Studio Design Leader - Commercial/Mixed-Use
hksinc · Dubai · United Arab Emirates · On-site
Posted Sep 24, 2026
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Overview:
Responsible for advancing Design Excellence (as defined by the Design Enterprise) in the respective studio. They must ensure and participate in critical design dialog across all project teams within the studio and evaluate the quality of studio work against the strategic plan. The Studio Design Leader often leads or participates in multiple projects concurrently. The role focuses on growing leadership skills related to relationship-building, collaboration and interpersonal skills while working on great projects for exceptional clients.
Responsibilities :
Supports all project design leaders and project teams within the studio and evaluates the quality of studio work against the strategic plan, in collaboration with studio and office leadership
Collaborates in strategic planning and facilitates communication for specific practice with other leaders, such as vetting studio marketing strategy and allocating needed resources
Ensures project teams develop measures that can be evaluated during all stages of the project for the design enterprise standards of integration, innovation, and impact
Collaborates on projects assigned to respective studio by focusing on the project process, development of the vision and goals, service/delivery, work environment and project documentation
Collaborates during the initial marketing stages through completion of construction, including programming client needs, conceptual and schematic design, design development and delivery
Collaborates with leaders such as Project Manager, Studio Practice Leader and Regional Design Director to lead the team through all phases by guiding, advising and mentoring other designers on project work, developing design direction and leading critiques
May act as a primary interface with clients for respective studio, building and strengthening connections through a comprehensive understanding of their mission, goals, policies, needs and progress
Manages client expectations, team communication and consultant coordination for respective studio in collaboration with project team leadership
May monitor staffing, utilization and growth management across the studio, including recommending adjustments where necessary
Serves as a technical resource for the studio, assisting in the resolution of complex problems, and helping them grow in their roles
Reviews concept development and, in collaboration with Studio Practice Leader and Regional Design Director, provides leadership, inspiration and motivation to the design team to create the highest quality design documentation and to achieve client satisfaction
Partners with Office Director as a liaison between the firm leadership and staff, communicating firm and regional initiatives and priorities
Emphasizes and incorporates HKS strategic priorities, such as Design Measures into client solutions
Operates with “ONE Firm” mindset, minimizes the sector and operational variables within the office in collaboration…