Studio Director - Lifestyle and Cities

Your Role  

Gensler is organized around a highly collaborative studio leadership model, and at its core are values, culture, and working style. As a Gensler Studio Director in the Lifestyle / Cities Studio (Flex 2), you are a client, business, people and project leader. You support the development of Gensler’s practice areas and leverage a diverse portfolio of projects and business acumen to capture high-profile clients and projects. This role is for a leader who loves the business of design and gets excited about managing diverse opportunities and extremely talented creatives.  

What You Will Do  

Studio Development and Operations  

• Co-Lead the Studio and Participate in the administrative and financial responsibilities with regard to the performance of the Studio.  

• Participate with Office Leadership to help set the trajectory of growth for the Studio.  

• Work closely with Project Managers, Finance Director, Human Resources Director and Office Directors  

• Play a key role in developing the strategic plan for the Studio, and the dissemination thereof  

• Monitor budgets and profitability targets for your studio  

• Oversee billing and fee management to ensure all financial activities are consistent with Gensler policies and procedures  

• Responsible for accounts receivable, discretionary expenses, expense report approvals, and productivity projections for the Studio  

• Responsible for overall management of the studio  

• Represent the interests of the studio to ensure issues are addressed and resolved expeditiously.  

• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the studio relating to all staff, business, and financial operations  
   

Leadership  

• Enable the team to reach their individual potential and maintain a positive team environment  

• Manage your team with an “open door policy”  

• Provide a creative, innovative and nurturing environment in your studio by developing an effective coaching/mentoring program  

• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills  

• Demonstrate dignity, respect, and professional attitude  
   

Client Development/Market Positioning  

• Market and develop new business on a consistent basis  

• Play a key role in the pursuit of projects in the Phoenix market.  

• Lead and/or participate actively in proposals, presentations, and interviews.  

• Establish and grow new and existing relationships with clients and potential clients  

• Actively participate in external networking and events to represent Gensler’s expertise and further the Phoenix office’s Business Development goals by active participation in appropriate organizations. 

Project Leadership 

• Direct project involvement on multiple projects collaborating with colleagues to elevate design and innovation. This includes leading the strategic direction, oversight, and delivery for key projects in your studio.  

• Provide strategic insight and support on projects being led by others in the studio.  

• Integrate and leverage your expertise into our approach and process.  
    

Talent and Development  

• Work closely with your staff to ensure an outstanding team experience  

• Oversee hiring, employee work performance, learning, professional development, bonus review, appointment input and evaluation  

• Mentor and grow talent both through project work and additional coaching as needed.  
   

Your Qualifications   

• Project experience in architecture and Interiors within the Lifestyle / Cities Sectors: including but not limited to Multifamily, Hospitality, Education, Urban Design, Senior Living and Industrial and Logistics.  

• Proven leadership and business development skills  

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in the architecture and design field  

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Architecture 

• Registered architect or working towards licensure 

• Experience in guiding the operations of a studio; both in the mentorship and development of staff, as well as fiscal oversight  

• Strong client relationships  

• High level of drive and collaborative spirit to help develop a dynamic studio with engaged team members  

• Able to travel to other Gensler offices or client project locations as needed  

• Excellent references and personal portfolio of work  
   

Life at Gensler  

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.  

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets. 

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.