Studio Director

22 hours ago

Auckland CBD, New Zealand Origin People Full time

Origin People are working on a rare opportunity to lead a studio within a well-established architectural practice that's growing through uncertain times while others are contracting.

Our client is a mid-sized firm with two offices across New Zealand and a strong market presence. They're looking for an experienced architect to lead their studio, drive design excellence, and play a key role in winning and delivering work across multi-unit residential, commercial, and education projects.

This isn't just a management role—there's a clear and short pathway to shareholding and ownership for the right person.

The Role

You'll lead studio operations with genuine autonomy - running things your way while delivering results. You'll be responsible for leading a talented team, maintaining and growing client relationships, winning new work, and ensuring design quality across all projects.

This is a leadership role for someone who can balance the commercial realities of running a studio with a commitment to delivering great architecture.

What You Need

  • Registered architect with significant experience leading teams and projects
  • Proven ability to win work and leverage client relationships
  • Strong design sensibility across multi-unit residential, commercial, and education sectors
  • Commercial acumen—you understand how to run a profitable studio
  • Leadership skills that inspire teams and build culture
  • Ambition to take ownership and grow with the business

What's on Offer

  • Clear pathway to shareholding and ownership
  • Autonomy to run the studio your way
  • Strong existing workload with ambitious growth plans
  • Competitive salary package with equity upside
  • Established practice with solid market presence and two offices nationally

The Reality

This practice is performing well and has genuine ambition. They're looking for someone who wants more than just a senior role—they want a leader who's ready to take ownership, literally and figuratively.

If you're an architect who's ready to step up, lead a studio, and build equity in a growing practice, reach out to James Brownlee | | or apply for consideration.

All conversations are strictly confidential.

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