Studio Director

Studio Director – Multifamily

Location: Atlanta, GA

Salary: $165,000–$185,000 + Performance Bonus + Equity Ownership Opportunity

Employment Type: Full-Time | Senior Leadership

About the Opportunity

AKS, Inc. is conducting a confidential search for a Principal Architect – Multifamily on behalf of an established, growing architecture firm in the Atlanta area.

Our client is a respected, 30-person architecture firm specializing in multifamily residential and mixed-use developments, with plans to double in size over the next five years.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced architectural leader to take on a key leadership role with a clear pathway to equity ownership.

The ideal candidate will have extensive multifamily experience, strong technical knowledge, proven project management capabilities, and the ability to lead teams, manage client relationships, and oversee successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multifamily and mixed-use projects from conceptual design through construction administration.
• Oversee project schedules, budgets, staffing, consultant coordination, and deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership in building codes, accessibility, life safety, construction documentation, and detailing.
• Manage and mentor project managers, architects, and design staff.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, developers, consultants, and contractors.
• Oversee QA/QC processes and ensure projects meet quality, budget, and schedule expectations.
• Work closely with firm leadership to improve operational efficiency, project profitability, and overall performance.
• Help develop internal leadership capabilities and support the firm's long-term growth.

Required Qualifications

• Licensed Architect (RA).
• Minimum 15 years of architectural experience.
• Extensive experience with multifamily residential and mixed-use projects.
• Proven experience managing projects from design through construction administration.
• Strong understanding of building codes, accessibility, life safety, and construction systems.
• Experience managing teams, consultants, clients, budgets, and schedules.
• Familiarity with Revit/BIM project delivery.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

Preferred Experience

• Current or previous experience as a Principal, Associate Principal, Studio Director, Project Director, or Senior Project Manager.
• Experience with garden-style apartments, podium buildings, wrap buildings, mid-rise, high-rise, student housing, senior housing, or mixed-use developments.
• Experience managing multiple projects and teams simultaneously.
• Knowledge of project financial management, staffing, fee proposals, and profitability.
• Experience developing and maintaining client relationships.
• Background working with developer-driven multifamily projects.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $165,000–$185,000, depending on experience.
• Performance Bonus: Based on project profitability, leadership performance, and other key objectives.
• Equity Ownership: Opportunity to receive gifted equity ownership after 12 months of successful performance, with no required buy-in.
• Opportunity to play a significant leadership role in a growing architecture firm.
• Long-term career advancement and ownership potential.