SmithGroup is an award-winning, multinational integrated design firm with a team of 1,300 experts across 19 offices in the U.S. and China. We employ research, data, advanced technologies and design thinking to help clients solve their greatest challenges. Our specialists develop beautiful, sustainable, future-focused solutions for healthcare providers, science and technology organizations, higher education and cultural institutions, urban environments, diverse workplaces, mixed-use and waterfront developments, and parks and open spaces. We are deeply committed to our promise to Design a Better Future - for our clients, communities and employees. Are you ready to help us get there?

The Houston office of SmithGroup is looking for a Lead Designer within our rapidly expanding Workplace Studio to partner with our current studio leadership in delivering excellent work, pursuing new work, developing studio culture, and mentoring studio professionals.

Working with us, you will:

• Work with project teams to lead architectural design for all project phases including conceptual designs, presentations, schematic design, design development, construction documents and production.

• Collaborate and coordinate with other designers, planners, project architects and engineers.

• Produce architectural drawings, renderings, and design assignments.

• Prepare and lead design presentations and participate in project interviews.

• Participate in proactive business development activities.

• Provide oversight and monitoring of the work performed by studio staff.

• Mentor studio staff and participate in performance coaching.

• Participate in employment interviews and serve as design expert as requested.

• Participate in key project design reviews to impart best planning, design practices and differentiators

• Participates in the recruitment, selection, and management of key strategic staff

An ideal candidate has:

• A strong and diverse design portfolio with an emphasis on commercial office and mixed-use projects

• Strong client connections and ability to develop existing client relationships and establish new ones.

• A professional degree in Architecture.

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience as an architectural designer leading and working with medium to large-sized projects.

• Architectural Registration preferred. LEED AP preferred.

• Experience leading design teams and project groups, required.

• Proficiency with and experience using current design software including Revit, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and other modeling software programs such as Rhino and 3D Studio Max.

• Exemplary leadership skills, strong written and verbal communication, and organizational skills to help facilitate the development of trusted relationships with clients and staff.

• Active member of related professional organizations (AIA, ULI, etc.) preferred.

• Ability to demonstrate expertise and/or thought leadership in the Commercial Office, Mixed-Use and Multifamily Residential markets on a national scale.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

• Effective and inspirational internal team leadership skills.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, set clear and measurable goals, and successfully execute with available resources.

• A willingness to travel, as required, to help teams win work, attend client functions, and contribute to SmithGroup’s thought leadership activities

SmithGroup offers competitive compensation and an excellent benefit package, including 401(k) and wellbeing resources. We promote a healthy work/life balance for our staff which includes an alternative work schedule that provides employees with an additional 15 days off per year (usually Fridays), as well as hybrid options that give our team flexibility to work within our vibrant office culture or remotely, as needed. We also offer paid time off that is immediately available to new hires, 8 paid federal holidays, and parental leave benefits.?