Studio Practice Leader - Commercial Mixed-Use

Overview

We are seeking an entrepreneurial and client-facing Studio Practice Leader to lead the growth of our Commercial Mixed-Use practice in the Middle East, with a focus on residential, workplace, retail, and urban hotel developments. This individual will be a dynamic seller/doer, responsible for both business development and project delivery, with a deep understanding of the regional real estate and development market. The successful candidate will have 10+ years of experience in the GCC and will bring strong design sensibility, leadership capabilities, and a track record of winning and delivering complex, high-profile projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversees Middle East-based projects in collaboration with the global studio, focusing on project process, service/delivery, and design documentation
• Collaborates in strategic planning and facilitates communication for specific practice with other leaders, such as vetting studio marketing strategy and allocating needed resources; collaborates with global practice and sector leaders to align goals and resources
• Partners with studio and office leadership to further the strategic goals of the firm, sector and office; drives market strategy and leads business development efforts for the Commercial Mixed-Use sector in UAE and the broader MENA region
• Collaborates during the initial marketing stages through completion of construction, including programming client needs, conceptual and schematic design, design development and delivery; leads proposal responses, client interviews, and fee negotiations
• Collaborates with leaders such as Project Manager and Studio Design Leader to lead the team through all phases by guiding, advising and mentoring other designers on project work, developing design direction and leading critiques; provides leadership to design teams to ensure design excellence, client satisfaction, and technical quality
• Acts as a primary interface with clients for respective studio, building and strengthening connections through a comprehensive understanding of their mission, goals, policies, needs and progress; builds and maintains strong relationships with developers, government entities, operators, and consultants
• Manages client expectations, team communication and consultant coordination for respective studio in collaboration with project team leadership; represents the firm at industry events, conferences, and client meetings
• Supports staffing strategy and resource alignment with global studios to ensure successful project delivery in the Middle East
• Supports evaluation of project efficiency and effectiveness related to Middle East efforts, in coordination with global studio operations
• Serves as a technical resource for the studio, assisting in the resolution of complex problems, and helping them grow in their roles; ensures integration of sustainability, wellness, and performance-driven design
• Reviews conceptual development and, in collaboration with Studio Design Leader, provides leadership, inspiration and motivation to the design team to ensure that the highest quality design documentation is produced and client satisfaction is achieved
• Partners with Office Director as a liaison between the firm leadership and staff, communicating firm and regional initiatives and priorities
• Emphasizes and incorporates HKS strategic priorities, such as Design Measures into client solutions
• Operates with “ONE Firm” mindset, minimizes the sector and operational variables within the office in collaboration with Regional Practice Director
• Integrates HKS services, expertise and innovation in all projects, while actively seeking opportunities to incorporate HKS best practices, sustainable design solutions, subject matter expertise and resources strategically and efficiently for the client, user and community
• Exercises skills of persuasion and negotiation on critical issues; identifies and secures new project opportunities through strategic relationship-building and positioning efforts
• Contributes to project-based team building and talent development for Middle East projects, in alignment with global practice needs
  
  

• Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field for the respective discipline, or relevant years in education or experience
• Licensure or certification in chosen field preferred (RA, AIA, RIBA or equivalent)
• Typically 15+ years of experience, including experience in a leadership role with demonstrated success in both project work and talent/resource development; includes 10+ years of experience in architecture, urban design, or real estate development with GCC regional experience
• Significant experience in the practice area of the studio, with a proven track record as a seller/doer, particularly in the Commercial Mixed-Use sector
• Sustainable design accreditation preferred
• Familiarity with design-related software capabilities and benefits preferred
• Familiarity in the functionality of Vision
• Experience with MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Project and Microsoft Teams preferred
• Proficiency in logistics management, including connecting people and resources to the right place at the right time
• Successful track record in directing and providing leadership for design teams from business development presentations through developing strategy and design concepts
• Successful track record in building, nurturing, and fostering new client relationships
• Excellent presentation skills
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
• Deep knowledge of regional development trends and market dynamics
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams in a collaborative environment
• Ability to work closely with design leaders to promote an inter-disciplinary design approach and philosophy, and to facilitate its advancement across the firm
• Ability to manage teams with a diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and external
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions
• Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment
• Passion for design excellence and innovation in the built environment
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality