Studio Lead - Architecture

Our partnered client is a well-established, multi-disciplinary architecture and design practice with a genuinely impressive pedigree – covering multiple sectors within the Built environment they have embedded their name within UK Architecture, operating from multiple studios across the UK, they combine the stability of a long-standing practice with the agility and ambition of a business that's actively growing its regional presence.

They're now looking for a Studio Leader to take ownership of their London studio – overseeing day-to-day operations, driving commercial performance, and building a collaborative, high-performing team.

This is a genuinely broad leadership role. You'll need to be highly organised, commercially minded and comfortable wearing several hats – strategic planning, people leadership, client development and business winning all sit within your remit, alongside staying close to live project delivery. It would suit someone who thrives on problem solving, takes initiative, and wants full accountability for a studio's success rather than just a piece of it.

The role

Own the studio's financial performance end to end, from budgeting and forecasting through to resourcing and margin

Drive new business, growing a healthy pipeline of opportunities and converting them into instructed work

Take the lead on pricing, fee negotiations and agreeing terms with new and existing clients

Stay actively involved in fee-earning work rather than stepping back into a purely managerial role

Set the bar for design and technical quality across everything the studio produces

Keep a close eye on project progress studio-wide, flagging and resolving issues early

Coach and grow the team, building a culture where people are accountable and want to perform

Get out and represent the business at sector events and with prospective clients

Take a seat at leadership level, feeding directly into wider company strategy

What they're looking for

Senior leadership experience gained within a consultancy, engineering or design-led business

A demonstrable track record of bringing in new work and growing client accounts profitably

Genuine commercial confidence – used to owning numbers, not just reporting on them

A history of getting projects over the line on time, on budget and to a high standard

Strong influencing and stakeholder skills, with sound judgement under pressure

Comfortable splitting your time between leading the studio and staying close to live projects

A solid grip on quality assurance and risk management

Drive, accountability and the presence to lead a team from the front

The role will offer a generous remuneration package inclusive of a salary in the region of £80,000 - £100,000 Dependent on experience alongside a benefits package

If you would like a confidential chat about this role and you’re interested in stepping up to lead within an AJ100 practice then reach out to Jimmy Penrose at Conrad Consulting