HGA · 5 hours ago
Director of Design Insight
Milwaukee, WI
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$150K/yr - $168K/yr
10+ years expHGA is seeking a visionary leader to shape the future of their design practice through research, innovation, and human-centered insight. The Director of Design Insight will drive a culture of curiosity and creative experimentation, partnering with various teams to advance a forward-looking agenda that enhances design outcomes and amplifies the impact of the built environment.
ArchitectureCivil EngineeringInterior Design
Responsibilities
Develop an organizational service design strategy that positions the firm to anticipate a changing client landscape and seize new opportunities to leverage research and innovation expanding upon the current service offerings:
Define goals and lead successful change initiatives by guiding teams through structured decision-making processes that produce clear roadmaps for transformation while building trust, alignment, and long-term adoption
Engage and empower stakeholders across all levels-including owners, employees, users, and community members-by facilitating inclusive processes that integrate diverse perspectives into shared decisions and meaningful outcomes
Explore new ideas and uncharted opportunities by challenging assumptions, questioning the status quo, and helping clients envision innovative, future-focused solutions
Generate research-driven insights by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods to understand how people interact with environments and how design decisions influence behavior, performance, and experience
Align space with operational processes by applying Lean and efficiency-based methodologies to reduce waste, optimize workflows, lower costs, and enhance the overall user experience
Capture, measure, and advance design outcomes by defining success metrics, evaluating performance against organizational goals, and using evidence-based findings to continuously improve project results, firm knowledge, and industry practice
Guide DIG's strategic planning, policy, operations, budgeting, and performance to deliver exceptional service and engagement for both internal and external stakeholders
Lead with consideration to both business success and innovation-refining structures, systems, policies, and KPls to drive operational excellence and measurable impact
Build a transdisciplinary practice that differentiates the firm's research and innovation services
Leverage and grow a shared knowledge base to advance design solutions by collaborating with other groups in the firm to develop tools and techniques that translate research into project applications and client-facing deliverables, strengthening DIG's market differentiation
Work as a complementary practitioner, contributing to research and innovation in project pursuits, firm-funded initiatives, and billable project work approximately 35% of the time
Foster a high-performing, collaborative DIG culture by developing distinctive capabilities, cultivating leadership, and strategically recruiting talent that differentiates the firm in the marketplace and responds to evolving client demands
Build and sustain firmwide partnerships with practice groups, markets, and design leaders to align strategy, integrate DIG capabilities, and deliver differentiated, high-value solutions that strengthen the firm's competitive position
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as architecture, engineering, interior design, or business (or equivalent experience) required
Minimum 10 years of experience in organizational service design involving the built environment, architecture, or design
Minimum 5 years of leadership experience, including formal management or equivalent team leadership
Proven experience shaping organizational service design and contributing to the strategic direction of a professional services organization, with the ability to identify industry and market trends and translate them into market strategy and research priorities
A strong background in human-centered, mixed-method research within the built environment and the ability to translate insight into innovation and business value
Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated capacity to influence across disciplines and engage stakeholders at all levels
Preferred
A graduate degree in strategy, leadership, business, or management is preferred
Benefits
Annual bonus and success sharing bonus program
401(k) guaranteed contribution
Paid parental leave
Medical, dental and life insurance plans
PTO
Short- and long-term disability programs
Company
HGA
HGA is a national interdisciplinary design firm committed to making a positive, lasting impact for our clients and communities through research-based, holistic solutions.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
HGA has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (4)
2024 (5)
2023 (12)
2022 (1)
2021 (3)
2020 (7)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Mia Blanchett
CEO
Recent News
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