Job
Description
What You Will Do Management You will be responsible for the overall management of the studio. You will represent the interests, concerns, and problems of the studio and ensure issues are addressed and resolved expeditiously. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the studio relating to all staff, business, and financial operations. Staff Development Work closely with your staff regarding hiring, probation performance evaluations, developmental reviews, employee work performance, learning, professional development, bonus review, appointment input, and evaluation. Participate in and provide leadership for the talent planning efforts for the studio. Communicate employee issues and requests to the Human Resources Director upon becoming aware of the issue to avoid escalation. Leadership Provide operational leadership and guidance to your colleagues, direct them as required in accordance with Design Studio systems, and act as a representative of the OMD and Firm as a whole. Apply your leadership skills by motivating employees to enable them to reach their individual potential. Maintain a positive team environment by creating programs to boost morale. Provide staff members with an “open door policy” to allow individuals to feel free to communicate with you and other members of the management team. Build staff capabilities through programs that improve individual technical/design skills and develop improved management and communication. Lead the Professional Development Planning programs annually and ensure employee goals are monitored throughout the year. Collaborate with the other Directors to provide a creative, innovative, and nurturing environment throughout the studios by developing effective coaching/mentoring programs. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. Business Development/Marketing Market and develop new business on a consistent basis. Place a strong emphasis on marketing for Design Studio in an effort to win new projects and increase Design Studio’s visibility. Ensure prompt and timely response to all proposal requests. Work closely with our Marketing department in business development reporting, lead generation, fee development, project marketing, and proposal writing. Proactively position and network Design Studio. Projects As Studio Director, maintain positive client relationships with all projects assigned to your studio. Attend client meetings, lead and participate in brand strategy, review conceptual development, and provide leadership, inspiration, and motivation to the design team to ensure the highest quality design documentation and client satisfaction. Manage projects within the studio by leading teams focused on project process, service/delivery, work environment, and documentation. Client development – build clients’ trust and loyalty in Design Studio and develop additional business. Financial Monitor budgets and profitability targets for the studio. Oversee billing and fee management operations in the office and ensure all financial activities align with Design Studio policies and procedures. Responsible for accounts receivable accountability, discretionary expense budget management, expense report approvals, held time monitoring, productivity projections, and review. Studio Operations Responsible for the following within your studio: Conduct Design Manager meetings Conduct studio meetings Oversee staffing – ensure all technical staff maintain a billable status Management Committee reports Staff seating Technical Director oversight Time card review PTO requests General Work closely with Design Managers, Operations Director, Finance Director, Office Managing Director, and Human Resources Director to ensure awareness of all issues relating to each specific function. Ensure professional and business-like conduct of daily operations. Demonstrate dignity, respect, and the professional attitude of the firm on and off the job. Build and improve external firm image through active participation in appropriate organizations and maintaining significant contacts with current and potential clients. Participate in office meetings – collaborate with other Directors, Office Management, and staff. Develop a strategy for Best Practice integration, client satisfaction, cross-studio integration, inside and outside of Design Studio to achieve professional community outreach. Focus on global relationship building, recruiting, and service integration. Demonstrate your passion for and commitment to creating a just and equitable future. Actively contribute to Design Studio’s Cities Climate Challenge, our commitment to resilience and sustainability in the built environment. Be an advocate for Design Studio sustainability commitments internally and externally. Make sustainability an integral part of every project. Define project sustainability targets in collaboration with the client and the project team at the start of each project. Understand clients' ESG goals and work with project teams toward achieving them. Support and encourage team members to pursue sustainability learning. Your Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited school of design. A design professional with proven leadership skills, including business development. Minimum 15 years of experience in architecture design with a focus on commercial office, residential, and mixed-use projects. Expertise in technical delivery and contract review. Experience in studio operations, including staff mentorship and fiscal oversight. Demonstrated business development success in the local industry. Significant project experience in mixed-use, high-rise residential, office, and renovation work. Strong drive and collaborative spirit to grow and mentor a dynamic studio team. Willingness to travel to other Design Studio offices or client locations as needed. Excellent references and a strong personal portfolio. Active participation in industry organizations and professional affiliations. Knowledge of sustainable design principles required. LEED, WELL, Fitwel, LFA, or similar accreditation preferred. Understanding of net-zero project leadership principles. Ability to lead sustainability-focused discussions with clients and teams. Demonstrated commitment to sustainable building practices. Experience with sustainable design projects, ideally including certified projects (LEED, Living Building Challenge, WELL, Fitwel, Net Zero). Show more Show less
