At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead studio operations, oversee project delivery, and mentor high-performing teams.
- Company: Join a national architecture practice known for quality design in various sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a collaborative, inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design while making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: RIBA Chartered Architect with extensive UK project experience and leadership skills required.
- Other info: This is a hands-on role with occasional travel to other offices.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 Β£ per year.
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 studioβs 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.41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15
Director - Architecture Studio, Newcastle employer: Curio Careers
Contact Detail:
Curio Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Director - Architecture Studio, Newcastle
β¨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.
β¨Tip Number 2
Research the studio's recent projects and their approach to design and sustainability. Being well-versed in their work will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their mission and values.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you have successfully mentored teams in the past. Highlight specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and inclusion within your previous roles, as this aligns closely with the studio's values.
β¨Tip Number 4
Showcase your business development skills by identifying potential new clients or projects that align with the studio's expertise. Presenting these ideas during your discussions can illustrate your proactive approach and strategic thinking, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - Architecture Studio, Newcastle
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a RIBA Chartered Architect or equivalent, focusing on your extensive UK project delivery experience. Emphasise your leadership roles and any relevant achievements in managing teams and client relationships.
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 projects and developed teams in previous roles.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, highlight your experience at Director or Associate Director level within a design-led practice. Include specific projects that demonstrate your ability to balance design quality with commercial and operational responsibilities.
Demonstrate Your Vision: Use your application to convey your long-term vision for the role. Discuss how you would contribute to the studio's strategic goals and your approach to fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and creative excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at Curio Careers
β¨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. Highlight your experience in fostering a collaborative culture.
β¨Understand the Company's Values
This architecture practice prides itself on its values-driven culture. Research their core values and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
β¨Prepare for Client Relationship Questions
Given the importance of client relationships in this role, be prepared to discuss your approach to maintaining and growing these connections. Share examples of how you've driven repeat business and handled challenging client situations.
β¨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
The role requires strong commercial awareness, so be ready to discuss how you've balanced design quality with profitability in previous projects. Consider bringing data or metrics that showcase your success in managing budgets and resources effectively.