Studio Director (Architecture)

About the Company HR Interface Recruitment Consulting has been exclusively mandated to hire for a leading International / Global Architecture and Design firm , ranked among the world’s top international firms with a network of studios across Europe, Latin America, and Asia (11 studios worldwide — spread across Winchester, London, and Belfast (UK) | Dublin (Ireland) | Berlin (Germany) | Madrid (Spain) | Paris (France) | Milan (Italy) | Santiago (Chile) | Mexico City and Adelaide (Australia). With a strong track record of delivering Commercial | Workplace | Hospitality | Retail | Logistics | Data Centers and Mixed-use developments, the practice combines technical depth, creative innovation, and global collaboration to deliver design excellence worldwide. Founded in the United Kingdom over four decades ago, the firm today enjoys an excellent reputation across business-to-business sectors including Data Centers, Retail, Logistics, Hospitality, and Workplace . It is consistently ranked among the World Architecture Top 100 and UK Top 100 practices . The firm is now setting up its Mumbai studio (launch planned for January 2026) to strengthen its South Asia presence. The new Mumbai office will serve local Indian clients while also acting as an integrated Revit resource hub supporting its global studios. The practice seeks to appoint an Office Head / Studio Director / Local Office Director to lead this expansion, scale operations, and represent the firm in India. About the Role Company : Leading Global Architecture & Design Firm (Name shared during process) Designation : Office Head / Studio Director / Local Office Director Years of Experience : 15–25 years in an architectural practice (post B.Arch/M.Arch; prior leadership experience is essential; international firm exposure a strong plus; Data Center project experience highly preferred ) Academic Qualification : B.Arch / M.Arch (postgraduate degree desirable); Indian registered architect (mandatory) Job Type : Full-time, On-site, 5-day work week Location : Mumbai (office location to be finalized; likely in a central/well-connected area such as Andheri/Bandra) Compensation Band on Offer : Competitive leadership-level compensation in the range of ₹45 LPA – ₹80 LPA+ profit share , aligned to senior leadership benchmarks. Final package will depend on experience, interview performance & last drawn CTC. Training: The selected candidate will be inducted, trained and supported from the company’s other global offices. It is likely that the initial training/induction will be carried out in person in our European and UK offices. Timing: Applications are invited from interested candidates with a view to interviews being held first virtually with the team sitting in UK/Spain/Ireland & the in person interviews (for shortlisted candidates) will be in Mumbai between 13th and 16th October 2025 . It is intended to launch the Mumbai office in January 2026. Position Overview As the local Office Head/Studio Director you will be responsible for the establishment and leadership of our global client’s Mumbai office. Working with their Europe-based leadership team you will be responsible for developing and implementing an expansion-focused business plan for the Indian market . You will report to the client company group's board on a periodic basis and will attend twice-yearly board meetings in person. These are typically hosted by one of our client company’s UK or European offices. As the office grows you will be responsible for the recruitment of a local team offering inspiring leadership to train and motivate colleagues to ensure the highest standards of delivery. Preferred Professional Experience We are seeking an Indian qualified and registered architect with a minimum of 15 years post- qualification experience. Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience across all project work stages and in commercial sectors, particularly those of Data Centres, Retail and Hospitality. Candidates should be able to demonstrate previous successful leadership of project teams. Previous experience working with international client organisations is an advantage. The role requires a combination of design excellence, operational management, and business development skills to ensure the success of the India practice, while closely collaborating with the firm’s international leadership. Academic Qualifications & Background: Degree in Architecture (and the built environment) Post Graduate qualification or Masters in Architecture (and the built environment) Indian registered architect with relevant certifications Other Requirements Indian resident Passport holder able to travel to UK and Europe on company business English language (fluent both written and spoken) Available no later than three months from the date of any offer of employment Understanding of core business functions; contract law, employment law, accounting, financial planning and reporting Good understanding of technical software relevant to the design profession including Revit Data Centre project experience will be considered a strong advantage. Role & Responsibilities Inspire and promote the company's culture across the office. Identify new business opportunities to support revenue objectives in accordance with local business development targets. Manage key accounts obtaining and maintaining commissions and developing a sustained track record of securing new clients and opportunities. Lead, develop and mentor, helping team members to achieve their professional goals Take oversight and responsibility for architectural projects at all work stages to ensure the desired results within the company’s quality management system. Manage resources and coordinate workflow between the Mumbai office and other global offices on joint projects. Contribute to the business through consistent profits on sustainable fee turnover for projects under your direction. Report monthly accounts through the company's global practice management systems Contribute to the company's visibility, reputation & thought leadership/design leadership by publishing articles, posts or as a speaker on professional platforms and events (Where appropriate) discharge your duties as a local entity director Attend Management and Board Meetings as required. This may include travelling outside India. Pls note: The primary interest is to appoint a local office head. However the client company understands that if their Mumbai entity takes the form of a Limited Liability Company, then company formation requires a resident director. If a suitable candidate is found and a resident director is required then this position may be offered to the candidate too. Qualifications & Skills B.Arch / M.Arch (Master’s or international academic exposure highly desirable). 15–22 years of experience in architecture , with at least a decade in studio/office leadership roles. Strong portfolio of large-scale commercial, workplace, retail, hospitality, logistics, or mixed-use projects. Data Center project experience will be a plus. Demonstrated ability to manage and grow a studio /business unit (P&L responsibility, team leadership, resourcing). Excellent client relationship , business development, and communication skills. Prior experience working with or collaborating with international design firms is highly valued. Why This Role Stands Out Lead the launch of a global firm’s flagship Indian studio . Opportunity to shape studio culture, strategy, and growth from inception. Work on international-standard Commercial, Data Center, and Mixed-use projects . Collaborate with globally recognized studios and leadership teams. Competitive leadership compensation, performance-based growth, and long-term impact. How to Apply: Apply via LinkedIn here OR if the job is closed on LinkedIn, register your details here : Stay connected with us: HR Interface Recruitment Consulting is one of the most trusted recruitment firms today, helping our clients hire game-changing talent across industries and functions. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates: HR Interface Recruitment Consulting Connect with our hiring consultant: Nalini Prakash – Senior Consultant – Architect / Design Hiring at HR Interface Recruitment Consulting (Add on LinkedIn) If your profile is shortlisted, we look forward to exploring what makes you the perfect fit for this exciting opportunity.

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