Architectural Building Performance Manager
Minneapolis, MN / Denver, CO / Los Angeles, CA / Phoenix, AZ / San Diego, CA / Orlando, FL / Las Vegas, NV
Multiple – Studios /
Full Time /
Hybrid
The Building Performance Manager is a strategic design leader and technical expert dedicated to advancing high-performing, regenerative building design. This role blends architectural insight with advanced analytics to guide design teams in creating buildings that excel in energy efficiency, daylighting, embodied carbon reduction, water conservation, and occupant comfort.
Acting as the subject-matter expert, the Building Performance Manager ensures that performance-driven thinking is embedded throughout the design process, from concept to construction. They lead modeling and research efforts, collaborate across disciplines, and engage in industry thought leadership, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of sustainable and resilient design.
What you will do
- Lead building performance simulations, including energy, daylighting, thermal comfort, embodied carbon, and water use, across all project phases.
- Utilize advanced tools such as DesignBuilder, Tally, One Click LCA, WUFI, Cove Tool, Forma, and Revit to perform modeling and analysis.
- Conduct life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and benchmarking to inform early design decisions.
- Ensure compliance with codes and readiness for certifications such as LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge.
- Research emerging technologies, materials, and regenerative strategies to enhance building performance.
- Develop white papers, case studies, and internal best-practice guides to share knowledge firm-wide.
- Present performance findings at conferences, webinars, client workshops, and internal forums.
- Partner with architects, engineers and consultants to define measurable performance goals at project outset.
- Facilitate design charrettes and integrate performance strategies into project workflows.
- Provide continuous oversight of performance integration throughout all project phases.
- Develop, document, and refine sustainable design standards, tools, and workflows for firm-wide application.
- Mentor design team members in performance modeling, analysis interpretation, and application of strategies.
- Support business development efforts with performance-driven storytelling and proposal input.
- Communicate technical outputs effectively to designers and clients, providing high-level insights early and actionable recommendations later.
- Create compelling visualizations of performance data for diverse audiences.
- Serve as a subject-matter expert representing the firm in the marketplace.
- Stay current on evolving codes, policies, and incentives related to building performance.
- Contribute to the firm's reputation for innovation and leadership in regenerative design.
What we look for
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture, Architectural Engineering, Building Science, Environmental Design, or a related field.
- 8-10+ years of relevant professional experience in building performance simulation and sustainable design
- Proven experience integrating performance strategies into design workflows across all project phases.
- Proficiency with tools such as DesignBuilder, IES-VE, EnergyPlus, WUFI, Radiance, Ladybug/Honeybee, OpenStudio, or similar.
- Ability to create compelling visualizations and communicate performance outcomes clearly to varied audiences.
- Strong communicator with the ability to translate technical results into design insights and client narratives.
- Collaborative team player able to work seamlessly with architects, engineers, and consultants.
$93,000 - $145,000 a year
Compensation provided is based on our national range which varies by work location and may also depend on accreditation, experience and responsibilities. Our talent management team can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.
Compensation range updated 1/24/2025.
Benefits: Cuningham offers a variety of benefits to employees including; health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, 401k retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off.
