolina, mixed-use projects in Ohio, and more.
The Role
We are looking for a Design Manager to run nSCALE's architecture projects from feasibility through construction administration. You will lead our team of architectural designers, keep each project on schedule, within fee, and at a consistent standard of quality, and serve as a day-to-day contact for clients and consultants. You will also help us win new work through proposals and business development.
You will report directly to our Managing Principal, a licensed architect who leads client relationships and project schedules and who seals all drawings. You will not be asked to seal drawings.
What You'll Do
Run assigned architecture projects through every phase: feasibility, concept, schematic design, design development, construction documents, permitting, bidding, and construction administration.
Manage our architectural designers. Assign work, set priorities, review output, give regular feedback, and support their growth.
Work directly with clients, owners' representatives, engineers, and other consultants on day-to-day project matters, and keep the Managing Principal informed of anything that affects scope, schedule, or fee.
Build and maintain project schedules, track hours against fee, and identify scope changes early.
Lead quality assurance on design and construction documents, including code compliance, coordination across disciplines, and technical accuracy, before each issue.
Review RFIs, submittals, and construction details, and guide existing building surveys and site visits.
Contribute scope, staffing, schedule, and fee input to proposals, take part in meetings with prospective clients, and review proposals for technical accuracy.
Be present in and around the projects we are working on, in Ohio and Western North Carolina.
What You Bring
A bachelor's or master's degree in architecture from an accredited program.
At least 7 years of post-degree experience in architecture, including experience leading project teams or managing projects.
Experience delivering full construction document sets for commercial, mixed-use, or multifamily work.
Strong working knowledge of the IBC, accessibility requirements, construction detailing, and the permitting process.
Experience coordinating with engineering consultants and construction teams, including RFI and submittal review.
Experience managing schedule and fee on projects.
Proficiency in Revit and Excel.
Clear written and verbal communication with clients, consultants, and team members.
The ability to be present at project sites and meetings in the Columbus, Ohio area or Western North Carolina, with short-term notice.
Nice to Have
A license to practice architecture in any U.S. state.
Experience supervising and mentoring junior staff.
Experience with writing proposals, fee estimating, and client development.
Experience with adaptive reuse, community facilities, or affordable housing.
Experience with Rhino and Enscape.
How You'll Work
Hybrid. nSCALE has no physical office, so you will work remotely when you are not on site, with regular in-person time at project sites, consultant meetings, occasional in-person coordination meetings, and client meetings.
Full time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, with lunch included in that window.
Some travel to project sites and meetings, currently expected about once every other month. This may change as our projects do.
Pay & Benefits
Salary: $85,000 to $110,000 per year, paid monthly, depending on experience.
Health Insurance: Group medical, dental, and vision insurance, with nSCALE contributing toward your premiums.
Retirement: 401(k) plan with an employer match of 100% of the first 3% of pay you contribute, plus 50% of the next 2%, for a match of up to 4% of your pay. You are eligible to enroll and receive the match from your first day, and matching contributions vest immediately.
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays: All federal holidays plus your birthday, 12 paid days each year. When a holiday falls on a weekend, the next weekday is observed.
Vacation: 120 hours (15 days) provided at the start of each year of employment. Vacation can be used after your first 3 months of employment. Unused vacation does not roll over and is not paid out when employment ends.
Sick & Wellness Leave: 40 hours (5 days) available on your first day and again at the start of each year of employment, separate from vacation, for your own illness, injury, mental health, or preventive care, to care for a family member, or for safe leave. Unused hours do not roll over.
Monthly Benefit Stipends. Each month, we set aside funds to reimburse employees for qualified expenses in the following categories:
Health & Wellness: gym memberships, and other care that supports your physical, mental, and emotional health. Insurance premiums are covered by the group plan.
Remote Work: co-working memberships, equipment, software, home office furniture, and other costs that make remote work easier and more productive.
Professional Development & Networking: conferences, professional organization dues, courses and books, and licensure fees, including exam and renewal fees.
Location
This is a hybrid role for someone who lives in or near Columbus, Ohio, or Western North Carolina, including Asheville and the Charlotte area. Our projects are concentrated in those two regions, and we want someone close to them.
How to Apply
Send a resume and a portfolio or project list to admin@nscalearc.com by November 20, 2026. If you hold an architecture license, please tell us the state or states. Please do not include your current or past salary.
nSCALE Design & Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Work arrangement
Yes