DESCRIPTION
This role requires a senior leader who ensures the architectural studio operates with clarity, discipline, and momentum. The Studio Director is responsible for translating vision into execution by aligning people, resources, and processes so great design work can be delivered consistently and profitably. The Studio director understands the inner workings of an architectural studio and is deeply invested in cultivating the team they lead. This role carries full responsibility for staff management, operational performance, and revenue delivery across the service department. If you do not see the requirements listed below, we ask that you spare us the application.
About Position: The Studio Director is a peer to the Design Director and works in close partnership with them. While the Design Director owns design quality and standards, the Studio Director owns execution, resourcing, and team performance. The five essential responsibilities of this role are the following:
1. Revenue Management
Own responsibility for achieving studio revenue targets and ensure that signed contracts translate into timely, accurate, and paid invoices
Maintain all projects in an “On Track” state across client satisfaction, scope alignment, hours, schedule, and level of development.
Manage the “Backlog” spreadsheet to support transparent project progress and proactive client billing and collections
Partner with leadership to identify risks to revenue early and implement corrective action
2. Resource Allocation
Act as the studio’s air-traffic-controller, optimizing resources allocation to meet projects demands, while protecting profitability and team sustainability
Assign work with discernment, considering deadlines, skill sets, growth opportunities, and individual limitations
Adjust resourcing plans in real time as project priorities, scopes, or constraints evolve
Provide staffing forecasts and capacity planning updates for active and upcoming projects to the Sales Director
3. Project Management & Milestones
Partner with the Design Director to ensure that all projects are appropriately resourced through the design phases (Discovery - Schematic Design) in order to be set up for success
Lead execution of all projects from Design Development through Construction
Ensure milestones are met on time while preserving design intent and delivering an exceptional built project
Ensure that the Design Development through Construction Document Phases in Process Street are followed by all (trained, measured, managed, and updated).
Ensure that all key service department processes are followed by all (project management processes and construction administration processes)
4. Client Management
Serve as the primary senior contact for clients across the life of the projects
Lead or support client meetings as required based on staffing and project needs
Address and resolve client dissatisfaction with clarity and professionalism
Continually elevate the client experience through thoughtful service and communication
5. Lead, Manage, Hold Accountable The Studio Director is the direct manager of all service staff and is responsible for building a high performing, healthy team. This includes:
Champion the Laney LA vision and align the team around it
Set clear expectations for roles, responsibilities, and performance
Initiate and lead difficult conversations with clarity, respect, and resolve
Mentor and coach team members expertly wielding candor, empathy, humor, and coaching to elevate staff performance
Hold the team accountable such that all teammates understand where they are headed and what they are responsible for accomplishing
Make staffing decisions in partnership with leadership, including hiring, performance management, and team development
Partner with the hiring team to assess the capabilities of prospective hires and contribute to shaping the long term talent of the studio
Serve as a fluent facilitator and leader of EOS for the service department, using its tools to drive discipline, priorities, and organizational health
CULTURAL FIT We believe that a cultural fit is the highest priority. Therefore, we have outlined several items that define our studio culture.
Laney LA shares the following five core values.
Designer’s Passion: We demand creative energy in all ventures
Servant’s Heart: We embrace the art of service
Rookie’s Advantage: We pursue a steep learning curve
Detective’s Curiosity: We demonstrate active listening
Warrior’s Spirit: We overcome obstacles with bravery
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
15+ years of experience in residential architecture
Licensed architect
Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in architecture
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge and experience in all phases of architectural projects
Ability to schedule staffing on projects in a fluid environment
Strong interest in firm management
Strong leadership and self-motivation
Excellent delegation skills
Highly skilled technically
Good awareness of design, industry trends, materials, innovations, and the aptitude to translate these ideas
Experience with reviewing highly complex drawings sets
Punctual & organized
Knowledge of California Building Codes
Compensation package
Competitive salary
Health & dental benefits
401(K) Plan with 4% match
Paid vacation & holidays
Sick leave
The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties and responsibilities in this job description may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.
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About Position: The Studio Director is a peer to the Design Director and works in close partnership with them. While the Design Director owns design quality and standards, the Studio Director owns execution, resourcing, and team performance. The five essential responsibilities of this role are the following:
1. Revenue Management
Own responsibility for achieving studio revenue targets and ensure that signed contracts translate into timely, accurate, and paid invoices
Maintain all projects in an “On Track” state across client satisfaction, scope alignment, hours, schedule, and level of development.
Manage the “Backlog” spreadsheet to support transparent project progress and proactive client billing and collections
Partner with leadership to identify risks to revenue early and implement corrective action
2. Resource Allocation
Act as the studio’s air-traffic-controller, optimizing resources allocation to meet projects demands, while protecting profitability and team sustainability
Assign work with discernment, considering deadlines, skill sets, growth opportunities, and individual limitations
Adjust resourcing plans in real time as project priorities, scopes, or constraints evolve
Provide staffing forecasts and capacity planning updates for active and upcoming projects to the Sales Director
3. Project Management & Milestones
Partner with the Design Director to ensure that all projects are appropriately resourced through the design phases (Discovery - Schematic Design) in order to be set up for success
Lead execution of all projects from Design Development through Construction
Ensure milestones are met on time while preserving design intent and delivering an exceptional built project
Ensure that the Design Development through Construction Document Phases in Process Street are followed by all (trained, measured, managed, and updated).
Ensure that all key service department processes are followed by all (project management processes and construction administration processes)
4. Client Management
Serve as the primary senior contact for clients across the life of the projects
Lead or support client meetings as required based on staffing and project needs
Address and resolve client dissatisfaction with clarity and professionalism
Continually elevate the client experience through thoughtful service and communication
5. Lead, Manage, Hold Accountable The Studio Director is the direct manager of all service staff and is responsible for building a high performing, healthy team. This includes:
Champion the Laney LA vision and align the team around it
Set clear expectations for roles, responsibilities, and performance
Initiate and lead difficult conversations with clarity, respect, and resolve
Mentor and coach team members expertly wielding candor, empathy, humor, and coaching to elevate staff performance
Hold the team accountable such that all teammates understand where they are headed and what they are responsible for accomplishing
Make staffing decisions in partnership with leadership, including hiring, performance management, and team development
Partner with the hiring team to assess the capabilities of prospective hires and contribute to shaping the long term talent of the studio
Serve as a fluent facilitator and leader of EOS for the service department, using its tools to drive discipline, priorities, and organizational health
CULTURAL FIT We believe that a cultural fit is the highest priority. Therefore, we have outlined several items that define our studio culture.
Laney LA shares the following five core values.
Designer’s Passion: We demand creative energy in all ventures
Servant’s Heart: We embrace the art of service
Rookie’s Advantage: We pursue a steep learning curve
Detective’s Curiosity: We demonstrate active listening
Warrior’s Spirit: We overcome obstacles with bravery
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
15+ years of experience in residential architecture
Licensed architect
Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in architecture
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge and experience in all phases of architectural projects
Ability to schedule staffing on projects in a fluid environment
Strong interest in firm management
Strong leadership and self-motivation
Excellent delegation skills
Highly skilled technically
Good awareness of design, industry trends, materials, innovations, and the aptitude to translate these ideas
Experience with reviewing highly complex drawings sets
Punctual & organized
Knowledge of California Building Codes
Compensation package
Competitive salary
Health & dental benefits
401(K) Plan with 4% match
Paid vacation & holidays
Sick leave
The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties and responsibilities in this job description may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.
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