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Posted Jun 24, 2026

[Remote] Higher Education Studio Design Leader - Architecture

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Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. SmithGroup is an integrated design firm known for its innovative design solutions and strong workplace culture. They are seeking a Higher Education Studio Design Leader - Architecture to enhance design quality and mentor future design leaders while pursuing market strategies. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve design excellence and business development goals. Responsibilities • Win and design projects that embody SmithGroup values and expectations • Build and nurture a pipeline of future design leaders within the studio and across a region • Externally differentiate SmithGroup within the market through design excellence and innovation • With the Studio Leader, establish and achieve market goals at the local and regional levels • Adoption and use of SmithGroup tools and processes across the studio to ensure design quality for all projects • Serve as Project Designer on key projects within the studio and region and with the Project Manager be responsible for project quality and team performance • Collaborate with Market Directors, Market Design Directors, and Studio Leaders on business development, pursuit strategies, team composition, and winning work • Lead studio efforts that support a firmwide culture of design excellence through critiques, thought leadership, achievement recognition, public relations, and talent development • Drive a consistent level of design quality across the studio by ensuring SmithGroup standards, tools, and processes are utilized on all projects • Evaluate design work within the studio and region and determine the degree of design engagement needed at the individual project level • Take an active leadership role in fostering critical dialogue, rigor, and clear communication to improve design outcomes where needed • Provide guidance to design team members in the development of client and stakeholder presentations and design materials to communicate design • Represent SmithGroup design and design values through publications, interviews, and market-based conference presentations and association events • Participate in client-facing business development activities, project pursuits, interviews, regional initiatives, leadership and management discussions, and committees • Actively recruit, develop and mentor mid- and junior-level design talent Skills • A minimum of a bachelor's degree in architecture or equivalent combination of education experience required to be licensed • Minimum 10 years of professional experience • Professional licensure required; sustainability credentials preferred • Original design work that has been built and recognized with design awards from external professional and public organizations • A clear commitment to integrated design, collaboration, and co-creation with clients, focusing on opportunities for design innovation • An advanced understanding of code implementation, jurisdiction review, construction practices and methodologies, and key typologies within the market • A proven ability to lead an integrated design process including architects, interior designers, engineers, planners, and site designers • Expertise as a resourceful and strategic problem solver, committed to integrated thinking and holistic sustainability • A creative and entrepreneurial spirit to embrace cultural trends, future technologies, production and presentation software, and other tools of our trade • An understanding of scope responsibilities to maintain project schedule and workplan • Effective communication and presentation skills • Sustainability credentials preferred Benefits • Flexible scheduling • A hybrid work environment • 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off • 8 paid federal holidays • 15 extra Fridays off • Medical, dental, and vision coverage • Wellbeing resources • Paid parental leave • A flex spending account • Voluntary insurance options • 401(k) program with employer matching • Tuition reimbursement program • One-on-one career coaching • Professional development opportunities • Performance-based bonus each year Company Overview • SMITHGROUP founded in 1853 and headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, is an international architectural, engineering, and planning firm. It was founded in 1853, and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is https://www.smithgroup.com/. Company H1B Sponsorship • SmithGroup has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 2 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for