At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a new regional studio while managing exciting projects.
- Company: Join a respected architecture practice with a strong national presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, flexible working, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Opportunity for autonomy and influence in a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a new studio and make a real impact in the South West.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in architecture, with a focus on client relationships.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
If you've ever wanted the opportunity to build and lead a studio, rather than simply join one, this could be the role you've been waiting for. With a significant pipeline of work already secured across the South West, the practice is looking to appoint an ambitious Associate Director or Director who wants to play a genuine leadership role in building the business, growing a team and developing long-term client relationships across the region. Bristol is the preferred location, although candidates based across the wider South West, including Bath and Cardiff, will also be considered.
The Role
This is a genuine studio leadership opportunity. Working closely with the senior leadership team, you'll take ownership of the practice's South West presence, helping establish and grow a thriving regional studio backed by the reputation, resources and support of an established national practice. With over £1 million of secured work already in the region, you'll have the opportunity to lead projects, develop client relationships, win new work and build a team around you, helping shape both the future of the studio and your own role within the business.
Healthcare and residential experience would be particularly valuable given the current project pipeline, although the practice is open to exceptional candidates from other sectors who can demonstrate strong client relationships, commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial approach.
Responsibilities
- Lead the establishment and growth of the South West studio
- Develop and maintain strong client relationships across the region
- Lead the delivery of projects across a range of sectors
- Contribute to business development and work winning activity
- Build, mentor and grow a regional team
- Represent the practice across the South West market
- Work closely with the senior leadership team on the long term growth strategy for the region
- Champion high quality design, collaboration and excellent client service
Requirements
- Associate, Associate Director or Director ready for a significant leadership opportunity
- Strong background within a respected UK architecture practice
- Proven experience leading projects and managing client relationships
- Commercially aware with experience supporting business development and work-winning
- Existing network across the South West would be highly advantageous, although the ambition to build one is equally important
- Healthcare or residential experience would be advantageous, although exceptional candidates from other sectors will also be considered
- Strong leadership, communication and mentoring skills
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a genuine desire to help build and grow a business
Benefits
- Opportunity to establish and lead a new regional studio
- Significant pipeline of secured work across the South West
- Genuine autonomy to shape a team and regional business
- Direct access to senior leadership and influence over the studio's long-term growth
- Clear progression with the opportunity to shape your own career
- Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package
- Hybrid and flexible working
Why This Role
This is an opportunity to play a defining role in establishing a new regional studio, with the freedom to shape its growth from the very beginning. Backed by a strong pipeline of work and an established national practice, you'll have the opportunity to build a team, develop client relationships and help create a long term presence across the South West.
Locations
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director / Director | South West Studio Lead in Newport, Wales
✨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 Associate Director / Director | South West Studio Lead in Newport, Wales
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.
