Managing Director (New York)

Our client is a nationally celebrated design practice who are leaders in immersive workplace, hospitality, retail, and experiential environments. They are seeking a Managing Director to lead the continued growth of their New York studio. Well-positioned for its next chapter, the studio is backed by an established client base, a healthy roster of active and upcoming projects, and the full resources of the firm's integrated national platform.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of the New York office while partnering with a highly collaborative leadership team. The firm's culture is grounded in people-first values, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the belief that great design builds stronger communities, fosters belonging, and creates meaningful human connections. As the practice continues to grow, there is a clear path toward firmwide, long-term leadership.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a truly multidimensional studio leadership position, offering the opportunity to define the strategic direction, market presence, and long-term growth of the New York studio. While the firm has an established presence across workplace, hospitality, retail, and experiential design, there is meaningful opportunity for this leader to expand into additional market sectors where they bring an existing network and proven ability to generate business. Business development is a significant component of this role. The successful candidate will have demonstrated success winning work within their chosen market, cultivating long-term client relationships, and serving as a trusted advisor throughout the life of those partnerships.

Equally important is a leadership style rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and a genuine passion for design. This person will foster an environment where ideas are encouraged and, teams are empowered, serving as both an inspiring studio leader and a committed mentor. You should possess a strong point of view while remaining an exceptional listener, able to connect design thinking to culture, community, and business outcomes, and inspire those around them to do the same.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development & Growth

• Lead the continued growth and evolution of the New York studio, leading in defining its long-term vision, market position, and business strategy.
• Build a sustainable pipeline of new business through existing relationships, industry networking, and strategic market development.
• Help expand the firm's visibility throughout the New York design community and increase opportunities to participate in competitive pursuits and RFPs.
• Partner with firm leadership, with the support of marketing, and creative teams to develop proposals, presentations, and client pitches.
• Contribute to revenue growth through both new client acquisition and expansion of existing client relationships.
• Support the financial health of the studio, including forecasting, resource planning, staffing strategy, and overall business performance.
• Represent the firm externally through industry events, networking, thought leadership, and active participation within New York's architecture and design community.

Project & Design Oversight

• Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders across multiple industries.
• Guide clients through complex business challenges by aligning design solutions with organizational goals.
• Provide strategic creative oversight across multiple projects while empowering Design Directors and project teams to lead day-to-day execution.
• Bring a thoughtful perspective that connects design decisions to business outcomes, culture, community, and human experience.
• Represent the firm externally through industry events, networking, thought leadership, and active participation within New York's architecture and design community.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire multidisciplinary teams, fostering an environment built on collaboration, curiosity, accountability, and design excellence.
• Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional talent while supporting professional growth across all levels of the studio.
• Partner closely with firmwide leadership to ensure projects are resourced appropriately and aligned with client expectations.
• Lead the cultivation of an inclusive environment where new ideas are encouraged and collaboration is prioritized.
• Serve as a visible and accessible leader who strengthens connections across the firm's national offices.

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

• Established senior leadership experience within interior architecture, workplace, hospitality, retail, experiential design, or closely related disciplines.
• Backgrounds in architecture, interior design, experiential design, brand environments, or spatial strategy are all welcome. Architectural or interior design licensure/qualification is considered an asset but not required.
• Demonstrated success generating new business, growing strategic client relationships, and expanding market presence.
• Strong network and credibility within the New York architecture and design community.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams while balancing business development, client leadership, and creative oversight.
• Ability to communicate the value of design beyond aesthetics, articulating how design influences culture, belonging, business performance, and human experience.
• Naturally curious, collaborative, and an exceptional listener who enjoys building lasting relationships.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build something meaningful from a strong foundation.

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