Studio Leader - Hospitality

NELSON Worldwide•Atlanta, GA
•$145,000 - $175,000•Hybrid

About The Position

NELSON is seeking a Studio Leader to join its Hospitality Practice. The Studio Leader provides leadership to strengthen existing client relationships and support the studio’s operational and financial performance. The role participates in design-phase activities and coordinates with clients, consultants, and contractors throughout projects. It leads projects through design, construction-document production, and construction administration as part of a project team, and develops solutions to technical problems. The Studio Leader oversees studio leadership and resource management, supports project delivery and technical quality, manages financial performance, and maintains client relationships. The role mentors teammates and project leads, supports recruiting and professional development, and helps foster an inclusive studio environment. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture and 15 or more years of relevant experience, or equivalent education and experience, as well as experience as a Team Director, Account Manager, and/or Project Manager. The stated average national salary range is $145,000–$175,000, with additional compensation that may include incentive plans and profit sharing.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture from an accredited university.
  • 15 or more years of experience in Interior Design and/or Architecture, or equivalent appropriate education and experience.
  • Experience as a Team Director, Account Manager, and/or Project Manager.
  • Code knowledge and ability to ensure permitting requirements are incorporated into deliverables.
  • Basic knowledge of design, trends, construction methodology, materials application, and manufacturer-supplier appropriateness.
  • Basic knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED, WELL, and Energy Star guidelines.
  • Proficiency in Deltek Vantagepoint.
  • Proficiency in understanding financial management concepts.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Responsibilities

  • Organize and prioritize work to meet identified time frames; manage project-lead and teammate expectations and establish a vision for studio success.
  • Communicate effectively, lead by example, foster a positive studio environment, and address conflict and difficult conversations when necessary.
  • Support teammate professional development by identifying strengths, setting goals, delivering feedback, mentoring teammates, and developing project leads.
  • Conduct annual and other needed performance evaluations, provide performance feedback to the Market Leader and Practice Leaders, and recommend salary increases in coordination with the Market Leader.
  • Develop recruiting networks, participate in staffing and interviews, evaluate team skills, and provide staffing recommendations.
  • Meet weekly with project leads to review progress, provide direction, rebalance workloads, and coordinate staffing decisions with the Market Leader and Practice Area Leader.
  • Ensure internal reporting is completed on time in Deltek Vantagepoint, manage studio utilization, and maintain awareness of team projects and workload.
  • Ensure project leads follow NELSON QA/QC protocols, provide QA/QC support, promote effective use of firm resources, and support technical best practices.
  • Prioritize deadlines, delegate tasks, and provide high-quality client service.
  • Prepare project budgets and proposals, define project scope, estimate fees, and mentor teammates in budget preparation and management.
  • Review financial reports, project budgets, project plans, billings, and revenue projections; support profitability, forecasting, and timely project tracking.
  • Assist with accounts-receivable collection and escalate client payment issues to the Market Leader or Practice Leader.
  • Mentor teammates on timesheets, project budgets, invoicing, utilization, and billable targets.
  • Maintain existing client relationships and develop new ones, attend client meetings and KPI reviews as requested, monitor client satisfaction, and solicit feedback.
  • Participate in professional organizations and events to increase the firm’s profile, seeking leadership roles where appropriate.
  • Take steps to promote a diverse workforce and inclusive environment.
  • Participate in project design activities and coordinate with clients, consultants, and contractors through project delivery, including design, construction documents, and construction administration.

Benefits

  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Full health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision
  • Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities
  • Pet insurance
  • Opportunities for career advancement
  • Paid time off and holiday pay
  • Paid parental leave
  • Flexible working schedules and work-from-home options based on client needs
  • Professional development support, including discretionary support and reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and professional organization membership
  • Additional compensation may include a Long Term Incentive Plan, Short Term Incentive Plan, and profit sharing
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