Director of Design and Project Management

Director of Design & Project Management

Are you passionate about creating thoughtful, high-quality spaces that elevate resident experience? Do you enjoy leading complex renovation projects from concept to completion while balancing design, budget, and operations? If so, Merrill Gardens invites you to apply for our Director of Design & Project Management role.

Family means everything to us. We are a fifth-generation family business that values community, connection, and long-term commitment to our team members. For over 30 years, we’ve built an environment where employees and residents thrive together. Join our family and apply today!

We offer:

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, FSA, life insurance)

• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Hybrid schedule (3 days in office, 2 remote)

• Generous PTO (holidays, vacation, personal days)

• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting

• Company-paid disability insurance

• Additional perks including fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, tuition support, and transit benefits

• A stable, growing company with advancement opportunities

What You’ll Do:

Design Leadership

• Lead design direction for remodels, refurbishments, and interior upgrades across communities

• Partner with external designers and make independent design decisions aligned with brand standards

• Develop and maintain design guidelines and finish standards

Project Management

• Oversee projects from concept through completion, including scope, budget, and timeline

• Coordinate with Regional Maintenance and Operations to ensure smooth execution

• Manage vendors, contractors, and consultants to deliver quality results

Capital Planning & Operations

• Partner on annual and long-term CapEx planning

• Identify cost efficiencies and scalable solutions across communities

• Balance design vision with operational needs and minimal disruption

Brand & Stakeholder Leadership

• Ensure design supports resident experience, safety, and accessibility

• Serve as a trusted partner to leadership and translate technical concepts into clear plans

• Influence decisions through collaboration and expertise

Acquisitions & Development Collaboration

• Partner with Acquisitions, Finance, and Development teams to support the evaluation of new investment and development opportunities.

• Participate in on-site due diligence, identifying physical risks, hidden CapEx exposure, and opportunities for operational or design-driven upside

• Provide design and construction perspective during underwriting to ensure budgets, timelines, and project assumptions are realistic and aligned with Merrill Gardens standards and operating model.

• Collaborate with Development team and third-party partners on early-stage programming, space planning, and finish level decisions

• Support external partner conversations by articulating design vision, refurbishment strategies, and capital planning approach in a clear, credible manner.

• Ensure alignment between pre-acquisition assumptions and post-close execution to drive accountability and performance.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture, construction management, or related field (advanced degree preferred)

• 10+ years of experience in multi-site design, renovation, or project management

• Experience in senior living, hospitality, multifamily, healthcare, or similar industries

• Strong knowledge of construction, budgeting, CapEx, and vendor management

• Proficiency in Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and/or Revit preferred

• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently

• Ability to travel up to 30%

Physical Requirements:

Regular computer use, sitting, and occasional standing/walking, able to lift up to 20lbs., push/pull up to 20lbs. required. Reasonable accommodations available.

The pay range for this position will vary based on qualifications and experience. Hiring at the maximum is not typical to allow room for growth. Bonus Target of 15%.

Join Merrill Gardens and help shape spaces that enhance the lives of our residents while building a meaningful career.

Yes, You Can have a meaningful career!

Merrill Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer.