Partner/Director - Architecture Practice
20 hours ago
London
Beeken Associates is partnering with a highly respected, award winning architecture practice in London to appoint a new Director and Partner for the studio - a key leadership hire as the practice plans for succession and prepares for the next phase of growth. One of the founding owners will be stepping back in the near term, and we’re seeking a commercially minded, design-led Director to help guide the studio forward. The Studio This is a mid-sized, award-winning practice with a strong London presence and a reputation for carefully crafted, thoughtful and people-centered architecture. Their architecture and interior portfolio spans: • residential (private, affordable, BTR and high-end), • commercial and workplace, • cultural and civic buildings, • masterplanning, • mixed-use schemes, • hospitality and leisure With decades of legacy, they are known for intelligent design, technical rigour and a collaborative studio culture. Their work blends creativity with commercial understanding - grounded in context, experience and long-term value. The Opportunity Joining at Director level, you will be a central figure in the future of the business. This is not simply a project delivery role - it is a leadership position with strategic influence and long-term opportunity. You will: • Lead architectural direction, design quality and project excellence across the studio, • Win work, build relationships and strengthen the practice’s profile across key sectors, • Drive the business alongside fellow Directors and owners, contributing directly to growth strategy and studio vision, • Oversee teams across multiple project types, supporting a cohesive, high-quality design culture, • Mentor emerging leaders and help shape the next generation of the practice, • Play a pivotal role in succession planning as ownership transitions What We're Looking For We’re seeking a proven Director with pedigree in London architecture practices, bringing: • A strong design portfolio across relevant sectors such as residential, mixed-use, commercial, hospitality or cultural projects, • A track record of winning UK work, generating >£1.5million in yearly fees and driving business development, • Confident design leadership, with the ability to elevate project quality whilst delivering financially profitable schemes, • Experience managing and inspiring architectural teams, • Excellent communication and client-facing skills, • Maturity, presence and a strategic mindset suited to long-term leadership, • Ambition to help lead a studio for the long term - with equity available for the right person Why This Role Matters This practice is entering a defining moment. With an ownership transition on the horizon, the new Director will have real influence over the studio's creative direction, business strategy and team development. For the right person, this is a chance to flex both the left & right brain, bringing commercial acumen to your passion of architecture, and drive the strategy in the years to come. This is a rare opportunity to step into meaningful leadership and progress the next chapter in your career. Package This role will likely pay a base salary which will range between £125,000 - £150,000, a considerable yearly bonus and equity/ownership available for the right individual. Additional benefits and flexibility in compensation can be discussed confidentially. If you’d like a private conversation about the role or want to explore whether this opportunity aligns with your next move, please contact us directly or apply via the link.