At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major projects and shape the future of a growing architecture studio.
- Company: Globally recognised architecture practice with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and hybrid working setup.
- Other info: Exceptional growth opportunities within an ambitious Birmingham studio.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal leadership role and influence the studio's direction and culture.
- Qualifications: Strong background in architecture with leadership experience in UK projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
MADE Careers is working with a globally recognised architecture, urbanism and design practice to appoint an Associate Director / Director within its Birmingham studio. This is a rare opportunity to join the Birmingham studio at a pivotal stage of its growth. Backed by the reach, reputation and opportunities of a global practice, the studio has ambitious plans to significantly expand its regional presence, making this an exciting time to become part of its leadership team.
Working directly alongside the Studio Lead and wider UK leadership team, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of the Birmingham studio. Beyond project delivery, you'll help shape the studio's growth, strengthen client relationships and play an active role in building a high performing team. For someone with ambition, entrepreneurial drive and a genuine desire to help grow both a business and a team, this role offers an exceptional long term opportunity within one of the industry's most respected global practices.
The Role
Working as the Studio Lead's right hand, you'll play a central role in the leadership of the Birmingham studio, balancing project leadership with client engagement, team development and studio growth. Alongside leading major projects, you'll help strengthen relationships across the Midlands, contribute to work winning activity and support the continued expansion of the studio, working closely with colleagues across the wider UK leadership team. This is an opportunity to influence not only the projects the studio delivers, but also the direction of the office, its culture and its long term ambitions.
Responsibilities
- Support the leadership and continued growth of the Birmingham studio
- Lead the design and delivery of major UK projects across a range of sectors
- Build and strengthen relationships with clients, consultants and industry partners
- Contribute to business development and work winning activity
- Mentor, develop and grow a high performing team
- Work collaboratively with sector leaders across the wider UK practice
- Champion design quality and project excellence
- Represent the practice across the Birmingham and Midlands professional community
Requirements
- Associate Director, Director or an exceptional Associate ready to step into a broader leadership role
- Strong background within a respected UK architecture practice
- Experience leading UK regeneration, masterplanning or large-scale mixed-use projects
- Proven ability to lead complex projects, build trusted client relationships and coordinate multidisciplinary teams
- Commercially minded, with experience supporting business development and work-winning activity
- Well connected within the Birmingham and Midlands market, or motivated to establish a strong regional presence
- Passion for mentoring, developing people and helping shape a positive studio culture
- Ambition to play a key role in the growth of one of Birmingham's most ambitious architecture studios
- Workplace or commercial fit-out experience would be advantageous, but is not essential
Benefits
- Join a globally recognised architecture, urbanism and design practice
- Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing regional studio
- Work alongside an experienced UK leadership team
- Employee owned business with a collaborative culture
- Clear progression opportunities within an established global practice
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Hybrid working set up
Why This Role
This is a rare opportunity to take on a genuine leadership position within a practice that is investing in the future of its Birmingham studio. Working alongside the Studio Lead and the wider UK leadership team, you'll have the opportunity to influence projects, people and the long term direction of the office, while benefiting from the scale, reputation and support of an established global practice. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Director / Associate Director in Birmingham employer: MADE Careers
Join a globally recognised architecture, urbanism and design practice that offers an exceptional opportunity for growth and leadership within its Birmingham studio. With a collaborative culture and a commitment to employee development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the studio while benefiting from competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and clear progression pathways. This is not just a job; it's a chance to influence projects and build a high-performing team in one of the industry's most respected firms.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director / Associate Director in Birmingham
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from MADE Careers who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Director / Associate Director in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at MADE Careers!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to MADE Careers. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at MADE Careers
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at MADE Careers.
