Studio Design Leader

Fort Worth, TX, United States

Overview:

Our Fort Worth location is searching for a talented Studio Design Leader to join their team.

Responsible for advancing Design Excellence (as defined by the Design Enterprise) in the respective studio. They must ensure and participate in critical design dialog across all project teams within the studio and evaluate the quality of studio work against the strategic plan.

The Studio Design Leader often leads or participates in multiple projects concurrently. The role focuses on growing leadership skills related to relationship-building, collaboration and interpersonal skills while working on great projects for exceptional clients.

Responsibilities:

Supports all project design leaders and project teams within the studio and evaluates the quality of studio work against the strategic plan, in collaboration with studio and office leadership

Collaborates in strategic planning and facilitates communication for specific practice with other leaders, such as vetting studio marketing strategy and allocating needed resources

Ensures project teams develop measures that can be evaluated during all stages of the project for the design enterprise standards of integration, innovation, and impact

Collaborates on projects assigned to respective studio by focusing on the project process, development of the vision and goals, service/delivery, work environment and project documentation

Collaborates during the initial marketing stages through completion of construction, including programming client needs, conceptual and schematic design, design development and delivery

Collaborates with leaders such as Project Manager, Studio Practice Leader and Regional Design Director to lead the team through all phases by guiding, advising and mentoring other designers on project work, developing design direction and leading critiques

May act as a primary interface with clients for respective studio, building and strengthening connections through a comprehensive understanding of their mission, goals, policies, needs and progress

Manages client expectations, team communication and consultant coordination for respective studio in collaboration with project team leadership

May monitor staffing, utilization and growth management across the studio, including recommending adjustments where necessary

Serves as a technical resource for the studio, assisting in the resolution of complex problems, and helping them grow in their roles

Reviews concept development and, in collaboration with Studio Practice Leader and Regional Design Director, provides leadership, inspiration and motivation to the design team to create the highest quality design documentation and to achieve client satisfaction

Partners with Office Director as a liaison between the firm leadership and staff, communicating firm and regional initiatives and priorities

Emphasizes and incorporates HKS strategic priorities, such as Design Measures into client solutions

Operates with "ONE Firm" mindset, minimizes the sector and operational variables within the office in collaboration with Regional Design Director

Integrates HKS services, expertise and innovation in all projects, while actively seeking opportunities to incorporate HKS best practices, sustainable design solutions, subject matter expertise and resources strategically and efficiently for the client, user and community

Exercises skills of persuasion and negotiation on critical issues

Qualifications:

Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, related degree for respective field, or relevant years in education or experience

Licensure or certification in chosen field preferred

Typically 15+ years of experience, including experience in a leadership role with demonstrated success in both project work and talent/resource development

Significant experience in the practice area of the studio

Sustainable design accreditation preferred

Familiarity in the capability and benefits of design-related software preferred

Familiarity in the functionality of Vision

Experience in MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Project and Microsoft Teams preferred

Proficiency in logistics management including connecting people and resources to the right place at the right time

Successful track record in directing and providing leadership for design teams from business development presentations through developing strategy and design concepts

Successful track record in success building, nurturing and fostering new client relationships

Excellent presentation skills

Strong leadership, organization, communication and relationship management skills

Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time

Ability to work closely with design leaders to promote an inter-disciplinary design approach and philosophy, and to facilitate its advancement across the firm

Ability to manage team with diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and external

Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing

Ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions

Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment

Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality

Travel will be required

If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal .

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran

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