Vice President of Research & Design, Residential Architecture

Old Town Design GroupVice President of Research and DesignJob Description

Please ensure you read the below overview and requirements for this employment opportunity completely.
Primary Function: The Vice President of Research and Design (“VP”) will lead the architectural planning for all product lines and continue to expand the price points in which OTDG builds homes in Central Indiana and beyond. This role is focused on the design and development of custom and semi-custom homes, ensuring each product reflects Old Town’s commitment to distinctive architecture, thoughtful design, and elevated homebuilding. The VP will manage the Drafting and Design team, coordinate across departments, lead research into current markets, trends, and drive innovative design for Old Town.
Contribution to Company Mission and Vision:The Vice President of Research and Design shall work collaboratively to ensure that the Company continues to create communities that flourish, while supporting the foundational principles of pursuing outstanding locations and timeless designs. The VP shall maintain the integrity of the Old Town brand in all aspects of their position while contributing to the values of gratitude, ownership, perseverance, adaptability and innovation.
Role Absolutes: Create and review innovative residential plans that demonstrate timeless designs in response to market demands, specific client preferences, and competitive threats, while aligning with Old Town’s goals for profit margin.Adjust existing designs and lead the development of new product lines in response to Old Town’s proposed developments.Train and lead the Drafting and Design Team to support exceptional client experience and long-term product development that ensures excellence, scalability and market differentiation.Primary Responsibilities:Design Innovation & Expertise:Lead the Drafting and Design team in a manner that promotes professional development, continuous learning, application of design principles, and responsible sourcing of materialsDevelop the minimum design standards for new and existing product linesEnsure successful design standards are met and refreshed on existing productManage architectural development from schematic design to full construction plansMaintain a clear design philosophy and visual identity that distinguishes the Old Town brandDrive innovation in constructability and cost optimization while maintaining high end qualityAdjust designs based on client feedback in the process, as well as post-occupancy to consider enhancing livability
Research and Market Insight:Monitor, forecast and appropriately incorporate design trendsConduct market research for all new neighborhoods before proposing appropriate existing products or new designsDemonstrate thought leadership in Old Town’s target areas to differentiate from other buildersPropose an Annual Learning and Development strategy that ensures the Drafting and Design Team is exposed to the most up to date design trends and market insightsBuild, refresh and share out a formal research report that integrates demographic data, sales feedback, post-occupancy learning and competitive analysis into actionable product decisionsCompetitive landscape research assessed and shared at least biannually with leadershipLeverage AI to deliver enhanced consumer experienceDrafting and Design Strategy:Generate great design that can scale with the needs of the companyCoordinate with Land Development to understand the needs of upcoming neighborhoods and generate product launch timelines accordinglyGuide the creative team in developing and sharing both new designs and iterations of existingLead the Drafting and Design team in conducting as-builts to assess required process improvements, design changes, and service to field team and vendorsFuture-proof product lines by understanding changes in regulations and construction standardsLeverage AI to deliver enhanced designCross functional Leadership:Serve as a liaison among Construction, Sales and Marketing, and Drafting and Design teams and in developing new productsWork with the Land Development team to plan new and existing subdivision infrastructure based on new plan developmentMaintain informed and productive relationships with all subcontractors including architects, engineers, environmental companies, and general contractorsParticipate in weekly project meetings with agendas that include status updates, tasks to be accomplished, recommendations for selection of third-party subcontractors, consultants, expertise, etc., and clearly defined decisions needed from other leaders along with reasonable justifications and proposed timeframesPrepare and report out at Design Group Board Meetings on new product trends, acting as a key advisor to leadership and founders on product strategy and market expansion decisionsCollaborate with Marketing on brand differentiators and product promotionCoordinate directly with Purchasing and Estimating on the implications of design costs and working within target project marginsSupport exceptional client experience in coordination with the Sales Team
Other duties as assigned. xzbcwsv
Confidentiality:Following the Employee’s acceptance of the Offer Letter, and prior to commencement of employment with the Company, the Employee shall execute the Company’s confidentiality agreement.Reporting: Directly to the President of Design Group
Additional Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject matter10+ years’ experience in residential design and constructionDeep understanding of the Indianapolis market & national design trendsDemonstrated leadership over multidisciplinary teamsInspires, guides and promotes creative thinking in team membersPassion for learning, assessing and applying innovative practices in designStrong use of CAD, Revit, Bluebeam, Microsoft OfficeAbility to think strategicallyStrong communication and interpersonal skillsExceptional ability to engage with clients