At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead studio operations, design delivery, and client relationships in a dynamic architecture environment.
- Company: Join a national architecture practice known for high-quality design across various sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and the chance to shape impactful design projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values mentorship and creative excellence.
- Qualifications: RIBA Chartered Architect with extensive UK project delivery experience and leadership skills required.
- Other info: This is a hands-on role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Job Description
This national architecture practice is known for delivering high-quality design across residential, commercial, public, and education sectors. With studios across the UK, they foster a collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven culture. Due to continued growth and succession planning, they are now seeking a Director to join their leadership team.
The Director will play a key role in leading studio operations, design delivery, client relationships, and business development in the Newcastle studio. Reporting to the senior leadership board, this individual will contribute to long- and short-term strategic goals while actively mentoring and developing high-performing project teams.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone with strong commercial acumen, project oversight capability, and a passion for elevating both design and team culture.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and oversee the successful delivery of projects across quality, profitability, and client satisfaction.
- Be a figure head internally and externally for the studio
- Maintain and grow strong client relationships, driving repeat and new business.
- Manage studio operations, fee forecasting, and resource planning.
- Act as the senior point of contact across bids, proposals, and design reviews.
- Promote sustainable design and ensure regulatory, health & safety, and technical compliance.
- Mentor and develop teams through structured reviews, training, and coaching.
- Foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and creative excellence aligned with studio values.
Required Experience:
- RIBA Chartered Architect or equivalent, with extensive UK project delivery experience.
- Prior experience at Director or Associate Director level within a design-led practice.
- Strong track record of leading teams, managing clients, and securing work.
- Confident in balancing design quality with commercial and operational responsibility.
- Passion for people leadership, mentorship, and business growth.
- Experience in a work winning/business development capacity
- Knowledge of sustainable practice and environmental design principles.
This is an on-site leadership role within one of the studio’s UK locations, with occasional travel to other offices or sites as needed.
Flexible working with 4-5 days office based preferred.
This is a long-term opportunity to join a respected, values-led architecture studio at a senior level, helping shape its future direction while delivering impactful, design-led work across the UK.
Director - Architecture Studio, Newcastle employer: Curio Careers
Contact Detail:
Curio Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Architecture Studio, Newcastle
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the architecture field, especially those who are already working in leadership roles. Attend industry events, seminars, or workshops in Newcastle to connect with potential colleagues and clients, which can help you gain insights into the studio's culture and values.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific projects and initiatives that the architecture practice has undertaken in the past. Familiarising yourself with their portfolio will not only help you understand their design philosophy but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their work during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully mentored teams and fostered a collaborative environment in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to elevate team culture will resonate well with the values-driven approach of the studio.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your business development strategies and how you've secured new work in the past. Being able to articulate your commercial acumen and client relationship management will be crucial in showcasing your fit for this Director role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - Architecture Studio, Newcastle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a RIBA Chartered Architect or equivalent, focusing on your leadership roles and project delivery in the UK. Emphasise your commercial acumen and any relevant business development experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for architecture and people leadership. Discuss how your values align with the studio's culture and mention specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed client relationships.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include a portfolio or examples of projects that demonstrate your ability to balance design quality with commercial responsibility. Highlight any sustainable design practices you have implemented in past projects.
Prepare for Interviews: If invited for an interview, be ready to discuss your strategic vision for the studio and how you plan to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture. Prepare to share your thoughts on current trends in architecture and how they relate to the studio's goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Curio Careers
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects and mentored team members in the past.
✨Understand the Company's Values
This architecture practice prides itself on its collaborative and inclusive culture. Familiarise yourself with their values and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to fostering this environment.
✨Prepare for Client Relationship Questions
Given the importance of client relationships in this role, think about your past experiences in managing clients. Be prepared to share how you've built and maintained strong client connections that led to repeat business.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
The role requires balancing design quality with commercial responsibility. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated this balance in previous positions, including any experience with fee forecasting and resource planning.