Technical Director - Senior

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Gensler's San Jose office is a dynamic center for innovation, technology, and design excellence. Our multidisciplinary teams partner with leading organizations to deliver transformative projects across Core & Shell, Advanced Technology, Mixed-Use, Critical Facilities, Education, and Workplace environments.

As a Technical Director, you will provide technical leadership within our Core & Shell and Advanced Technology practice, guiding complex projects from pursuit through construction. You will be a trusted advisor to clients and project teams, bringing deep expertise in building systems, envelope design, and project delivery while ensuring design intent is realized through technically sound, high-performing solutions.

This role is ideal for a collaborative leader who combines exceptional technical knowledge with strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills. You understand how to navigate complex project challenges, align stakeholder priorities, and drive teams toward successful outcomes.

Working closely with designers, architects, consultants, and clients, you will help shape project strategy, advance technical excellence, and support business development efforts across a diverse portfolio of project types and scales. You will also play a key role in mentoring emerging talent, fostering professional growth, and strengthening technical expertise throughout the studio.

The successful candidate is a proactive and collaborative professional with a comprehensive understanding of the architectural process, from pursuit and proposal development through construction administration. They bring a passion for design, a commitment to technical rigor, and a proven ability to lead teams in delivering innovative, high-quality projects.

What You Will Do

• Partner with Studio Directors, Principals, and project leadership to guide teams through all phases of project delivery.
• Lead technical delivery across all project phases, ensuring seamless integration between structural systems, core layout, and envelope assemblies.
• Oversee the preparation and coordination of construction documentation, specifications, and construction administration activities.
• Oversee detailed design, documentation, and performance specifications for facade systems, curtain walls, cladding, glazing, and weatherproofing/waterproofing assemblies.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for project teams, resolving complex design and construction challenges in collaboration with consultants and stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop junior staff through technical guidance, coaching, and day-to-day leadership.
• Ensure project teams remain informed of applicable building codes, legislation, industry standards, and firmwide quality management practices.
• Participate in Construction Administration efforts, including review of RFIs, submittals, change orders, and attendance at Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings as needed.
• Coordinate closely with Project Managers regarding staffing, scheduling, project execution, and technical resourcing.
• Collaborate with technical leaders across the office, region, and firm to maintain consistency in technical standards and best practices.
• Support a wide variety of project typologies including core and shell developments, advanced tech, industrial, mixed-use, retail, government, sports, office buildings, and corporate interiors.
• Partner with studio leadership and legal counsel on matters related to project delivery, contracts, and construction-related risk management.

Your Qualifications

• Active California Architect license required.
• Professional degree in Architecture required.
• 15+ years of progressive architectural experience, including leadership of complex Core & Shell, Advanced Technology, and base-building projects.
• Deep expertise in building envelope systems, facade detailing, curtain wall design, thermal performance, and exterior enclosure assemblies.
• Extensive experience leading construction documentation, bid review, construction administration, field observation, and project delivery through completion.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, regulatory requirements, specification writing, construction contracts, and building systems, including roofing, waterproofing, and exterior enclosures.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for mentoring and developing talent while promoting technical excellence across project teams.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD; experience with Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
• LEED accreditation preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Builds trusted relationships with design firms, clients, and executive stakeholders.
• Partners effectively with leadership teams across professional services, technology, and financial services organizations.
• Facilitates complex stakeholder discussions and drives alignment around project goals and strategic decisions.
• Mentors and develops emerging professionals, fostering technical excellence and leadership growth.

**The annual base salary will be estimated to be between $145,000 to $175,000. Gensler's total compensation package is multi-layered and includes a base salary, two annual bonuses paid in December and June, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and profit sharing.