Freelance Studio Director

Position Overview We are seeking a visionary and experienced Studio Head to lead our design studio in Bengaluru. This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving design excellence and operational efficiency across our Design & Built vertical and key co-working projects. The ideal candidate is a seasoned architect or interior designer with a strong background in workplace strategy, exceptional space planning skills, and proven managerial capabilities.
Reporting to the Global Design Director, you will lead a talented team of architects and interior designers, overseeing the entire project lifecycle from initial concept to final execution. You will be instrumental in shaping the aesthetic and functional quality of Awfis spaces, ensuring they are innovative, brand-aligned, and commercially successful.
Key Responsibilities
Studio Leadership & Team Management:
Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of architects and interior designers, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and high performance.
Manage team resources, workload allocation, and project timelines to ensure efficiency and quality.
Oversee the professional development of team members, providing guidance, training, and regular performance feedback.
Set clear goals and expectations for the studio, aligning them with the company's overall strategic objectives.
Design Strategy & Execution:
Champion a strong workplace strategy mindset, integrating current trends and future-forward thinking into all design solutions.
Lead the conceptualization and development of cutting-edge design concepts for both co-working spaces and bespoke client projects within the Design & Built vertical.
Demonstrate and instil excellent space planning abilities within the team to optimize functionality, user experience, and spatial efficiency.
Ensure all designs are delivered to the highest quality standards, adhering to brand guidelines, client requirements, and budget constraints.
Project & Operational Excellence:
Oversee the end-to-end delivery of multiple projects, from client briefing and programming to schematic design, detailed design, and on-site execution.
Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams, including project management, procurement, sales, and operations, to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Review and approve technical drawings, specifications, and material selections.
Implement and refine design processes and workflows to improve studio productivity and output quality.
Stakeholder & Client Management:
Serve as the primary design point of contact for key internal stakeholders and external clients.
Confidently present design concepts, strategies, and project updates to senior leadership and clients.
Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with clients to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
Actively participate in business development pitches and proposals, contributing design expertise and strategic insights.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field.
A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in the architecture and corporate interior design industry.
Proven track record in a senior leadership role (e.g., Design Head, Associate Director, Senior Manager) managing a team of design professionals.
Extensive experience in workplace design, corporate interiors, and managing full-cycle Design & Built projects.
A strong portfolio showcasing high-quality, innovative, and successfully executed workplace projects.
Skills & Competencies
Leadership: A decisive and inspiring leader with the ability to motivate and manage a creative team effectively.
Strategic Mindset: Deep understanding of workplace strategy, user-centric design principles, and industry trends.
Design Acumen: Exceptional design sensibility, with outstanding space planning, conceptualization, and detailing skills.
Managerial Skills: Excellent organizational, project management, and time management abilities. Strong financial acumen with experience managing project budgets.
Communication: Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex design ideas clearly and persuasively.
Technical Proficiency:
Essential: High-level proficiency in Revit.
Proficient: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign), and MS Office Suite.
Familiarity with the use of AI tools such as Gemini, ChatGTP.
What We Offer
The opportunity to lead and shape the design identity of a market-leading brand.
A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
A key role with significant impact on the company's growth and success.

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