Lead Architect

Lead Designer / Lead Design Architect

Location: Miami, FL (onsite)

Department: Architecture

Reports to: Design Director, Architecture

Employment type: Exempt (US only)

Role

We are partnering with an international design practice to appoint a Lead Designer/Lead Design Architect for their Miami studio. This role will lead the creative direction and execution of high-profile architectural projects from concept through completion, championing design excellence and turning ideas into compelling, functional spaces. The position blends visionary design leadership with hands-on delivery, mentoring multidisciplinary teams and ensuring projects meet the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction.

What you'll do

Design excellence

• Lead the conceptual design vision for luxury hospitality, resort, mixeduse and destination projects from initial sketches through to construction documentation.
• Translate client needs, program requirements and site constraints into cohesive architectural concepts and design narratives.
• Produce clear, persuasive visual presentations and drawing sets aligned with project goals and brand stories.
• Drive design reviews and uphold rigorous standards of design quality across all project phases.

Client and stakeholder engagement

• Lead and participate in clientfacing meetings, workshops and presentations, clearly communicating design intent and responding to feedback.
• Support business development through design storytelling, proposals, pitches and highimpact design presentations.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on design strategy, proposal content and new business initiatives.

Team leadership and mentorship

• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior and intermediate designers, setting a high bar for design quality and collaboration.
• Lead and contribute to internal design reviews, critiques and studio initiatives that foster a creative, open studio culture.

Collaboration and coordination

• Work closely with Project Managers to align design deliverables, resourcing and schedules.
• Coordinate with interiors, landscape, MEP, structural and other consultants to ensure fully integrated design packages.
• Oversee project design aspects, promoting innovation and best practice across the team.

Technology and innovation

• Collaborate with technical and BIM teams to ensure design intent is accurately translated into documentation.
• Contribute to evolving design methodologies, digital workflows and visualisation standards.
• Stay current on sustainability, design technology and luxury experience trends to elevate the studio's global portfolio.

Quality assurance, delivery and site support

• Anticipate and resolve design challenges to support seamless project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with relevant local and international codes and design standards.
• Review shop drawings and submittals for design integrity and provide site support and clarifications during construction.

Who you are

• 12-14 years' experience leading architectural projects from inception to completion, ideally within internationally recognised firms.
• Strong track record in hospitality, resort, mixed-use and destination design, with solid understanding of hospitality programming, FOH/BOH planning and brand standards.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture; US architectural license preferred (AIA, or equivalent such as RIBA/ARB).
• Portfolio demonstrating concept development, visual storytelling, design excellence and built work at scale.

Skills and tools

• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD and Rhino; Grasshopper and Enscape are a plus.
• Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and familiarity with BIM tools and Bluebeam.
• Solid understanding of technical detailing, sustainable design principles and coordination with specialist consultants.

Leadership & mindset

• Confident presenter with excellent communication skills for client, consultant and internal stakeholder engagement.
• Experienced mentor who promotes a collaborative, supportive studio environment.
• Creative, solutions-focused designer who can balance aesthetics, functionality, budget and program.
• Able to manage competing priorities, protect design integrity and apply commercial awareness to strengthen client relationships and business development efforts.

Compensation & benefits

• Salary: 115,000-125,000 USD (depending on experience).
• PTO: 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, 2 personal days, plus up to 10 paid holidays per year.
• Benefits: 100% employer paid employee health, dental, basic life and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k): Company match of 3% plus 50% of the next 2% employee contribution (maximum 4% employer match).