Our client, a long established and well respected Northern California architecture firm, is seeking a grounded leader to serve as Director of their K-12 studio. This is a corporate leadership role as well as practice leadership role, so we are considering the top architects throughout the state of California. As one of the premier architecture firms for northern California, our client already has a thriving practice, but the goals for this individual will be to set strategic objectives for the practice, market and oversee the business development effort to school districts in California, and provide overall leadership to the studio by developing the current talent, mentor the other leaders, and attracting new talent as needed to the studio. Our client is outstanding at establishing and maintaining relationships, managing projects, and ensuring excellence in their projects. However, they need a leader who will set higher goals and carry the organization into the future. Today, budgets are tight, school boards are cutting back on construction projects, and expansion seems to be the last thing on everyone’s mind. However, our client believes right now is the best time to start preparing for the next wave of projects, so they want to attract an established leader who will take them to the next level when the market turns.
Challenges:
The successful candidate will join a studio that is well-established and a leader in the K-12 market. This person will be responsible for the growth of the studio in the face of a highly competitive environment, the studio’s consistent completion of projects to the exacting standards for which our client is known, and the overall leadership of the studio. A key component of this position is the reorganization of the studio into a more efficiently managed team. This reorganization will allow the winning candidate to focus on critical objectives and keep the big picture in sight. Consequently, the challenges will require an entrepreneurial intensity, a grounded demeanor, and a team orientation that relies on humility and participation to achieve its goals. As the market and the projects themselves become more challenging and competitive, it is increasing essential that this person lead through integrity, example, and a passion for architecture.
Opportunity:
The K-12 Studio Director will be a member of the six person management team and will play a significant role in the direction of the firm. This is slated as an ownership role, so an effort will be made to make this individual a shareholder in the firm as soon as is practicable. As the senior leader of the largest studio in the firm, this individual will have a marked impact on profitability and future growth, so the opportunity for a top professional to find an ideal home is real. Furthermore, given the collaborative and highly encouraging environment present at our client, this person will have all the intangibles necessary for success without upsetting their work life balance. Finally, senior leadership and the studio are absolutely 100% committed to the success of this individual and this business unit and will play a critical role in the overall success of this person. RSMR Global Resources is committed to finding an individual who can overcome the challenges and maximize the opportunities of this position.
Job Scope:
- Manage K-12 Studio.
- Set the strategic plan, goals and objectives for the studio.
- Oversee all business development efforts for the studio.
- Responsibility for hiring and firing of studio staff.
- Develop and Mentor members of the studio.
- Manage some of the key client relationships.
- Participate as part of the corporate management team.
- Sign off on all outgoing documents.
- Ultimate project oversight responsibility.
Experience/ Education Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture; MS or MBA are a plus.
- Registered Architect in California or the ability to become registered is a must; NCARB, LEED or other professional credentials are a plus.
- 12 to 15 years of architectural experience.
- Minimum of 8 years focused work in K-12 master planning, design or construction projects.
- Excellent presentation skills with a wide variety of groups and personalities.
- Proven business development success.
- Strong leadership skills – good mentor with the ability to empower Project Architects.
- Excellent communications (verbal & written) and human relations skills.
- Industry contacts to identify potential projects and industry talent.
