Studio Design Leader Job at HKS, Inc. in Los Angeles

Studio Design Leader – HKS, Inc. – Los Angeles, CA

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Overview

HKS Los Angeles is seeking a Studio Design Leader to join our team. Responsible for advancing Design Excellence in the studio through critical design dialog and evaluating studio work against the strategic plan.

Responsibilities

• Supports all project design leaders and teams, evaluating studio work against the strategic plan in collaboration with studio and office leadership.
• Collaborates in strategic planning and facilitates communication across practices, such as vetting studio marketing strategy and allocating needed resources.
• Ensures project teams develop measurable standards for design enterprise integration, innovation, and impact.
• Collaborates on project process, vision, goals, service delivery, work environment and documentation.
• Handles initial marketing stages through construction, including programming client needs, conceptual design, schematic design, design development and delivery.
• Leads the team through all phases by guiding, advising and mentoring designers, developing design direction, and leading critiques.
• Serves as the primary interface with clients, building and strengthening connections through a comprehensive understanding of their mission, goals, policies, needs, and progress.
• Manages client expectations, team communication, and consultant coordination in collaboration with project team leadership.
• Monitors staffing, utilization and growth management across the studio, recommending adjustments when necessary.
• Provides technical expertise, resolving complex problems and helping team members grow.
• Reviews concept development and, with Studio Practice Leader and Regional Design Director, inspires the design team to produce high‑quality documentation and achieve client satisfaction.
• Partners with Office Director, acting as liaison between firm leadership and staff, communicating initiatives and priorities.
• Incorporates HKS strategic priorities, such as including Design Measures in client solutions.
• Maintains a ONE Firm mindset, minimizing sector and operational variables in collaboration with Regional Design Director.
• Integrates HKS services, expertise and innovation in all projects, seeking opportunities to adopt best practices, sustainable design solutions and subject‑matter expertise strategically and efficiently.
• Exhibits persuasion and negotiation skills on critical issues.

Qualifications

• Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field, or equivalent years of education or experience.
• Licensure or certification in chosen field preferred.
• 15+ years of experience, including a proven leadership role with success in both project work and talent/resource development.
• Significant experience in the practice area of the studio.
• Sustainable design accreditation preferred.
• Familiarity with design‑related software and vision tools.
• Experience with MS Office Suite, Microsoft Project and Microsoft Teams.
• Proficiency in logistics management, connecting people and resources efficiently.
• Track record in directing and leading design teams from business development presentations through strategy and concept development.
• Proven success building, nurturing and fostering new client relationships.
• Excellent presentation, leadership, communication and relationship‑management skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative leadership style that promotes an interdisciplinary design approach and philosophy.
• Clear, concise, professional verbal and written communication.
• Problem‑solving ability and innovative solution application.
• Travel required.

Base Salary Range

$130,000 – $160,000 annually (Los Angeles locations only).

Benefits

Health, dental and vision care coverage; 401(k) plans; life & AD&D insurance; short/long‑term disability; paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, vacation); and additional benefits for eligible employees.

EEO Statement

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran.

Application

Apply via the HKS careers portal. Internal applicants should submit through the Internal Careers Portal. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at HKS, Inc. by 2×.