Design Manager

Who We Are.Korins Studio is an award-winning creative agency that designs and delivers world-class immersive experiences, exhibitions, and branded environments across entertainment, culture, and commerce.We are seeking a Design Manager / Project Manager who thrives at the intersection of creative vision, design execution, and real-world delivery. This role bridges the in-studio creative process with on-site implementation — ensuring every project is conceptually strong, technically sound, and flawlessly executed in the field.You’ll partner closely with creative, technical, and production teams to translate ideas into fully realized spatial experiences, overseeing everything from early concept planning and drafting in Vectorworks to render coordination, vendor management, and installation. This role is both strategic and hands-on: one day you may be in the studio facilitating creative reviews, and the next you’ll be on-site managing the install, working directly with fabricators, vendors, and clients to bring the work to life.The ideal candidate combines a deep understanding of the full design value chain — planning, creative development, rendering, drafting, production documentation, and installation — with exceptional communication, organization, and leadership skills.Who You AreYou are a natural connector between creativity and execution — someone who sees both the big picture and the smallest detail. You understand how ideas move from sketch to stage, how creative energy translates into real-world impact, and how to keep teams focused, motivated, and aligned through every stage of a project. You bring calm under pressure, clarity in communication, and pride in seeing the work installed and experienced by the public.Key ResponsibilitiesCreative & Client LeadershipAct as the primary liaison between creative teams, clients, and production partners throughout all phases of a project.Lead client communication, presentations, and design reviews, ensuring clarity and alignment on creative intent and deliverables.Translate creative direction into actionable design and production plans for internal and external teams.Ensure the creative vision is consistently upheld across all disciplines through final delivery.Support proposal writing, budgeting, and strategic planning for new projects.Design Management & Technical OversightOversee the design process from concept through fabrication and installation, maintaining quality, efficiency, and creative excellence.Collaborate with internal design teams to develop drawings, renderings, and 3D models that accurately convey intent and execution strategy.Draft and review design documentation in Vectorworks (preferred) and/or other 3D software platforms.Maintain fluency across multiple visualization formats — including render coordination, scenic documentation, and spatial layouts.Provide feedback and technical guidance to creative teams to ensure design integrity and buildability.Project Management & OperationsManage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring deliverables are on time, on budget, and within scope.Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and staffing plans.Monitor project financial performance and forecast potential risks or scope changes.Lead daily and weekly stand-ups, ensuring alignment across all team members and departments.Maintain comprehensive project documentation, calendars, and internal reporting structures.Field & Installation OversightServe as the on-site lead during fabrication, installation, and delivery phases.Oversee execution and installation of all design deliverables, ensuring accuracy, quality, and creative alignment.Work directly with clients, vendors, and fabricators on-site to coordinate schedules, resolve issues, and make informed design decisions in real time.Lead on-site walkthroughs, punch lists, and quality-control reviews.Act as a key representative of the studio in the field — maintaining a high standard of professionalism and proactive problem-solving.Process & Team DevelopmentDevelop and refine tools and workflows that enhance team collaboration and communication.Contribute to the studio’s evolving systems for design management, documentation, and delivery.Mentor junior designers and coordinators in project delivery best practices.Conduct post-project debriefs to capture lessons learned and identify opportunities for improvement.Qualifications5–10 years of experience in design, architecture, experiential, or creative production environments.5+ years in a similar role with client-facing function, managing creative and production teams.Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Design, Architecture, or related field.Strong proficiency in Vectorworks, with working knowledge of SketchUp, Rhino, Revit, or similar 3D software preferred.Familiarity with rendering workflows and collaboration with visualization artists.Understanding of fabrication methods, materials, and installation processes.Excellent communication and leadership skills with a proven ability to manage complex client relationships.Strong multitasking and organizational abilities in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.Experience developing and managing budgets and schedules.Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and project management tools (Asana, Smartsheet, Airtable, etc.).Location: New York, NYReports to: COO and Executive Creative DirectorCompensation: $75,000-$100,000  base salary, plus performance-based bonuses and benefits.