Studio Director

DBI/David Brown International

Studio Director

Bloomfield Hills, MI
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Are you a licensed architect seeking a leadership opportunity with a collaborative, award-winning firm? This full-time, in-office role offers the chance to shape and guide a growing practice rooted in custom residential and adaptive reuse design.

    Why Join This Firm?

    • Highly respected boutique architecture firm with a dynamic and collaborative culture.
    • Direct path to leadership and business development responsibilities.
    • Opportunity to work on a variety of complex and interesting projects, from residential renovations to adaptive reuse.
    • Work closely with a seasoned owner known for mentoring and fostering long-term staff growth.
    • Competitive salary and strong benefits including student loan assistance, education reimbursement, SIMPLE IRA match, and more.

    Role Summary

    The Studio Director will oversee day-to-day project development and delivery while providing mentorship, client interaction, and strategic input into firm operations. The ideal candidate is confident, organized, and collaborative, with a strong understanding of both design and business.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Lead and mentor project teams, fostering collaboration and accountability.
    • Manage client relationships and project workflows from concept through construction.
    • Contribute to firm operations and assist in business development and proposals.
    • Coordinate consultant teams and oversee project budgets, schedules, and quality control.
    • Participate in internal leadership and help grow the next generation of firm talent.

    What You Bring

    • Master’s Degree in Architecture and a license (or ability to gain reciprocity) in Michigan.
    • 15+ years of experience in residential architecture, ideally with adaptive reuse or renovation work.
    • Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Microsoft Office; Adobe Suite a plus.
    • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.
    • Understanding of home construction, family dynamics in residential living, and client-centered design.

    Technical and Cultural Fit

    • Comfort in a fluid, non-template-based project environment.
    • Hands-on construction experience or knowledge a plus.
    • Appreciation for a flat organizational structure and a non-ego, team-focused culture.
    • Experience managing project teams and developing younger staff.
    • Willingness to grow into a larger leadership role over time.

    Compensation & Benefits

    • Salary: $110+, commensurate with experience.
    • Health, dental, vision, and basic life insurance (80/20 employer/employee split).
    • Paid Time Off (207 hours annually).
    • SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match.
    • Professional development reimbursement, AIA dues, and continuing education.
    • Student loan assistance and end-of-year bonus eligibility.
    • Weekly firm lunches, social events, and a positive workplace culture.
  • Compensation
    $110,000 per year