Job Description
Job Description
Director of Architecture – Studio Leadership & Business Development
Location(s): Irvine, CA (Orange County)
Schedule: Hybrid - Flexible 2-3 days in-office weekly
ABOUT US: We are an established, nationally recognized architecture and design firm with a diverse portfolio spanning Science & Technology, Commercial, Retail, Industrial, Workplace, and Ground-Up Development. Our collaborative culture combines design excellence, entrepreneurial leadership, and strong client relationships to deliver innovative, high-quality projects. We offer an exciting opportunity for an experienced architecture leader to take ownership of an established Orange County studio, develop talented teams, expand market presence, and play an influential role in our continued growth.
THE OPPORTUNITY: We are seeking a dynamic, business-minded Director of Architecture to lead our Irvine studio, with a balanced focus on Studio Leadership (50%) + Business Development (50%).
- This is a high-impact leadership position for an experienced architect who enjoys building strong teams, cultivating client relationships, winning new work, and driving long-term business growth.
- The ideal candidate combines proven experience managing a substantial architecture studio with an established Orange County network, strong business development capabilities, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Leadership ability, client relationships, and business development success are more important than experience in any single project sector.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Studio Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary architecture team of 30+ professionals, fostering accountability, collaboration, retention, and professional growth.
- Business Development: Generate new business, establish client relationships, pursue strategic opportunities, and secure new projects throughout Orange County and Southern California.
- Strategic Growth: Develop and execute studio growth initiatives, expand market presence, and strengthen existing client partnerships.
- Project Oversight: Provide executive-level guidance across a diverse project portfolio, ensuring design excellence, successful delivery, and client satisfaction.
- Quality & Performance: Oversee studio operations, resource planning, project profitability, QA/QC standards, and overall team performance.
- Proposals & Pursuits: Lead client presentations, proposal development, interviews, and competitive pursuits to drive new project awards.
- Culture & Mentorship: Build a positive, high-performing studio environment while developing future leaders and supporting long-term team success.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- 10+ years of professional architecture experience, including demonstrated studio or team leadership.
- Proven ability to lead, grow, and mentor large architecture teams, ideally 30+ professionals.
- Strong track record of business development, client acquisition, and winning new projects.
- Established professional network and client relationships throughout Orange County / Southern California.
- Experience developing proposals, leading pursuits, and presenting to prospective clients.
- Strong understanding of architectural project delivery, studio operations, financial performance, and QA/QC.
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related discipline.
- Licensed Architect strongly preferred.
- Collaborative, patient, and effective leadership style with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Entrepreneurial, persistent, and results-oriented approach to business development and studio growth.
- Experience across S&T, Retail, Industrial, Commercial, Office, Ground-Up, or Renovation projects is beneficial, but specific sector experience is flexible.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Base Salary: $150,000–$175,000/year (DOE) - Flexible
- Bonus Potential: Performance-based bonus opportunities; structure and eligibility to be confirmed.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement Benefits: 401(k) retirement plan; employer match details to be confirmed.
- Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation, holidays, and paid leave.
- Hybrid Schedule: Flexibility combining in-office leadership and remote work.
- Leadership Opportunity: High-visibility position with meaningful influence over studio operations, client development, and strategic growth.
- Career Advancement: Long-term professional growth and leadership development within an established national firm.
- Additional Perks: Professional development, collaborative culture, and access to a diverse portfolio of high-profile projects.
APPLY NOW - If qualified and interested, please apply to this job ad and email your updated resume to the recruiter listed below for prompt review and consideration.
- Recruiter: Ian Kerr
- Email: ian.Kerr@BancroftSP.com
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Equal Opportunity Statement: Bancroft Staffing Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity & are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees & candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.