Director - Architecture Studio, Newcastle

This national architecture practice is known for delivering high-quality design across residential, commercial, public, and education sectors. With studios across the UK, they foster a collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven culture. They are seeking a Director to join their leadership team in the Newcastle studio to lead studio operations, design delivery, client relationships, and business development.

Overview

The Director will report to the senior leadership board and contribute to long- and short-term strategic goals while mentoring and developing high-performing project teams. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone with strong commercial acumen, project oversight capability, and a passion for elevating both design and team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the successful delivery of projects across quality, profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Act as a figurehead internally and externally for the studio.
• Maintain and grow strong client relationships, driving repeat and new business.
• Manage studio operations, fee forecasting, and resource planning.
• Act as the senior point of contact across bids, proposals, and design reviews.
• Promote sustainable design and ensure regulatory, health & safety, and technical compliance.
• Mentor and develop teams through structured reviews, training, and coaching.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and creative excellence aligned with studio values.

Required Experience

• RIBA Chartered Architect or equivalent, with extensive UK project delivery experience.
• Prior experience at Director or Associate Director level within a design-led practice.
• Strong track record of leading teams, managing clients, and securing work.
• Confident in balancing design quality with commercial and operational responsibility.
• Passion for people leadership, mentorship, and business growth.
• Experience in a work-winning/business development capacity.
• Knowledge of sustainable practice and environmental design principles.

Role Details

This is an on-site leadership role within one of the studio’s UK locations, with occasional travel to other offices or sites as needed.

Flexible working with 4-5 days office-based preferred.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Project Management, Management, and Strategy/Planning
• Industries: Architecture and Planning