Associate Director - Architect

ZipRecruiter; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing design studio in Aberdeen seeks an Associate Director to shape project strategy and mentor a talented team. This hands-on role involves working with clients and leading efforts across various sectors, emphasizing collaboration and purpose-driven design. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills, familiarity with Scottish regulations, and a genuine passion for good design.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience in design.
• Well-versed in Scottish planning and building regulations.
• Experience managing projects from inception to completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects across residential, commercial, and community sectors.
• Support the technical team and collaborate with creative leads.
• Play a key role in business development and strategic decision-making.

Skills

Leadership

Design Thinking

Project Management

Client Engagement

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Architecture or related field

Job description

Job Description

Here’s your chance to step into a senior leadership role where your ideas won’t just be heard - they’ll shape the future direction of a growing and ambitious design studio. Based in Aberdeen, this Associate Director opportunity is perfect for someone who wants more than just a title. It’s for someone who’s ready to influence design thinking, lead project strategy, and mentor a talented team through meaningful, purpose-driven work.

This is a practice that values clarity, collaboration and curiosity. Their work spans architecture, interior design and project management, and their strength lies in connecting those disciplines to deliver projects that feel intelligent, grounded and personal. They don’t overcomplicate things. They trust their team, work closely with their clients and believe good design should feel both bold and effortless.

As Associate Director, you’ll have a real say in how the studio evolves. This isn’t a ‘desk in the corner’ type of leadership role - it’s active, visible, hands-on. You’ll lead projects across residential, commercial and community sectors, often with a strong retrofit or regeneration angle. You’ll work directly with clients, support the technical team and collaborate with the creative leads to ensure ideas translate seamlessly from sketch to site. You’ll play a key role in business development, whether that’s nurturing existing relationships or bringing in new ones, and you’ll be involved in strategic decision-making about how the practice grows and where it focuses next.

You’ll be joining a team that genuinely cares about the spaces they create. Projects here don’t follow a formula - every one is shaped by context, by people and by purpose. From heritage-led refurbishments to bold newbuilds, the work is diverse, challenging and rewarding. You’ll have the chance to work with autonomy but also within a supportive, close-knit culture where ideas are shared and everyone is encouraged to push forward.

This role would suit someone with strong leadership experience who is still passionate about good design. You might already be operating at Associate level or you could be a Senior Architect or Technologist ready for your next step up. Either way, what matters most is your ability to bring a confident, calm presence to the room - someone who listens, guides and delivers. You’ll need to be well-versed in Scottish planning and building regulations, have experience running jobs from early stage through to completion, and be confident managing both people and process. Experience in retrofit or conservation-led projects is a plus, but not essential.

This is a full-time, studio-based role in Aberdeen, with flexibility around working hours and a salary reflective of your experience and seniority. If you’re looking for a role where your input matters, your voice counts and your next chapter feels exciting rather than routine, this could be the move that brings it all together.

If you’re curious and want to find out more, get in touch.