Design Feasibility Manager

The Design Feasibility Manager is responsible for evaluating the viability of proposed real estate development projects from a design, planning, and regulatory perspective. This role bridges development, design, and financial teams to ensure that conceptual designs align with site constraints, market requirements, regulations, and project financial targets. The Manager provides early-stage design studies, feasibility reports, and risk assessments that guide go/no-go decisions for new acquisitions and development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Feasibility Analysis

• Lead early-stage feasibility studies for prospective development sites (residential, commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, etc.).
  
• Analyze site constraints including zoning, building codes, FAR/plot ratio, height restrictions, easements, utilities, environmental factors, and access.
  
• Conduct massing studies, test fits, program layouts, and density analyses to establish optimal development scenarios.
  
• Assess project design options against financial pro forma, construction budgets, and market positioning.
  
• Evaluate alternative design solutions that improve land use efficiency and value.
  

Design & Planning

• Develop preliminary concept designs, site plans, and schematic diagrams to support acquisition and business-case approvals.
  
• Work with internal design teams and external consultants (architects, planners, engineers) to coordinate preliminary design deliverables.
  
• Ensure compliance with local planning guidelines, sustainability standards, and permitting requirements.
  
• Provide input on architectural quality, functionality, and design innovation at feasibility stages.
  

Collaboration & Coordination

• Collaborate closely with development, planning, finance, engineering, and construction teams to ensure alignment on project assumptions.
  
• Interface with local authorities, planners, and regulatory bodies to validate feasibility and permitting pathways.
  
• Support due-diligence processes, including review of surveys, geotechnical reports, environmental assessments, and infrastructure capacity.
  

Project Evaluation & Reporting

• Prepare feasibility reports, site studies, design briefs, and executive summaries for internal stakeholders and investment committees.
  
• Identify key risks and recommend mitigation strategies at the pre-development stage.
  
• Advise senior management on development alternatives, design efficiency, and value-optimization opportunities.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Engineering, or related field.
  
• 7+ years of experience in real estate development, architectural design, or urban planning (or 3–5 years for mid-level roles).
  
• Strong understanding of local building codes, zoning regulations, and permitting processes.
  
• Proficiency in design and analysis software (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, GIS, Adobe, etc.).
  
• Experience with development feasibility tools or financial modeling is an advantage.
  
• Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial planning skills.
  
• Strong communication skills for presenting to senior executives and stakeholders.
  

Key Competencies

• Strategic and conceptual design thinking
  
• Technical knowledge of planning and regulatory frameworks
  
• Cross-functional collaboration
  
• Analytical and detail-oriented
  
• Innovative problem-solving
  
• Ability to handle multiple feasibility studies simultaneously
  
• Commercial awareness of real estate markets