Architectural Studio Director

Position Profile:

Lead our Milwaukee architecture studio, overseeing project delivery, staff, and client engagement for our retail, hospitality and senior living markets. This role balances hands-on project leadership with office-level operational responsibilities, including financial planning, contract preparation, and business development support. Our Milwaukee office is strategically targeted for significant growth in 2026. The Studio Director will lead a small architectural team now, with the ability to manage up to 8 direct reports as the office scales to meet projected demand.

Why Join ACS:

We are the company behind many of the national brands you love! You’ll find a supportive, collaborative team of 50 professionals spread across four US offices. We bring together architecture, store planning, construction management, and foodservice design to efficiently deliver innovative solutions nationwide.

ACS Architecture believes in teamwork, professional growth, and providing opportunities for you to advance your career. You’ll work on meaningful projects that shape the customer experience while being part of a company that values your ideas, supports your development, and celebrates shared success.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and oversee multiple architecture projects from design development through construction administration
• Ensure project quality, technical accuracy, and design excellence
• Maintaining schedules and budget to ensure profitable on time delivery of projects
• Coordinate with consultants, clients, and internal teams to meet project goals
• Serve as primary client contact on assigned projects; target 75% billable
• Inspire and lead architectural staff, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback
• Oversee efficient staffing and resource allocation within the studio and collaborate with other ACS offices for cross-staffing opportunities
• Promote a professional and positive work environment
• Lead at least one firm-wide continuous improvement project per year
• Prepare office/studio-level financial projections and monitor budget performance
• Works with Vice President to review and prepare owner/consultant agreements, amendments, and other project-related documentation
• Track and manage Studio profitability and support leadership in strategic planning
• Assist business development efforts through client engagement, presentations, and proposals
• Represent the firm professionally at meetings, conferences, and industry events
• Minimal travel, up to 10%

What We’re Looking For:

• 10 years of experience working in an architectural firm in a design, production or management role
• Minimum 4-year degree in Architecture from a NAAB accredited program
• Licensed Architect (AIA) in at least one U.S. state, capable of stamping drawings
• NCARB certification or the willingness to obtain certification within two years and obtain multiple state licenses
• Very strong technical, design, and project management skills
• Attention to detail, solid understanding of construction means and methods and strong understanding of building code requirements
• Excellent collaboration, communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities
• Experience managing teams and delivering multiple projects concurrently
• Knowledge of architectural software (Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam) and project management tools
• Project and code expertise in hospitality and/or senior/student/multi-family housing communities
• Demonstrated ability to balance project leadership, team engagement, and business development

What We Offer:

• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) with 3% company contribution
• 16 days PTO annually, plus paid holidays
• Life insurance, short/long-term disability, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Career growth, educational assistance, and mentorship opportunities
• Flexible schedule and company-sponsored social events

Candidates, please apply directly. We are not accepting resumes from recruiting agencies for this position.