Studio Leader - Multifamily

NELSON; Alpharetta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NELSON is seeking a Studio Leader to join our Multifamily Practice in Atlanta. The person will lead the studio, strengthen client relationships, and support financial and operational performance across projects.

Responsibilities span design coordination, project delivery, QA/QC, staffing, and mentoring. The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration with clients, consultants, and contractors, and driving design excellence from concept through construction.

Qualifications

• Possess code knowledge and ensure team has incorporated permitting requirements into the deliverables.
• Basic knowledge of design, trends, construction methodology, materials application and manufacturer-supplier appropriateness.
• Basic knowledge of sustainability, integrated design and LEED, Well, EnergyStar guidelines.
• Proficiency in Deltek Vantagepoint.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Organize and prioritize tasks to complete within the identified time frame.
• Manage expectations of project leads and teammates, cast a vision for studio success.
• Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing; lead by example.
• Foster a positive studio environment and resolve conflicts when necessary.
• Provide opportunities for individual and team development; conduct evaluations.
• Advise Market Leader on project lead performance and team dynamics quarterly.
• Set goals with project leads and create opportunities to achieve them.
• Develop project leads in core responsibilities and mentor teammates.
• Provide studio performance feedback and support recruiting efforts.

Skills

Code knowledge

Design understanding

Sustainability knowledge

Deltek Vantagepoint

Financial management

MS Office

Tools

Deltek Vantagepoint

MS Office

Job description

NELSON is currently seeking a Studio Leader to join our Multifamily Practice in Atlanta. The Studio Leader demonstrates the leadership skills necessary to strengthen existing client relationships and support the operational and financial performance of the studio. Responsibilities include participating in design phase activities and coordinating with clients, consultants, and contractors throughout the project. Leading projects through the design process, production of construction documents, and construction administration as part of a project team. Developing solutions to technical problems.

Attributes to support the NELSON culture:

• Go All In. Own the Outcome.We go all in—with urgency, follow-through, and pride in the result.
• Be Direct. Be Respectful. Be Authentic.We keep it real—with clarity, candor, and care.
• Grow with Purpose.We embrace growth—through learning, coaching, and continuous improvement.
• Think Bold. Execute Smart.We think boldly—and pair ambition with discipline.
• Make Space for Everyone.We value you—and build a culture where people can thrive and do their best work.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Critical features of this job are described under the headings below. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Possess code knowledge and ensure team has incorporated permitting requirements into the deliverables
• Basic knowledge of design, trends, construction methodology, materials application and manufacturer-supplier appropriateness
• Basic knowledge of sustainability, integrated design and LEED, Well, EnergyStar guidelines
• Proficiency in Deltek Vantagepoint
• Proficiency in understanding of financial management concepts
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

Leadership:

• Organize and prioritize tasks as needed to complete within the identified time frame
• Manage expectations of project leads and Teammates, cast a vision for success of the studio
• Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing
• Lead by example
• Foster a positive studio environment and maintain harmony. Resolve conflict and have difficult conversations with Teammates, peers, upper management and/or clients when necessary
• Provide opportunities to utilize individual’s strengths for their professional development as well as team performance
• Conduct employee performance evaluations within studio on an annual basis and provide feedback to the Market Leader; recommend salary increases for teammates with Market Leader
• Conduct performance evaluations for your direct reports within studio as needed
• Advise the Market Leader of project lead performance and team(s) dynamic on a quarterly basis
• Set goals with project leads and create opportunities to achieve these goals
• Deliver feedback to inspire continuous learning
• Develop project leads in core responsibilities for their role
• Mentor all Teammates in the execution of their responsibilities
• Provide studio performance feedback to Market Leader and Practice Leaders
• Mentor project leads on written and oral communication, presentation skills, time management, and prioritizing their team’s workload
• Develop network to support the recruiting efforts for the firm
• Embrace specific steps to create, develop and promote a diverse workforce and to promote an inclusive environment

Resource Management:

• Meet weekly with the project leads to ensure all work is progressing as scheduled. Provide direction to project leads to resolve issues that are project related or between Teammates
• Assist project leads in rebalancing workload between teams if necessary; final authority over delegation of client/account assignments and/or project assignments
• Evaluate teams’ skills and provide staffing recommendations to Market Leader or Practice Area Leader
• Participate in the staffing process; assist with seeking new talent and conduct interview with Market Leader
• Ensure internal reporting is completed in Deltek VantagePoint on time. (i.e. time sheet approvals, project planning and pipeline projections as applicable)
• Manage studio utilization to meet targets and ensure a balanced workload
• Be knowledgeable about projects within the teams
• Coordinate with Market Leader and Practice Area Leader when staffing decisions affect both parties’ initiatives

Technical:

• Ensure project leads within studio are following NELSON protocol for QA/QC; provide QA/QC support as necessary
• Guide project leads in utilizing all NELSON resources within their office, within the team/account, and across the network to deliver quality technical and/or creative design
• Support the initiative of the local/regional Technical Leader; share experiences within the studio to inform best practices that will benefit the firm
• Prioritize and effectively meet deadlines, delegate tasks and provide high quality service to clients

Project Delivery:

• Prepare project budgets and mentor/support Teammates to follow them; teach Teammates to prepare them on their own
• Prepare proposals, define scope and estimate fees that are easy to understand and ensure profitability
• Review financial reports and utilize the data for evaluating positive performance and identify areas for improvement
• Provide budget/proposal support including additional services and reallocations to manage project profitability