This national architecture practice is known for delivering high-quality design across residential, commercial, public, and education sectors. With studios across the UK, they foster a collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven culture. Due to continued growth and succession planning, they are now seeking a Director to join their leadership team.

The Director will play a key role in leading studio operations, design delivery, client relationships, and business development in the Newcastle studio. Reporting to the senior leadership board, this individual will contribute to long- and short-term strategic goals while actively mentoring and developing high-performing project teams.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone with strong commercial acumen, project oversight capability, and a passion for elevating both design and team culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the successful delivery of projects across quality, profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Be a figure head internally and externally for the studio
• Maintain and grow strong client relationships, driving repeat and new business.
• Manage studio operations, fee forecasting, and resource planning.
• Act as the senior point of contact across bids, proposals, and design reviews.
• Promote sustainable design and ensure regulatory, health & safety, and technical compliance.
• Mentor and develop teams through structured reviews, training, and coaching.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and creative excellence aligned with studio values.

Required Experience:

• RIBA Chartered Architect or equivalent, with extensive UK project delivery experience.
• Prior experience at Director or Associate Director level within a design-led practice.
• Strong track record of leading teams, managing clients, and securing work.
• Confident in balancing design quality with commercial and operational responsibility.
• Passion for people leadership, mentorship, and business growth.
• Experience in a work winning/business development capacity
• Knowledge of sustainable practice and environmental design principles.

This is an on-site leadership role within one of the studio’s UK locations, with occasional travel to other offices or sites as needed.

Flexible working with 4-5 days office based preferred.

This is a long-term opportunity to join a respected, values-led architecture studio at a senior level, helping shape its future direction while delivering impactful, design-led work across the UK.