Essential Qualities of Successful Design Managers

As an experienced architect, James Hanis has led comprehensive design projects for organizations such as the City of Daytona Beach's Public Works Department, Orange County Capital Projects Division, 3-D International, and URS. James Hanis possesses over 25 years of project management experience in developing theme park attractions and currently serves as a Walt Disney Imagineering design manager. Here are some fundamental strengths a successful design manager should possess.

Good design managers have a long-term vision that effectively directs team members towards a defined goal. Under good leadership, a group of designers can complete their work with confidence and make progress to achieve the group's objectives. 

In addition, to achieve design solutions most efficiently it is important that design managers possess good project management skills and can create realistic deadlines that consider the capabilities of the design team. A proactive design manager seeks to understand his team’s capabilities by recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of individual team members, and assigns each project task to the most appropriate person.

Last but not least, a design manager should possess technical expertise in a relevant area, be it sketching, mechanical knowledge, renderings, or 3D, to be an effective and communicator and mentor to team members.

Six Receive President’s Medal for Distinguished Service from NCARB

The recipient of a bachelor’s and master’s degree in architecture from the University of Florida, James Hanis works as a design manager for Walt Disney Imagineering in Orlando, Florida. To stay current with industry trends, James Hanis maintains membership with several professional organizations, including the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

A nonprofit organization, NCARB consists of architectural boards found in 54 states and territories. The organization’s goal is to regulate architecture through safety, welfare, and public health initiatives. It also establishes standards for licensure and accreditation of architects.

In June 2017, the NCARB announced the winners of its highest honor, the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service. Recipients were honored at the organization’s 2017 annual business meeting. President Kristine A. Harding recognized each recipient for his or her commitment to architecture and ability to adhere to the organization’s mission. 

The 2017 honorees included Roxanne Alston, who was recognized for her leadership with the NCARB and its Customer Relations Directorate, and Daniel D. Bennett, who was honored for his years of service with the Alabama Board of Architects. Other recipients were Cathe M. Evans, Arne O. Jorgensen, Andrew McIntyre, and Cheryl Walker.