Office Director - Architecture and Design

Los Angeles, CA hybrid Until 8/23/2026 First posted March 22, 2025 Last posted March 22, 2025
Job description
Are you ready to elevate your career and make a lasting impact? The role of Office Director offers a unique opportunity to lead, inspire, and shape the future of our office while driving the success of our team. As a senior-level leader, you’ll oversee operations, strategy, and performance, ensuring that our office thrives both creatively and financially. You’ll collaborate with top talent, partner with industry leaders, and champion our firm’s vision for quality, design excellence, and innovation.
If you’re passionate about leadership, adept at fostering growth, and energized by the challenge of achieving ambitious goals, we encourage you to take this next step in your professional journey. Together, let’s create a brighter future for our team and the clients we serve.

What you will do

  • Manage daily office operations, oversee budgeting, revenue tracking, profitability and ensure compliance with regulations and policies.
  • Support business development by identifying local opportunities, building relationships, and securing projects in alignment with the firm’s growth strategy.
  • Collaborate closely with Market Sector Leaders to drive growth in your geography.
  • Foster strong relationships with local clients and partners,
  • Represent the firm within the regional business community to enhance visibility and reputation.
  • Recruit, mentor, and retain top talent while fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative office culture. Support staff development through training, feedback, mentorship, and career growth opportunities.
  • Proactively plan and participate in meaningful in-office interactions to strengthen team collaboration, foster innovation, and build relationships.
  • Collaborate with office leadership to share knowledge and expertise, aligning office goals with regional and firmwide business objectives as part of the "one-firm" approach.
  • Serve as a bridge between the office and firm leadership, advocating local needs while implementing and communicating firmwide initiatives.
  • Champion design quality and innovation in all projects, maintaining alignment with the firm’s reputation for excellence. Promote sustainable and socially responsible design solutions tailored to the local market.
  • Drive the office's engagement in local community and industry activities. Lead participation in projects and civic initiatives that reflect the firm’s values and commitment to social impact.

What we look for

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field.
  • License to practice Architecture or Interior Design strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience in the AEC industry.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and people management skills including giving feedback, supporting employee growth, and performance management.
  • A proactive mindset with the ability to drive change and think strategically.
  • Comprehensive understanding of business operations and strategy.
  • Proven track record of strategic sustainable growth, and business development.
  • Exceptional leadership abilities, fostering motivation and peak team performance.
  • Proficient in building relationships and delivering engaging presentations.

Why Cuningham? 

At Cuningham, we believe the best work happens when people are supported, challenged, and connected. Whether collaborating across teams, engaging with our communities, or shaping meaningful design solutions, we bring pragmatic creativity and disciplined execution to every project — and we support each other through it all. 

We nurture an equitable work environment where curiosity is celebrated, craft is valued, and growth is prioritized. Alongside a team that brings low-ego expertise and active leadership day-to-day, you’ll work on complex, high-stakes projects that demand bold thinking and disciplined delivery.  

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Cuningham is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and values the strength diversity brings to the workplace when combined with equity and justice. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, military, or veteran status. 

Compensation (from employer):
185000–220000 USD per year

About this role

Summary

Lead and manage office operations, growth, team development, and design innovation in architecture.

Job title

Office Director - Architecture and Design

Experience level

15+ years

Industry

architecture

Location requirements

Los Angeles, CA; remote work not specified

Salary

185000–220000 USD per year

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

architecture licenseleadershipbusiness strategypeople managementrelationship building

Preferred skills

sustainable designcommunity engagementproject management

Specializations

leadershipbusiness developmentdesign excellencesustainability
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Hybrid City