Director

Award-Winning UK Architecture Studio

Newcastle,
United Kingdom

This national architecture practice is known for delivering high-quality design across residential, commercial, public, and education sectors.

JOB SUMMARY:

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. Due to continued growth and succession planning, they are now seeking a Director to join their leadership team.
 
The Director will play a key role in leading studio operations, design delivery, client relationships, and business development in the Newcastle studio. Reporting to the senior leadership board, this individual will contribute to long- and short-term strategic goals while actively 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. 

• Be a figure head 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. 

Location & Working Style: 

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.

This is a long-term opportunity to join a respected, values-led architecture studio at a senior level, helping shape its future direction while delivering impactful, design-led work across the UK.