Civic Studio Leader

Description

Grace Design Studios is a nationally recognized architecture and design firm with 24 offices across the country. Guided by our values—Do Good. Be Great.—we design environments that enhance communities, inspire creativity, and deliver exceptional results for our clients. The Civic Studio Leader is a strategic, client-focused, and operational leader responsible for the success of Grace’s Civic and Municipal practice. This role is key to advancing our mission of creating thoughtful, impactful public architecture that serves people and strengthens communities.

• This role is available at any of our Texas locations.
  
  

Responsibilities

The Civic Studio Leader will oversee design quality, client relationships, business development, and studio operations—ensuring that all projects align with the firm’s mission, values, and long-term vision. You will:

• Lead the Studio’s operations and performance, including project delivery, staffing, scheduling, and financial management.
• Guide projects from schematic design through construction administration, ensuring design excellence, technical accuracy, and compliance with all codes and regulations.
• Develop and execute strategic business development plans for the Civic and Municipal sectors, aligning studio goals with the firm’s overall growth objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships, serving as the primary point of contact to ensure exceptional communication, service, and trust.
• Drive business development initiatives by identifying new opportunities, pursuing RFQs/RFPs, and collaborating on proposals, interviews, and marketing strategies.
• Represent Grace externally through participation in industry organizations, conferences, and community engagement activities to strengthen the firm’s presence in the civic design market.
• Collaborate with firm leadership to promote innovation, profitability, sustainability, and design excellence across all studios and disciplines.
• Mentor and develop staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth through leadership and feedback.
• Encourage cross-office collaboration, sharing knowledge and ensuring consistency in design quality, innovation, and technical standards firm-wide.
• Work with Practice and Office Leaders to establish performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and support staff development and retention.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• Licensed Architect required.
• 10–15 years of professional experience, including leadership in Civic, Municipal, or Institutional projects.
• Proven success in team leadership, client management, and business development.
• Strong architectural skills in design, detailing, and construction administration.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in REVIT, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling software, and MS Office.
  
  

Benefits

• Employer-paid health insurance, effective the 1st of the month after date of hire
• Profit sharing bonuses
• 401(k) plan with an employer match
• Employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life and AD&D insurance
• Other voluntary benefits including vision, dental, accident insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and supplemental life insurance are available
• Paid Time Off
• Holidays
  
  

Why Join Us?

At Grace Design Studios, we are more than architects—we are innovators, mentors, and collaborators committed to designing environments that uplift people and improve communities. As a Civic Studio Leader, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of your studio, expand the firm’s impact in the public sector, and grow your career within a supportive, forward-thinking environment where leadership and creativity thrive.

Architect, Studio Leader