Director of Business Development

Location (in-person): Spokane, WA

Years of Experience: 3-7

Yearly Salary: $60k-$80k Base Commission

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Matching 401(k)
• Generous PTO
• Education stipend
• Performance-based bonus opportunities

Role Overview:

Uptic Studios is seeking a Director of Business Development to drive growth across our Architecture, Interior Design, and Procurement studios. We are looking for a highly motivated, organized, and relationship-driven professional who thrives on finding and securing new clients and project opportunities.

This is an active and hands-on position. Success requires proactively creating opportunities rather than waiting for them to appear. You will actively engage in the community to develop professional networks and create opportunities to build meaningful relationships with prospective clients. The ideal candidate enjoys building a pipeline through initiating conversations, proactive networking, and strategic outreach. You will serve as the primary point of contact throughout the business development process, from identifying prospective clients through initial project qualification and hand-off to the design principals.

This role offers significant autonomy and is best suited for someone who is energized by creating clarity in situations that may not have a predefined roadmap. You will work closely with firm leadership to build and maintain a robust sales pipeline where no lead slips through the cracks. Our principals and design teams are world-class; they will back you up, provide technical clarity, and help you present beautifully. But make no mistake: driving the opportunity forward and closing the deal is your responsibility.

At Uptic, we believe great design begins with great relationships. The Director of Business Development will be a central driver in shaping the future growth of Uptic Studios. This position offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, influence the trajectory of the firm, and directly share in the success you help create. Does this sound like you? Please submit your resume and any other relevant information to hiring@upticstudios.com.

Responsibilities:

Business Development & Client Acquisition

• Independently create, pursue, and cultivate new client opportunities
• Develop and maintain a self-generated pipeline of qualified residential and commercial project opportunities
• Build relationships with developers, builders, real estate professionals, property owners, business leaders, and community stakeholders
• Conduct outreach through networking, referrals, industry events, community engagement, and direct prospecting efforts
• Lead initial client conversations, discovery meetings, and project qualification discussions
• Serve as the primary point of contact throughout the pursuit process, guiding opportunities from first conversation through contract execution
• Clearly communicate Uptic’s value, process, and multidisciplinary capabilities to prospective clients
• Maintain accurate CRM records and regularly report business development activity, pipeline status, and revenue forecasts

Strategic Growth & Market Development

• Identify emerging markets, partnership opportunities, and strategic growth initiatives
• Develop and strengthen referral networks with consultants, developers, contractors, brokers, and industry partners
• Represent Uptic at industry events, professional organizations, conferences, and community functions
• Support the refinement of business development systems, sales processes, client onboarding workflows, and pursuit strategies
• Provide market intelligence and client feedback to support strategic decision-making
• Contribute to the continued development of Uptic’s brand presence, reputation, and client experience

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Architecture, Real Estate, or related field preferred
• 3–7 years of experience in business development, sales, client relations, professional services, real estate, construction, architecture, or a related industry
• Demonstrated success in generating new business opportunities through self-directed outreach and relationship development
• Proven ability to independently build and maintain a sales pipeline
• Ability to manage CRM systems, sales pipelines, and opportunity tracking
• Experience navigating complex, consultative sales processes involving multiple stakeholders and long decision timelines
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility with high-net-worth individuals, business owners, developers, and executives
• High degree of professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence
• Experience in architecture, engineering, design, consulting, or other professional service firms is a plus

About [us]:

Uptic Studios, Inc. is an architecture, interior design, and procurement firm based in Spokane, Washington. Founded in 2010 by Matthew and Julie Collins, the studio was established to deliver exceptional design through continuous learning, exploration, and meaningful community engagement.

Over the past 16 years, Uptic has grown into a multidisciplinary design practice leading diverse projects across the continental United States and Hawaii. The firm has received numerous local and national awards, including multiple AIA honors, and has been featured in a range of publications. Most recently, Uptic was recognized by LUX Magazine as one of the best design firms in the Pacific Northwest.

Uptic is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, education, and community outreach. The studio supports artist residency and exhibition programs, hosts quarterly in-house sustainability forums, and participates in a variety of professional and philanthropic initiatives. Through this work, Uptic continues to lead in shaping healthy, thoughtful communities while creating exceptional spaces and experiences.

Mission: To bring the best experience and service to our clients, colleagues, and communities through our passion, integrity, and integrated multi-disciplinary team.

Vision: To elevate the human experience and to leave our world a better place than we found it. Beyond the craft, we C.A.R.E.

Core Values: C.A.R.E: We are Connected, Altruistic, Reasonable humans, and strive for Excellence.

• CONNECTION: We establish trust through understanding and clear communication.
• ALTRUISM: We provide continued education, outreach, engagement, and collaboration to build and support the natural and built environment.
• REASONABLENESS: We are informed, empathetic, and realistic. We are cautiously optimistic and humbly confident.
• EXCELLENCE: We are enthusiastic in our quest for design excellence. We deliver holistic designs and professional expertise with an integrated team. Uptic guarantees to guide our clients through the design process to maximize the project quality and value.