Architectural Studio Lead in Southampton

Conrad Consulting are partnering with a globally recognised multidisciplinary consultancy to recruit an experienced Architectural Studio Lead to join their team in Southampton. This senior leadership role offers the chance to lead and develop an established architectural studio while driving business growth across the South Coast, South East and wider Southern regions.

The Position

As Architectural Studio Lead, you will be responsible for the strategic direction, operational management and design leadership of the Southampton architectural studio. You will lead the delivery of multidisciplinary projects and work to grow the studio through regional business strategies and strong client relationships.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Southampton architectural team, ensuring high performance and engagement
• Drive growth of the Southampton studio via regional business strategies across the South Coast and surrounding areas
• Establish and strengthen relationships with key clients, consultants, contractors and industry stakeholders to support long-term success
• Identify, pursue and convert new business opportunities through frameworks, tenders, negotiated work and strategic partnerships
• Lead delivery of multidisciplinary projects from concept design through to completion
• Take responsibility for Design Management and Lead Consultant duties on complex, high-profile commissions
• Ensure projects are delivered successfully, maintaining commercial performance, programme targets and exceptional client service
• Promote a culture of design quality, innovation and technical excellence within the team
• Mentor, coach and develop colleagues to support professional growth
• Oversee team resourcing, utilisation, recruitment and staff development to position the studio for sustainable growth
• Collaborate with regional and national leadership to support business development across commercial, education, defence and public sector markets

About You

The successful candidate will possess:

• ARB and/or RIBA accreditation
• Significant post-qualification experience within a UK architectural practice
• Experience in Associate Director, Associate Architect or Senior Architect roles
• A strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in design and project delivery
• Experience across commercial, education, public sector and local government projects
• Proven business development and client relationship management skills
• Track record of securing work through bids, tenders and framework opportunities
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing projects through all RIBA work stages
• Strong commercial awareness and project management capabilities
• Excellent design, technical and leadership capabilities
• Proficiency in Autodesk Revit and experience in a BIM environment
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills
• Full UK Driving Licence

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to lead and grow an established architectural studio in Southampton
• Involvement in prestigious commercial, education, defence and public sector projects
• Collaborative multidisciplinary working environment
• Clear pathway for future career progression and senior leadership development
• Opportunity to influence regional growth and strategic business direction
• Exposure to nationally significant projects and high-profile clients
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

This is an excellent opportunity for a Senior Architect to step into a lead position delivering projects across varied sectors nationally and assisting with the strategic growth of a practice as part of a leading multidisciplinary company. If you are interested in the role and would like to discuss the opportunity further please contact Jimmy Penrose at Conrad Consulting for a confidential chat.