Studio Practice Leader - Mission Critical

HKS, Inc.; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

HKS, Inc. is seeking a Studio Practice Leader to manage the Detroit studio and several project teams focused on design, development, and delivery of outstanding architectural solutions.

You will execute the practice strategy, lead client relationships, and drive collaboration across leaders to achieve high-quality design outcomes. You will mentor design staff, guide project direction, and coordinate with office leadership to align with firm priorities and sustainable design goals.

Qualifications

• Accredited professional degree in Architecture or related field.
• Licensure or certification in architecture/design preferred.
• Typically 15+ years of leadership experience in design studios.
• Experience leading design teams and talent development.
• Strong client relation-building and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Vision and MS Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee studio management, project delivery, and team performance.
• Lead strategic planning, resource allocation, and client engagement.
• Partner with studio and office leadership on goals and marketing.
• Guide design direction across projects and mentor designers.
• Interface with clients to align mission, goals, and progress.
• Manage client expectations, communications, and consultant coordination.
• Monitor staffing, utilization, and growth across the studio.
• Evaluate studio efficiency, finances, and operations.
• Provide technical leadership and resolve complex design problems.
• Lead critiques and ensure high-quality design documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Client relations

Presentation skills

Team mentorship

Communication

Organization

Project management

Collaboration

Problem solving

Multi-project management

Negotiation

Education

Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, related degree

Licensure or certification in chosen field

Tools

Vision

MS Office Suite (Project, 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 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 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 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 “ONE Firm” mindset, minimizes 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
• 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