Lead Designer/Lead Design Architect (MBJ0203)

Lead Designer / Lead Design Architect

• Location: Miami, FL (onsite)
• Department: Architecture
• Reports to: Design Director, Architecture
• Employment type: Exempt (US only)

Role

We are partnering with an international design practice to appoint aLeadDesigner / Lead Design Architect for their Miami studio. This role will guide the creative direction and execution of highprofile architectural projects from concept through completion, championing design excellence and translating ideas into compelling, functional spatial solutions. The position blends visionary design leadership with handson delivery, mentoring multidisciplinary teams and ensuring projects meet the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction.

What you'll do

Design excellence

• Lead the conceptual design vision for luxury hospitality, resort, mixeduse and destination projects from initial sketches through to construction documentation.
• Translate client needs, program requirements and site constraints into cohesive architectural concepts and design narratives.
• Produce clear, persuasive visual presentations and drawing sets aligned with project goals and brand stories.
• Drive design reviews and uphold rigorous standards of design quality across all project phases.

Client and stakeholder engagement

• Lead and participate in clientfacing meetings, workshops and presentations, clearly communicating design intent and responding to feedback.
• Support business development through design storytelling, proposals, pitches and highimpact design presentations.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on design strategy, proposal content and new business initiatives.

Team leadership and mentorship

• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior and intermediate designers, setting a high bar for design quality and collaboration.
• Lead and contribute to internal design reviews, critiques and studio initiatives that foster a creative, open studio culture.

Collaboration and coordination

• Work closely with Project Managers to align design deliverables, resourcing and schedules.
• Coordinate with interiors, landscape, MEP, structural and other consultants to ensure fully integrated design packages.
• Oversee project design aspects, promoting innovation and best practice across the team.

Technology and innovation

• Collaborate with technical and BIM teams to ensure design intent is accurately translated into documentation.
• Contribute to evolving design methodologies, digital workflows and visualization standards.
• Stay current on sustainability, design technology and luxury experience trends to elevate the studio's global portfolio.

Quality assurance, delivery and site support

• Anticipate and resolve design challenges to support seamless project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with relevant local and international codes and design standards.
• Review shop drawings and submittals for design integrity and provide site support and clarifications during construction.

Who you are

• 12-14 years' experience leading architectural projects from inception to completion, ideally within internationally recognized firms.
• Strong track record in hospitality, resort, mixeduse and destination design, with solid understanding of hospitality programming, FOH/BOH planning and brand standards.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture; US architectural license preferred (AIA, or equivalent such as RIBA/ARB).
• Portfolio demonstrating concept development, visual storytelling, design excellence and built work at scale.

Skills and tools

• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD and Rhino; Grasshopper and Enscape are a plus.
• Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and familiarity with BIM tools and Bluebeam.
• Solid understanding of technical detailing, sustainable design principles and coordination with specialist consultants.

Leadership & mindset

• Confident presenter with excellent communication skills for client, consultant and internal stakeholder engagement.
• Experienced mentor who promotes a collaborative, supportive studio environment.
• Creative, solutionsfocused designer who can balance aesthetics, functionality, budget and program.
• Able to manage competing priorities, protect design integrity and apply commercial awareness to strengthen client relationships and business development efforts.

Compensation & benefits

• Salary: 115,000-125,000 USD (depending on experience).
• PTO: 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, 2 personal days, plus up to 10 paid holidays per year.
• Benefits: 100% employerpaid employee health, dental, basic life and longterm disability insurance.
• 401(k): Company match of 3% plus 50% of the next 2% employee contribution (maximum 4% employer match).

Must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available for this position