At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow the Workplace sector while delivering innovative architectural projects.
- Company: Globally recognised architecture and design practice with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and establish Birmingham as a key hub for the sector.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the Workplace sector and make a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in workplace architecture and leadership skills.
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 to help lead its UK Workplace sector from the Birmingham studio. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a key growth sector within an internationally recognised practice. Working closely with the Studio Lead and wider UK leadership team, you'll play a central role in shaping the future of the Workplace portfolio, driving client relationships, winning new work and building a team around you.
Based in Birmingham, you'll have the autonomy to grow both the sector and the regional studio, combining the entrepreneurial feel of a growing office with the backing, reputation and opportunities of a global practice. The role will suit someone who enjoys developing markets, leading clients and building teams, and who is excited by the opportunity to establish themselves as a recognised leader within the Workplace sector.
The Role
This is a genuine sector leadership opportunity, offering the chance to shape the future of the practice's Workplace portfolio while helping drive the continued growth of the Birmingham studio. The ideal candidate will bring strong workplace experience, whether gained through workplace architecture or workplace fit out projects, alongside a solid understanding of whole building design and delivery. The practice is looking for a well rounded architectural leader who can confidently advise clients across the full project lifecycle, combining sector expertise with the ability to lead complex architectural projects from concept through to completion.
Alongside project leadership, you'll play an active role in developing client relationships, winning new work and building a team around you, helping establish Birmingham as a key hub for the Workplace sector within the wider UK practice.
Responsibilities
- Help lead and grow the Workplace or interior fit out sector from the Birmingham studio
- Lead the design and delivery of workplace and commercial projects
- Build and strengthen relationships with clients, consultants and industry partners
- Contribute to business development and strategic work winning activity
- Mentor, recruit and develop a growing 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 experienced Associate ready to step into a broader leadership role
- Strong experience delivering workplace architecture projects
- Experience leading whole building architectural projects from concept through to completion
- Workplace fit-out or interiors experience would be highly advantageous, but is not essential
- Proven experience leading client relationships and supporting work-winning activity
- Commercially aware with a passion for developing new opportunities
- Well connected within the Birmingham and Midlands market, or motivated to establish a strong regional network
- Strong leadership, communication and mentoring skills
- Ambition to help grow both a sector and a regional studio
Benefits
- Join a globally recognised architecture, urbanism and design practice
- Opportunity to lead and develop a key UK sector
- Play a significant role in the continued growth of the Birmingham studio
- Employee owned business with a collaborative culture
- Clear long term progression opportunities within an established global practice
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Hybrid working arrangement
Why This Role
This role offers the opportunity to take a genuine leadership position within an established global practice, helping shape the future of its Workplace sector while playing a key role in the continued growth of the Birmingham studio. For someone who enjoys combining design leadership, client development and team building, it represents a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact at both a regional and national level.
Workplace Sector Lead | Associate Director / Director in Birmingham employer: MADE Careers
Join a globally recognised architecture, urbanism and design practice that champions a collaborative culture and offers clear long-term progression opportunities. As an employee-owned business based in Birmingham, you'll enjoy the autonomy to lead and grow the Workplace sector while benefiting from the support and reputation of an established global practice. This role not only allows you to shape the future of the Birmingham studio but also provides a competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Workplace Sector Lead | Associate Director / 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 Workplace Sector Lead | Associate Director / 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.
