[Remote] Higher Education Studio Design Leader - Architecture

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. SmithGroup is an integrated design firm known for its innovative design solutions and strong workplace culture. They are seeking a Higher Education Studio Design Leader - Architecture to enhance design quality and mentor future design leaders while pursuing market strategies. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve design excellence and business development goals.

Responsibilities

• Win and design projects that embody SmithGroup values and expectations
• Build and nurture a pipeline of future design leaders within the studio and across a region
• Externally differentiate SmithGroup within the market through design excellence and innovation
• With the Studio Leader, establish and achieve market goals at the local and regional levels
• Adoption and use of SmithGroup tools and processes across the studio to ensure design quality for all projects
• Serve as Project Designer on key projects within the studio and region and with the Project Manager be responsible for project quality and team performance
• Collaborate with Market Directors, Market Design Directors, and Studio Leaders on business development, pursuit strategies, team composition, and winning work
• Lead studio efforts that support a firmwide culture of design excellence through critiques, thought leadership, achievement recognition, public relations, and talent development
• Drive a consistent level of design quality across the studio by ensuring SmithGroup standards, tools, and processes are utilized on all projects
• Evaluate design work within the studio and region and determine the degree of design engagement needed at the individual project level
• Take an active leadership role in fostering critical dialogue, rigor, and clear communication to improve design outcomes where needed
• Provide guidance to design team members in the development of client and stakeholder presentations and design materials to communicate design
• Represent SmithGroup design and design values through publications, interviews, and market-based conference presentations and association events
• Participate in client-facing business development activities, project pursuits, interviews, regional initiatives, leadership and management discussions, and committees
• Actively recruit, develop and mentor mid- and junior-level design talent

Skills

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in architecture or equivalent combination of education experience required to be licensed
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience
• Professional licensure required; sustainability credentials preferred
• Original design work that has been built and recognized with design awards from external professional and public organizations
• A clear commitment to integrated design, collaboration, and co-creation with clients, focusing on opportunities for design innovation
• An advanced understanding of code implementation, jurisdiction review, construction practices and methodologies, and key typologies within the market
• A proven ability to lead an integrated design process including architects, interior designers, engineers, planners, and site designers
• Expertise as a resourceful and strategic problem solver, committed to integrated thinking and holistic sustainability
• A creative and entrepreneurial spirit to embrace cultural trends, future technologies, production and presentation software, and other tools of our trade
• An understanding of scope responsibilities to maintain project schedule and workplan
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Sustainability credentials preferred

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling
• A hybrid work environment
• 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off
• 8 paid federal holidays
• 15 extra Fridays off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Wellbeing resources
• Paid parental leave
• A flex spending account
• Voluntary insurance options
• 401(k) program with employer matching
• Tuition reimbursement program
• One-on-one career coaching
• Professional development opportunities
• Performance-based bonus each year

Company Overview

Company H1B Sponsorship