Head of Commercial Workplace - Director - Architecture

The client is looking to hire a new director and leadership role in their London architecture studio to strengthen their commercial workplace offering. The office currently has 60 people, including two directors, and they can now bring in another director.
The role is for an architect or interior architect, though they would also consider interior designers with a proven track record in commercial workplace design. The position is targeted to bring in fees within a set time period, so suitable candidates are those with the ability and proven experience in creating opportunities. This role will be outward-facing, requiring a candidate with an existing client base or the ability to generate opportunities over time.
The studio operates with a flat hierarchy and has a relaxed culture and working style. They are an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT) with a set timeline to achieve financial independence. The studio has been running for over 20 years, with a well-established team. It’s a dynamic, fun environment located in central London. The focus is on commercial workplace and residential projects. There is no in-house style, as each project is unique to the client. They have worked with estates, tier 1 developers, and owner-occupiers in London. Ideally, they would like to drive the end-user offering, so a candidate with connections to these names/brands would be ideal. There is an awareness that there may be a crossover in clients, so the vision for the individual is to create new opportunities to balance the efforts of the other work-winning directors.
This role would suit a profile from a large practice that wants to cut out the politics, a corporate working style in their day-to-day and long delays on decision making. Or, this could be a lateral move and change of scenery and new team/focus to a profile to spend the foreseeable future to join a very focused team through growth.
Responsibilities:
Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities to drive revenue growth.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and industry partners.
Be the primary point of contact for high clients, ensuring their vision is realized.
Oversee all phases of project delivery from concept through completion, ensuring design excellence and client satisfaction.
Manage project teams, including architects, designers, and consultants, to ensure timely and on-budget delivery.
Represent the studio at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to enhance the studio’s reputation and market presence.
Skills:
Qualified Architect -RIBA/ARB or Interior Architect
Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, manage multiple projects, and drive strategic initiatives.
Demonstrable portfolio of UK projects in commercial workplace
Deep knowledge of commercial workplace design trends, best practices, and standards.
Strong design portfolio demonstrating creativity, innovation, and design excellence
Expertise in managing complex, large-scale projects from inception to completion.
Proficiency in resource allocation, budget management, and timeline coordination.
Ability to think strategically about the growth and direction of the commercial workplace sector within the studio.
Visionary approach to designing and executing projects that set industry benchmarks.
Please note that the client is only able to accept CVs from those who have the right to work in the UK.