Job Description

Role: Associate Director

Firm: Design-Led Architecture Practice (via HAUS Careers)

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: Central London (Hybrid)

Position Overview

A prominent, socially conscious architecture studio is searching for an experienced Associate Director to join its expanding London team. The practice is renowned for a “socially driven” design philosophy, focusing on sustainable architecture that positively impacts communities. This is a high-level strategic role for a senior architect to provide creative leadership and drive the firm’s commercial evolution.

In this capacity, you will be a pillar of the leadership group, overseeing major commissions while actively participating in business development and high-level client engagement. You will be instrumental in mentoring staff and ensuring the firm’s vision of meaningful, high-impact design is realized across all projects.

Core Accountabilities:

Project Leadership: Spearhead multidisciplinary teams on intricate architectural commissions from initial concept through to final delivery.
Design Advocacy: Act as the champion for design excellence, ensuring projects are both innovative and technically buildable.
Business Development: Proactively identify new opportunities and cultivate enduring relationships with clients and industry partners.
Strategic Growth: Influence the practice’s long-term direction and operational strategies.
Mentorship: Guide and inspire both junior and senior staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and creativity.
External Representation: Serve as the “face” of the studio at industry events, promoting the firm’s values and social purpose.

Candidate Requirements:

Experience: Qualified Architect with approximately 15 years of professional experience and a distinguished design portfolio.
Sector Expertise: Proven success in leading large-scale commercial, mixed-use, or urban regeneration schemes.
Commercial Acumen: A documented track record in winning work and building professional networks.
Values: A deep-seated passion for sustainability, social value, and design quality.
Software: Proficiency in Revit is required; experience with MicroStation is a distinct advantage.
Communication: Exceptional presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and collaborate effectively.

Job Data Table

Category	Details
Company Name	Confidential (via HAUS Careers)
Location	Central London, United Kingdom
Job Type	Full-time
Salaries	£70,000+ (Experience dependent)
Experience Level	Associate Director (15+ years)
Working Pattern	Hybrid (3 days studio / 2 days WFH)
Primary Software	Revit
Sector Focus	Commercial, Mixed-use, Regeneration

Skills & Competency Table

Skill	Competency Level
Strategic Leadership	Expert
Business Development	Expert
Design Management	Expert
Urban Regeneration	Advanced
Sustainability & Social Value	Advanced
Team Mentorship	Expert
Revit	Proficient

Salaries Pay Calculator Table

Component	Amount	Notes
Base Salary	£70,000 – £85,000+	Competitive for London leadership
Bonus Structure	Not Specified	Typically performance-based at this level
Total Compensation	High	Reflects 15 years of expertise

Job Summary

This Associate Director role is a strategic leadership position within a respected, socially-driven London practice. Requiring 15 years of experience and a strong commercial background, the role involves leading major mixed-use and regeneration projects, driving business growth, and mentoring a creative team within a flexible, hybrid working environment.

FAQs

What is the minimum experience required?

The practice is looking for a qualified architect with around 15 years of experience.

What is the hybrid working policy?

The studio offers a hybrid model with two days working from home and three days in the central London studio.

What specific project experience is preferred?

Leadership on major commercial, mixed-use, or large-scale regeneration projects is essential.

Is Revit used at the practice?

Yes, proficiency in Revit is required, and knowledge of MicroStation is considered an advantage.

What is the salary range?

The starting salary is £70,000+, but the final figure is dependent on your specific experience and track record.

Expert Analysis

This is a “legacy-building” role. At the Associate Director level in a design-led practice, you aren’t just delivering buildings; you are shaping the firm’s reputation and its social footprint. The 15-year experience requirement suggests they need someone who can marry high-level design intuition with the “battle-hardened” commercial skills required to navigate London’s complex development landscape.

Location & Logistics Guide

Located in Central London, the studio provides access to the heart of the UK’s architectural discourse. The hybrid flexibility acknowledges the modern need for balance, while the central location ensures proximity to key clients and the major regeneration sites the firm focuses on.

City Wikipedia URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London

Career Path

An Associate Director in an ambitious firm is the direct predecessor to a Director or Partner role. Success in this position—specifically in business development and design quality—leads to equity opportunities or the chance to lead a regional or specialized studio within the practice’s global footprint.

To apply for this job please visit hauscareers.com.