818 Studio is hiring a Studio Director.
This is a Principal track position. We're on the lookout for someone with the right character and personality to collaborate with and ultimately lead our quirky crew. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, understand the nuances of a small firm and are eager to keep things lively and engaging, you might just be the one we're looking for.
The Studio Director is your chance to step into a leadership role where you'll oversee a talented crew of landscape architects, project managers, designers, and support staff at a thriving landscape architecture firm. You’ll be the friendly-but-firm guide, mentoring the team and creating a collaborative and fun work environment, while ensuring that deadlines are managed, met and the team stays motivated. You’ll lead the charge in team development, monitor progress, and tackle any roadblocks that pop up, all while ensuring seamless coordination between the firm’s principal and the studio team. Autonomy is your superpower, but collaboration is your secret weapon!
You will also participate in the business side of things—helping the firm grow by spotting opportunities, building client relationships, and representing the firm with finesse. You'll jump into proposal prep and partnerships with enthusiasm. Plus, you'll have a big role in streamlining studio operations, hiring new talent, and making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Of course, you’ll keep an eagle eye on the finances, including overseeing timesheets, approving overtime, and lending a hand with invoicing to keep things on track.
Building trust with the principal is a big part of the deal. You'll earn their confidence by delivering high-quality work, solving problems before they escalate, and aligning your team's efforts with the long-term goals of the firm. The role is all about growing—both your team and yourself. Over time, you’ll transition into a Principal role, where you’ll dive into strategic planning, business development, and client management. You’ll also help steer the firm’s direction while keeping your finger on the pulse of industry trends, innovation, and sustainability.
The ideal candidate has an entrepreneurial mindset who can inspire, motivate, and mentor the team toward success while keeping projects on track and delivering top-notch results. You’ll need project management chops, excellent communication skills, and a solid understanding of modern landscape architecture principles and design software. A knack for problem-solving, adaptability, and business savvy will go a long way in this role—especially when it comes to managing client relationships, team dynamics, and financial planning.
If you're looking for more control over the direction of your career and can take on the added authority and accountability that comes along with this position, this could be your next big career move!
Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in landscape architecture from an accredited program
· 6-8 years of experience as a registered landscape architect
· Demonstrated team management and business development experience is a must.
Think it’s a fit?
So. are you still interested? Even more excited? If so, please email us at [email protected] with your resume, portfolio, favourite colour and best joke you’ve ever heard.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Okay? Okay.
