Studio Design Leader: Commercial & Mixed-Use

HKS Architects Inc. – Abu Dhabi; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

HKS is seeking a Studio Design Leader in Dubai to advance Design Excellence across the studio and participate in critical design dialogues with project teams. The role focuses on leadership growth, relationship-building, collaboration, and delivering high-quality design outcomes for exceptional clients.

The candidate will mentor designers, lead multiple projects, manage client expectations, and collaborate with the Office Director to align with firm priorities and sustainable design goals.

Qualifications

• Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, related field or relevant education/experience.
• Licensure or certification in chosen field preferred.
• Typically 15+ years of experience, including leadership roles with project/work and talent/resource development.
• Significant experience in the studio practice area.
• Sustainable design accreditation preferred.
• Familiarity with design software (Vision) and MS Office tools (Project/Teams).

Responsibilities

• Supports project design leaders and evaluates studio work against strategic plan.
• Collaborates in strategic planning and coordinates studio resources and marketing input.
• Sets measures for design excellence across project stages.
• Guides project teams on design direction, documentation and delivery.
• Leads client marketing stages through construction completion; defines client needs and design goals.
• Mentors designers and collaborates with leaders to drive design direction and critiques.
• Interfaces with clients to understand mission, goals, policies, and progress.
• Manages client expectations and cross-disciplinary collaboration within the studio.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Relationship management

Communication

Problem solving

Mentoring

Education

Accredited professional degree

Sustainability accreditation

Tools

Vision

MS Office Suite (Project, Teams)

Job description

HKS is seeking a Studio Design Leader in Dubai to advance Design Excellence across the studio and participate in critical design dialogues with project teams. The role focuses on leadership growth, relationship-building, collaboration, and delivering high-quality design outcomes for exceptional clients.

The candidate will mentor designers, lead multiple projects, manage client expectations, and collaborate with the Office Director to align with firm priorities and sustainable design goals.