Studio Practice Leader - Health Interiors

HKS, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

HKS, Inc. in Atlanta seeks a Studio Practice Leader to oversee the studio operations, guide multiple project teams and deliver design solutions for key clients.

This leader will shape strategy, staffing, and collaboration across offices, while mentoring designers and ensuring high-quality documentation and client satisfaction. You will drive project leadership, grow relationships with clients, and align design initiatives with the firm's strategic priorities, emphasizing sustainable design and

Qualifications

• Accredited professional degree in Architecture or related field; licensing preferred.
• Extensive leadership experience with talent/resource development.
• Experience with health projects preferred.
• 15+ years in leadership roles managing design teams and projects.
• Sustainable design knowledge and software familiarity.
• Strong presentation, communication and relationship management skills.
• Ability to lead multiple projects and mentor staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversees studio processes, delivery, and project documentation.
• Collaborates on strategic planning and resource allocation with leaders.
• Partners with studio and office leadership to advance strategic goals.
• Leads design development and client communications across project phases.
• Guides teams through all phases with mentorship and design direction.
• Interfaces with clients to understand goals, policies, and progress.
• Manages client expectations and cross-functional coordination.
• Monitors staffing, utilization, and growth across the studio.
• Ensures efficient operations and financial performance of the studio.
• Acts as a technical resource and inspires design excellence.
• Provides leadership in pursuit of client satisfaction and strong documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Project oversight

Design leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Strategic planning

Team collaboration

Education

Architecture degree

Licensure preferred

Tools

Vision

MS Project

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Overview

Responsible for overall management of the respective studio and the work of multiple project teams focused on the design, development and delivery of outstanding solutions for a practice area or building type. Executes the practice strategy in the studio(s).

The Studio Practice Leader often leads multiple projects with multiple clients concurrently. The role focuses on growing leadership skills related to relationship-building, collaboration and interpersonal skills while working on great projects for exceptional clients.

Responsibilities

• Oversees projects assigned to the respective studio by focusing on the project process, service/delivery, work environment and project documentation
• Collaborates in strategic planning and facilitates communication for specific practice with other leaders, such as vetting studio marketing strategy and allocating needed resources
• Partners with studio and office leadership to further the strategic goals of the firm, sector and office
• Collaborates during the initial marketing stages through completion of construction, including programming client needs, conceptual and schematic design, design development and delivery
• Collaborates with leaders such as Project Manager and Studio Design Leader to lead the team through all phases by guiding, advising and mentoring other designers on project work, developing design direction and leading critiques
• Acts as a primary interface with clients for the respective studio, building and strengthening connections through a comprehensive understanding of their mission, goals, policies, needs and progress
• Manages client expectations, team communication and consultant coordination for the respective studio in collaboration with project team leadership
• Monitors staffing, utilization and growth management across the studio, including recommending adjustments where necessary
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the studio relating to all staff, business and financial operations
• Serves as a technical resource for the studio, assisting in the resolution of complex problems, and helping them grow in their roles
• Reviews conceptual development and, in collaboration with Studio Design Leader, provides leadership, inspiration and motivation to the design team to ensure that the highest quality design documentation is produced and client satisfaction is achieved
• Partners with Office Director as a liaison between the firm leadership and staff, communicating firm and regional initiatives and priorities
• Emphasizes and incorporates HKS strategic priorities, such as Design Measures into client solutions
• Operates with a ONE Firm mindset, minimizing the sector and operational variables within the office in collaboration with Regional Practice Director
• Integrates HKS services, expertise and innovation in all projects, while actively seeking opportunities to incorporate HKS best practices, sustainable design solutions, subject matter expertise and resources strategically and efficiently for the client, user and community
• Exercises skills of persuasion and negotiation on critical issues

Qualifications

• Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, related degree for respective field, or relevant years in education or experience
• Licensure or certification in chosen field preferred
• Experience with Health projects preferred
• Typically 15+ years of experience, including experience in a leadership role with demonstrated success in both project work and talent/resource development
• Significant experience in the practice area of the studio
• Sustainable design accreditation preferred
• Familiarity in the capability and benefits of design-related software preferred
• Familiarity in the functionality of Vision
• Experience in MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Project and Microsoft Teams preferred
• Proficiency in logistics management including connecting people and resources to the right place at the right time
• Successful track record in directing and providing leadership for design teams from business development presentations through developing strategy and design concepts
• Successful track record in success building, nurturing and fostering new client relationships
• Excellent presentation skills
• Strong leadership, organization, communication and relationship management skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
• Ability to work closely with design leaders to promote an inter-disciplinary design approach and philosophy, and to facilitate its advancement across the firm
• Ability to manage team with diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and external
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
• Ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions
• Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality
• Travel will be required.

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran