Behavioral Health Design Leader

We are seeking an experienced Behavioral Health Design Leader to join DLR Group's Justice + Civic national practice. In this role, you will lead the planning and design of facilities that promote healing, equity, and transformation through behavioral health-focused design solutions. DLR Group operates within a hybrid work model, supporting flexibility between office time and work from home. DLR Group has a network of 30+ studios across the United States. For this role, we encourage exceptional applicants across the ecosystem.

Responsibilities

Collaboratively work with integrated teams of architects, engineers and specialty consultants; Lead preliminary planning and design for behavioral health facilities within community, justice and civic environments; Create functional layouts integrating therapeutic design principles, de-escalation strategies, and security requirements; Develop evidence-based design solutions to support mental health treatment, recovery and reintegration; Design adult crisis, sobering, substance use and residential treatment centers; Ensure designs promote client and staff safety while maintaining a therapeutic environment; Apply sustainable design practices and WELL building standards to behavioral health spaces; Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate specialized security and safety features; Integrate trauma informed design strategies; Design spaces that balance clinical requirements with trauma-informed care principles; Conduct facility assessments and develop programming recommendations; Create detailed space planning documentation and design guidelines; Lead stakeholder engagement sessions and facilitate design workshops; Provide technical expertise on behavioral health design standards and best practices; Support cost estimation and phasing strategies for behavioral health implementations; Develop post-occupancy evaluation criteria for behavioral health spaces; Mentor team members on behavioral health design principles; Contribute to research initiatives and thought leadership in justice behavioral health design

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in architecture, planning, interior design, or related field; 5+ years of experience in behavioral health facility planning or related healthcare design; Strong understanding of mental health treatment modalities and substance use programs; Knowledgeable of Behavioral Health funding initiatives at state and local levels; Knowledge of trauma-informed design principles and evidence-based practice; Understanding of clinical workflows and operational requirements; Understanding of telehealth and technology supported treatment systems; Knowledge of behavioral healthcare design standards and building regulations; Experience with public sector projects and stakeholder engagement; Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities; Excellent written, verbal, and graphic communication skills

Nice to have

Master's degree in psychology, behavioral science, architecture, planning, or related field; Professional certification in healthcare planning or behavioral health; Experience in behavioral health facility planning; AICP or other relevant certification; Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, MS Office Suite, and Adobe Creative Suite; Background in therapeutic environment design or clinical operations; Familiarity with Behavioral Health system operations and procedures; Experience with secure facility design and planning; Knowledge of correctional healthcare standards and guidelines; Understanding of behavioral health economics and facility operations; Research experience in behavioral health environments; Publication history in relevant professional journals; Experience with grant writing and funding applications; Crisis prevention intervention (CPI) certification; Mental Health First Aid certification; Professional affiliation with behavioral health organizations

Benefits

medical; dental; vision; disability; wellness programs; flex spending; paid holidays; paid time off; 401(k) plan; employee stock ownership; bonus opportunities