Studio Director

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers. We’re tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring new ideas to solve challenging problems. Whether you’re into sketching new ideas, hacking a building or growing client relationship in global markets, there’s something here for everyone.

Our depth of expertise spans disciplines—from aviation and transportation to education, hospitality, retail, technology and more. At our core we embody an entrepreneurial spirit, always looking ahead for new ways to innovate and add to our clients' success. We share the belief that design has the power to transform organizations and change lives; whether we’re refreshing a retailer’s brand, planning a new urban district, or designing a super tall building.

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, you are a people and project leader, strategy creator, design thinker, client advocate and relationship steward. You are a practice builder, who leverages a diverse portfolio of projects and business acumen to capture high-profile clients and projects. 

Directing and providing leadership for operational activities in the studio including, but not limited to, all business, staff and financial operations, project profitability, marketing/business development, client satisfaction and employee growth and development.

Reporting to the Office Managing Director, you will act as senior leadership for the studio, and will direct the day-to-day management of the studio, projects, and teams, escalating matters to the OMD as appropriate.

This role is for a leader who loves to push new ideas, is passionate about design and gets excited about managing diverse retail design projects and extremely talented creatives. Mexico Lifestyle Studio focuses on interior architecture and design projects in hospitality.

What You Will Do

Management

Responsible for overall management of the hospitality design 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.

Staff 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. 

Leadership

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

Manage your team with an “open door policy.” 

Build staff capabilities through programs that improve individual design skills, technical skills, communication, and project management. 

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

Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.

Business Development/Marketing

Market and develop new business on a consistent basis.

Place a strong emphasis on marketing Gensler to win new projects and increase Gensler’s visibility. 

Ensure prompt and timely response to all proposal requests. 

Work closely with our marketing team to ensure business development reporting, lead generation, fee development, project marketing and proposal writing. 

Projects

In your role as Studio Director, you will be responsible for both managing projects and client satisfaction. 

This is achieved through focusing on the project process, service/delivery, work environment, project documentation, and building clients’ trust and loyalty in Gensler.

Financial

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.

General

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

Demonstrate dignity, respect, and professional attitude. 

Participate in office meetings - collaborate with other Studio Directors, Office Management, and staff. 

Develop a strategy for Best Practice integration, client satisfaction, and cross studio integration. 

Focus on global relationship building, recruiting and service integration.

Your Qualifications 

Professional Degree in Architecture or Interior Design 

A minimum of 20 years of experience in the architecture and design field with a focus on Hospitality .

Extensive knowledge of architecture principles/practices especially in Mexico. 

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

Proven leadership and business development skills. Experience leading teams with more than 10 people.

Strong client relationships skills 

Good business development skills and ability to develop a network

Excellent communication skill (both written and spoken) in English

High level of drive and collaborative spirit to help grow 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 subsidized health and life insurance, profit sharing, annual bonus, LinkedIn learning, holiday observance, additional PTO days every 5 years and employee assistance programs.

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.