Design Principal

Unispace; Bengaluru; Hybrid; INR 8,000,000 - 12,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Unispace in Bengaluru, India, is seeking a Principal, Design to shape the studio’s strategy and elevate its portfolio across North America. You’ll lead a high-performing team, mentor talent, and drive innovative design while maintaining Unispace’s values of inclusivity, sustainability, and excellence.

You’ll collaborate with the North America Design Lead, manage major client relationships, and push for outstanding project outcomes with a strong emphasis on financial performance and CSR

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or equivalent.
• Strong Revit proficiency and design workflows.
• Experience leading large, complex projects.
• Excellent client engagement and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the design strategy for the studio.
• Collaborate with the North America Design Lead to craft annual business and workforce plans.
• Build and manage strategic client relationships to expand Unispace’s influence.
• Oversee all studio design projects ensuring quality, creativity and collaboration.
• Provide financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting for the studio.
• Lead high-stakes bid/pitch presentations to win new business.
• Drive culture, inclusivity, sustainability and design excellence in the studio.
• Advance design processes and technology initiatives across the studio.
• Collaborate on risk management with Studio Management.
• Champion CSR initiatives aligned with Unispace’s goals.
• Act as ambassador for Unispace’s values and integrity.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Design strategy

Team development

Education

Architecture degree

Tools

Revit

Job description

Responsible to: Senior Principal, Design/ Head of Design

Who we are

At Unispace, we are committed to transforming workplaces to meet the diverse needs of today’s dynamic global brands. Our agile, end-to-end approach is delivered seamlessly across borders, fueled by strong client partnerships and supported by insightful workplace intelligence and innovative technology.

We believe that everyone deserves to work in an environment that inspires productivity, fosters peak performance, and promotes overall well-being. Across our 48 global studios, we recognize that positive work environments cultivate open, collaborative, and supportive cultures, enriched by the contributions of independent and motivated individuals from all backgrounds.

While our core business revolves around strategizing, designing, and building workplaces for some of the world's leading brands, we understand that our people are our greatest asset. We prioritize their growth and well-being through a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition program that includes rewards and recognition, career development opportunities, and a strong focus on mental and physical well-being.

To further support our team, we embrace flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working options that empower our employees to balance in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility. This approach not only enhances work-life balance but also allows us to harness the full potential of our diverse and talented workforce.

Why you’re here

As the Principal, Design, you’ll be instrumental in shaping and executing the design strategy for your region, helping to expand Unispace’s portfolio and elevate our brand across North America. You are a strategic leader who drives innovation, collaboration, and growth within your team. Your leadership will not only focus on delivering exceptional design solutions but also on fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking culture. You'll be at the forefront of creating inspiring workplaces while ensuring that Unispace’s values and commitment to diversity, sustainability, and excellence are reflected in every project.

What you’re responsible for

• Leading the development and implementation of the Design strategy for your studio, driving innovation and elevating the design approach to meet the evolving needs of clients and the market.
• Collaborating with the North America Design Lead to craft annual business and workforce plans, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.
• Building and managing strategic client relationships, working to expand Unispace’s influence and drive new business opportunities.
• Overseeing all studio design projects, ensuring quality, creativity, and alignment with client goals while fostering an environment of collaboration and inclusion.
• Providing financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting for the design studio, ensuring that financial goals are met.
• Partnering with the Delivery and Management teams to ensure projects meet financial targets while maintaining exceptional design standards.
• Leading high-stakes bid/pitch presentations, effectively communicating the value of Unispace’s design methodology to win new business and grow the client portfolio.
• Ensuring that the culture, values and behaviors in the studio reflect Unispace’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability.
• Driving best practices, design processes, and technology initiatives across the studio to ensure design consistency and excellence.
• Collaborating with Studio Management to develop and implement risk management strategies, addressing legal, reputational, and financial risks as necessary.
• Championing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives within the studio, aligning them with Unispace’s global and regional vision.
• Acting as a key ambassador for Unispace’s values, inspiring your team and clients through leadership and integrity.

How we’ll measure it

• The ability to maintain a comprehensive overview of all studio projects, providing clear and concise updates to management as needed.
• A proven track record of creating successful and accurate project bids that meet client needs, with realistic costs and timelines.
• Expertise in managing studio budgets, ensuring project profitability, client satisfaction and strong commercial returns.
• Experience securing additional opportunities through industry recognition and awards for design innovation, enhancing Unispace’s brand and driving new business.
• A strong focus on people development, ensuring that your team is adequately resourced, engaged and equipped with the necessary skills to succeed.
• Excellence in performance management, fostering high-performance teams while addressing any underperformance promptly and effectively.
• A commitment to applying consistent design standards, technology solutions and processes across the studio to maintain excellence.
• The ability to implement and manage risk management plans, with evidence of taking appropriate action when challenges arise.
• A strong commitment to CSR, ensuring initiatives are in line with Unispace’s global and regional goals, and integrated into the studio’s culture.

Your experience and skills

• A degree in architecture or an equivalent design-related discipline.
• Proficiency in Revit, with a deep understanding of how to integrate it effectively into project workflows.
• A high level of technical knowledge and design expertise.
• Strong understanding of project financials, corporate real estate (CRE) and approvals processes.
• Experience leading and developing high-performance teams, particularly on large and complex projects.
• Proven ability to cultivate strategic client relationships, with a client-oriented approach to business development.
• Excellent pitching, presentation and communication skills, with a talent for engaging high-profile clients.
• A reputation for innovative, conceptual thinking and the ability to influence others and drive results.
• A demonstrated ability to develop talent within your team, building organisational capability and agility.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to navigate change and lead your team through periods of growth and transformation.