I feel and share your frustration Teisanu. It's going back to the classic divide between our self-image as problem solvers and senior management's view of us as people to visualise their ideas.

Design very rarely have mandate of the things that we actually make, even when there's a design director at the table with rest of management.

Joining a design-centered company would be a good idea. Consulting at a rate high enough that your voice won't be ignored is another option.

Slowly trying to shape the way design resources are used in companies might be the noble path to take, but it will probably give you grey hairs along the way.