Director - Architect - Growing Practice

Lumen Search Ltd.; Leinster; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended Annual Leave

Pension

Profit Sharing

Bonuses

Hybrid working

Equity partnership potential

Job summary

Lumen Search Ltd. is seeking an experienced Director to establish and lead a new Dublin office, driving business development, project delivery, and profitability. You will build a Dublin-based team and manage client relationships while reporting to the Managing Director.

You will oversee fee proposals, negotiate commercially, appoint consultants, and guide design quality in line with the practice's standards. A pathway to equity participation is envisaged.

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture with MRIAI or equivalent.
• Experience at Associate Director or Director level.
• Proven ability to secure new work and manage client relationships.
• Experience leading and growing architectural teams.
• Strong commercial awareness including fee proposals and profitability.
• Knowledge of Irish planning system and Building Regulations.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the Dublin office, reporting to the Managing Director.
• Develop the Dublin business and secure new projects.
• Maintain senior client relationships and oversee design quality.
• Lead fee proposals, commercial negotiations and consultant appointments.
• Build and manage a Dublin-based team, targeting ~10 staff in 18 months.
• Shape long-term direction of the office and explore equity participation.

Skills

Business development

Leadership

Client relationship management

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Project delivery leadership

Education

Architecture degree with MRIAI or equivalent

Job description

Role

Director

Client

Ambitious Irish Pratice

Location

Dublin City

Salary

Competitive package

Our Client

Our client is a highly regarded Architectural practice with offices across Ireland. They have an established track record across the Commercial, Residential, Fit-Out, Education and Hospitality sectors, delivering projects for a broad range of public and private sector clients.

Having been in business for over a decade, the practice has developed a strong client base and a significant pipeline of work. As part of their continued expansion, they are establishing a new Dublin office and are seeking an experienced Director to lead its development, supported by the resources and infrastructure of the wider practice.

The Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Director to establish and lead their Dublin office, taking responsibility for business development, team growth, project delivery and the overall commercial performance of the studio.

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will develop the Dublin business, secure new projects and maintain senior client relationships, while overseeing design quality, project delivery, resourcing and profitability. You will also lead fee proposals, commercial negotiations and the appointment of consultants, ensuring projects are delivered to the practice's established standards.

The role will involve building and managing a Dublin-based team, with plans to grow to approximately 10 staff within the first 18 months, subject to business performance. Working closely with the wider leadership team, you will help shape the long-term direction of the office, with a defined opportunity for future equity participation.

Required Background

• Degree in Architecture with relevant professional accreditation, ideally MRIAI or equivalent
• Significant experience within an established Architectural practice, ideally at Associate Director, Director or similar senior level
• Strong track record of delivering projects across Residential, Commercial, Mixed-Use or Public Sector developments
• Proven business development experience with the ability to secure new work and develop client relationships
• Experience leading and growing architectural teams, including recruitment, mentoring and staff development
• Strong commercial awareness, including fee proposals, negotiations, project profitability and resource management
• Experience overseeing multiple projects from design through to construction and completion
• Good understanding of the Irish planning system, Building Regulations and professional practice requirements
• Strong network of clients, consultants and industry contacts within the Dublin market advantageous
• Ability to provide strategic direction while remaining involved in project delivery and client management
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Ambition to establish and grow a successful Dublin studio over the long term

The Package

Excellent salary on offer, as well as extended Annual Leave, Pension, Profit-Sharing, Bonuses, Hybrid working, and the opportunity to grow into an Equity Partner in the business.