Studio Design Leader & Client Strategy

HKS, Inc; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

HKS, Inc. in Miami, FL seeks a Studio Practice Leader to oversee the design studio and multiple project teams delivering outstanding solutions for various practice areas.

The role focuses on developing leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills while guiding projects from programming through construction documentation. The candidate will lead teams, mentor designers, align with firm strategy, and manage client expectations, staffing, and resource allocation.

Qualifications

• Accredited professional degree in Architecture or related field.
• Licensure or certification in architecture preferred.
• Typically 15+ years of experience with leadership in design or studio management.
• Significant experience leading design projects and teams in architectural practice.
• Sustainable design accreditation preferred.
• Familiarity with Vision software and BIM workflows.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Project and Teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversees studio projects, staffing, and documentation.
• Leads strategic planning and resource allocation with leaders.
• Partners with leadership to advance firm goals and office strategy.
• Guides early design through construction documentation and delivery.
• Mentors designers and leads critiques to ensure high-quality output.
• Maintains strong client interfaces and manages expectations.
• Oversees utilization, growth, and staff development across the studio.
• Ensures efficiency of studio operations and financial performance.
• Serves as technical resource and problem-solver for the studio.
• Collaborates with leadership to inspire design direction and quality.
• Liaises between firm leadership and staff on initiatives.
• Drives sustainable design integration and best practices.
• Emphasizes ONE Firm mindset and cross-office collaboration.
• Travel will be required.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Client relationships

Design leadership

Stakeholder management

Mentoring

Presentation skills

Education

Accredited professional degree in Architecture

Licensure or certification

15+ years of leadership experience

Tools

Vision

MS Office Suite

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Teams

Job description

HKS, Inc. in Miami, FL seeks a Studio Practice Leader to oversee the design studio and multiple project teams delivering outstanding solutions for various practice areas.

The role focuses on developing leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills while guiding projects from programming through construction documentation. The candidate will lead teams, mentor designers, align with firm strategy, and manage client expectations, staffing, and resource allocation.