Managing Director – Architecture Role Summary
Retail, Residential, Hospitality & Mixed-Use
Location: London (Hybrid – 3 days in the studio)
Salary: £90,000–£125,000 + twice-yearly discretionary performance bonus
The Opportunity
An internationally connected architecture practice is looking for an ambitious Managing Director to lead and grow its London studio, driving its expansion across the UK and European markets.
With international backing, an established project pipeline and exciting growth plans, this is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced architectural leader to take ownership of a studio and shape its future direction.
Working across a diverse portfolio of retail, residential, hospitality and mixed-use projects, you will combine strong design leadership with commercial strategy, taking responsibility for business development, client relationships, team growth and overall studio performance.
This is a senior leadership position for an ARB-registered Architect who knows the UK market, has a proven track record of winning work and is ready to take a hands-on role in building a successful, growing practice.
The Role
As Managing Director, you will take responsibility for the London studio’s day-to-day operations, strategic direction and commercial success. Key responsibilities will include:
Leading the overall management and performance of the London studio, with full P&L responsibility.
Developing and delivering business growth strategies, setting annual targets and driving commercial performance.
Identifying and securing new business opportunities through an established industry network and proactive client engagement.
Building and maintaining long-term relationships with clients, consultants and industry partners.
Providing design leadership and technical oversight across UK projects, ensuring quality and consistency throughout.
Recruiting, mentoring and developing a high-performing team, creating a positive and ambitious studio culture.
Overseeing project delivery, resource planning, fee proposals, budgeting and project profitability.
Navigating UK planning processes, Building Regulations and the RIBA Plan of Work.
Acting as the key connection between the London studio and international leadership, ensuring effective collaboration across offices.
Representing the practice within the UK market and identifying opportunities for continued expansion.
About You
You’ll be an established architectural professional with the confidence to lead a studio, develop business opportunities and build strong relationships across the industry.
Ideally, you’ll have:
ARB registration, with RIBA Chartered status highly desirable.
Extensive experience within the London or wider UK architectural market.
A strong track record of business development, winning new work and securing repeat clients.
An established network of industry contacts across clients, developers, consultants and contractors.
Experience leading teams and managing a studio or business unit.
Strong commercial awareness, including P&L management, fee negotiations, project accounting and profitability.
Excellent knowledge of UK Building Regulations, planning processes and the RIBA Plan of Work.
Experience across retail, residential, hospitality and/or mixed-use projects.
The ability to balance creative ambition with commercial and operational priorities.
Experience working within an international practice or across multiple offices would be advantageous.
Excellent communication, leadership and relationship-building skills.
Flexibility to work across international time zones and travel when required.
What’s on Offer?
Competitive salary of £90,000–£125,000, dependent on experience.
Twice-yearly discretionary performance bonus.
Hybrid working, with three days in the London studio.
Private Medical Insurance.
Contributory pension scheme.
Cycle to Work scheme.
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
Paid volunteering time.
Professional development allowance.
Hybrid working stipend.
Office refreshments and regular team lunches.
Please apply with CV and Portfolio if this is of interest to you.
