Studio Lead

HDR, Inc.; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. in Detroit, Michigan seeks a Studio Lead to guide production and lead a multidisciplinary team in architecture projects that improve communities.

The role focuses on staff development, project profitability, and high quality delivery across public and private sector clients. Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s degree, 7+ years of experience, professional registration if required, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 7+ years experience required.
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments.
• Good leadership and organizational skills.
• Active participant in employee-owned culture is a must.

Responsibilities

• Assist in operations of production section including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control and marketing support.
• May function as an Assistant Project Manager and assist in responsibility for production on projects in addition to management responsibilities.
• Assist with administrative responsibility for section staff and technical service functions, and lead and coordinate services with other sections.
• Be involved in marketing planning, proposals and interviews.
• Be directly involved with industrial and public clients in marketing, project production and related issues.
• Assist in ensuring that all work is planned, organized, controlled and evaluated through proactive project management system.
• Implement, monitor and support company policy.
• Assist in the selection, training, development and management of technical personnel.
• Work cooperatively with National Directors and marketing staff in local and national marketing and production efforts.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Employee-owned culture

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well‑being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Studio Lead Responsibilities

• Assist in the responsibility for operations of production section including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control and marketing support
• May function as an Assistant Project Manager and assist in responsibility for production on projects in addition to management responsibilities
• Assist with administrative responsibility for section staff and technical service functions, and lead and coordinate services with other sections
• Be involved in marketing planning, proposals and interviews
• Be directly involved with industrial and public clients in marketing, project production and related issues
• Assist in ensuring that all work is planned, organized, controlled and evaluated through proactive project management system
• Implement, monitor and support company policy
• Assist in the selection, training, development and management of technical personnel
• Work cooperatively with National Directors and marketing staff in local and national marketing and production efforts
• Perform other duties as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 7 years experience
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Good leadership and organizational skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other’s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location: United States-Michigan-Detroit

Industry: Architecture

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: Gen Architecture

Job Posting: Nov 3, 2026