Managing Director

MBH Architects; Harrow; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule: 3 days in office

Workplace pension

£400 annual professional development

LinkedIn Learning and Hone classes

Hybrid work stipend

Office snacks and monthly lunches

Job summary

MBH Architects in London seeks a dynamic Managing Director to lead the London studio and drive growth across the UK and Europe. You will secure new opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and expand presence in key markets.

This ARB-registered Architect role blends high-level design leadership with strategic business development, offering a unique chance to build something new and scale a growing practice while ensuring UK regulatory compliance and project delivery excellence.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified Architect with ARB registration.
• Experience in London/UK market and knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work.
• Ability to travel and work across multiple time zones.
• Pre-existing network of industry contacts in the UK.
• Expert knowledge of UK Building Regulations and the London planning system.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the London studio with P&L responsibility, budgeting, resource allocation and growth targets.
• Provide high-level design direction and technical oversight on UK projects ensuring alignment with global standards and local regulations.
• Lead, mentor and develop a small team bridging US and London office.
• Serve as primary contact for UK clients from concept to post-occupancy.
• Ensure project compliance with UK Planning Applications, Building Regulations and RIBA stages.
• Act as liaison between US leadership and London office ensuring brand consistency across time zones.
• Oversee hiring, performance and learning & development for the office.

Skills

ARB-registered Architect

UK market experience

Business development

P&L management

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Architecture

RIBA chartered membership preferred

Job description

We’re seeking a dynamic Managing Director to oversee our London office and drive the firm’s growth across the UK and European markets by securing new opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and expanding our presence in key markets.

This is a leadership role designed for an ARB registered Architect who excels at the intersection of high-level design technicality and strategic business development. This role is for someone who is excited to build something new.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process for candidates who require them. For adjustments, please email [e-mail].

The Role

• Manage the daily operations of the London studio, including managing office goals, P&L responsibility, budgeting, resource allocation, and ensuring the office meets its annual financial and growth targets
• Provide high-level design direction and technical oversight on all UK-based projects to ensure they align with the firm’s global standards and local building regulations
• Lead, mentor, and develop a small, high-performing team, fostering a collaborative culture that bridges the gap between the US and the London office
• Serve as the primary point of contact for UK clients, managing expectations from initial concept through project completion and post-occupancy
• Ensure all projects comply with UK Planning Applications, Building Regulations, and RIBA stages of work, while navigating the specific legalities of the UK construction industry
• Act as the liaison between the US leadership team and the London office, ensuring brand consistency and effective communication across time zones in the US and India
• Oversee all office hiring, employee performance and engagement, and office specific learning & development efforts

Minimum Qualifications

• Fully qualified Architect with ARB registration (Architects Registration Board); RIBA chartered membership is highly preferred
• Experience in architecture within the London or UK market, including a deep understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work; experience working with a US based company is a plus
• Ability to travel and be able to work across multiple time zones
• Ability to win new work and a pre-existing network of industry contacts (consultants, contractors, and potential clients) in the UK
• Expert knowledge of UK Building Regulations and the London planning system (including experience with local councils and heritage/conservation area requirements)
• Degree in Architecture or related field or the commensurate work experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Experience managing small teams or "startup" environments where the Director must be willing to engage in both high-level strategy and hands-on design/technical production
• Strong competency in project accounting, fee proposal drafting, and managing studio-level profitability

Benefits

• Annual leave: 20 days, 8 Paid Holidays, Volunteer time off, and Enhanced sick time
• Workplace pension
• £400 annual professional development allowance
• Hybrid schedule 3 days in office in downtown London
• LinkedIn Learning and Hone classes
• Hybrid work stipend, office snacks, and monthly lunches
• The company is continuing to develop its wider benefits package as it grows the London office

Candidates must have the permanent Right to Work in the UK at the time of application.

About MBH Architects

MBH Architects offers the best of both worlds: the resources of a top-tier firm with the supportive culture of a close-knit team. With offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, Denver, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, we provide hybrid flexibility and global reach.

Our success is built on meaningful collaboration and continuous education. Through integrated services (architecture, environmental graphics, fixture and interior design), we deliver world-class projects, including multi-family housing, labs, retail experiences for iconic brands, and many more. We believe great work happens when people feel supported and inspired.

What sets us apart? A strong sense of community, dedication to sustainability and social impact, and a culture that celebrates creativity and connection—whether through design competitions or our legendary waffle-offs.

If you are passionate about your work, and strive for excellence in everything you do, MBH Architects could be the perfect fit for you.