Design Manager

Bristol Design Manager

Playing a pivotal role in shaping projects from concept to completion. Collaborating and managing cross‑functional teams, including architects, interior designers, consultant engineers, internal and external stakeholders. Ensuring all designs align with project brief, client scope & specifications, technical requirements, building regulations and BSA requirements, costed budget and industry standards, from design through to handover.

Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination between architects, interior designers, consultant engineers, client and the construction team.
• Ensure design development meets project briefs, aligns with commercial objectives and meets deadlines as per the Information Release Schedule (IRS).
• Manage design review at all stages via Design Team Meetings (DTMs) and communication via relevant software packages ensuring all designs are signed off by the client, approved by relevant regulatory bodies, and are fully coordinated with the construction plans.
• Ensure document control of drawings and registers are kept up to date with latest revisions and circulated as required.
• Manage the design process through RIBA stages, ensuring each phase is completed according to plan.
• Projects generally from concept design (Stage 2) to post‑construction evaluation (Stage 7).
• Oversee the engagement and coordination of all external consultants to ensure seamless integration of their designs with the construction process.
• Review and manage their work output to ensure quality, compliance, cost certainty and project timelines.
• Conduct reviews of all designs – architectural, structural, fire and M&E – to ensure they are feasible, cost‑effective, and compliant with the project’s design intent.
• Ensure that all designs comply with relevant UK building regulations, the Building Safety Act (BSA), industry standards, and sustainability guidelines (e.g., BREEAM).
• Identify and mitigate design‑related risks early in the project lifecycle, ensuring all designs are achievable and fit for purpose.
• Implement risk management protocols to minimise disruptions and delays during the build phase.
• Collaborate with the commercial and construction teams to identify and implement cost‑saving design modifications, optimizing the use of materials, methods, and systems while maintaining overall quality, functionality, and aesthetic intent.
• Ensure that all cost‑saving measures align with the project’s long‑term performance goals and do not compromise safety or regulatory compliance.
• Act as the primary point of contact between the design teams and clients, keeping all stakeholders informed of progress and addressing any design concerns that arise during the project lifecycle.
• Provide regular updates on project progress, milestones, and any issues that may arise.
• Support the construction team by providing technical guidance during the build phase, ensuring all design details are followed on‑site.
• Conduct regular site visits to verify that the construction aligns with the approved design, and promptly address any discrepancies or adjustments needed in coordination with the design and construction teams.
• Oversee the post‑completion evaluation process, including building performance assessments and feedback from end users.
• Ensure the completed project meets the original design expectations in terms of functionality, aesthetic quality, and sustainability goals.

Qualifications / Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Design and Construction Management, Architectural Technology, or related field.
• Professional accreditation or membership with relevant industry bodies (e.g., CIAT, RIBA) – preferred but not essential.
• Strong understanding of all RIBA stages, from concept design to post‑completion evaluation.
• Experience managing and coordinating multidisciplinary teams in a construction environment.
• Proven experience working in the student accommodation, hotel, care‑home, or office fit‑out sectors, ideally in a refurbishment or main contractor setting.
• Strong technical understanding of architectural, structural, fire and M&E disciplines, with the ability to review and challenge designs to ensure practicality and compliance.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously, ensuring effective coordination and delivery.
• Ability to identify potential design issues early in the project and implement effective solutions, ensuring minimal disruption to timelines or budgets.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK construction standards, planning laws, and building regulations relevant to refurbishment projects.
• Experience in the construction industry.

Health & Safety

• Ensure the health and safety of yourself and others is at the forefront of everything you do.
• Monitor health and safety within your area of responsibility and report any concerns to your line manager.

Equality & Diversity

• Follow all company guidelines, policies, and procedures to ensure all colleagues and customers are always treated fairly and with respect.

ISO

• Support and comply with internal policies and procedures and the standards of ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety System) and other accreditations.

Any Other Duties

We would request that you respond to requests to carry out additional duties with a positive can‑do attitude to ensure the delivery of company objectives and to ensure our customer requirements are met where possible and where practicable within the course of your duties. You may have knowledge of company activities and information which, if disclosed to an outside party, would prejudice Fortis Vision’s well‑being. You must have the ability to retain/maintain company confidentiality at all times. The above list is not an exhaustive list; you will be expected to perform different tasks in line with your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives.

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