Associate Director

at  unstudio

Associate Director
Are you ready to take the lead in studio operations and growth that inspire and exceed expectations? At UNStudio, we’re looking for a dynamic Associate Director with an entrepreneurial edge to join our fast-growing studio in Dubai. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of global architectural projects.
Full-time · Dubai
As an UNStudio Associate Director, you will lead collaborative teams dedicated to innovation and excellence in project delivery. Use your unique perspective to bring new approaches to the operations, process and strategy, and help clients re-imagine and design what’s possible.
You will oversee the implementation of best practices across the team and develop talent for the future. At UNStudio, we create emotional connections through meaningful design solutions that positively impact and change people’s everyday experiences.
You will drive a culture of curiosity that transforms expectations for our clients, peers, and communities. The Associate Director will transform expectations. This multifaceted role focuses on the operational side and growth of the Dubai Studio, with a strong emphasis on creative leadership entailing:

Business Development/Key Accounts/Marketing/Strategy 30%

• Market and develop new business on a consistent basis. Place a strong emphasis on marketing for UNStudio with our Business Development team in an effort to win new projects and increase UNStudio’s visibility.
• Ensure prompt and timely response to all proposal requests.
• Work closely with our Marketing department to ensure business development reporting, lead generation, fee development, project marketing and proposal writing.

• Proactively position and network UNStudio.

  Financial/ Legal 30%

• Together with the Managing Director monitor budgets and profitability targets for your studio.

• Oversee billing and fee management operations in the studio and ensure all financial activities are consistent with UNStudio’s policies and procedures.
• Responsible for discretionary expense budget management, accounts receivable accountability, expense report approvals, held time monitoring, productivity projections, and review.

• Ensure review and negotiations of Service Agreements together with our Managing Director and dedicated Global Legal Team

  Leadership 10%

• Practice leadership skills by motivating employees to enable them to reach their individual potential.

• Maintain a positive team environment by creating programs to boost morale.
• Build staff capabilities through programs that improve individual technical/design skills and develop improved management and communication.
• Coordinate with our Global Centers of Expertise

• Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

  Management 10%

• Responsible for the overall management of the studio.

• Represent the interests, concerns, and problems of the studio and ensure issues are addressed and resolved expeditiously.

• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the studio relating to all staff, business, and financial operations.

  Projects 10%

• In your role as Associate Director, you will be maintaining positive client relationships. You will need to attend key client meetings and provide leadership, inspiration and motivation to the design team to ensure the highest quality design documentation is produced and client satisfaction is achieved.

• Manage projects assigned to your studio by focusing on the project process, service/delivery, work environment and project documentation.
• Responsible for promoting a collaborative culture amongst design synergies on projects within de collaborative projects undertaken by various studios.

• Client development - build clients’ trust and loyalty in UNStudio and develop additional business.

  Staff Development 5%

• Work closely with the Managing Director with regards to hiring, performance evaluations, developmental reviews, employee work performance, learning, professional development, bonus review, appointment input and evaluation.

• Communicate employee issues and requests to the Human Resources teams upon becoming aware of the issue and to see the issue through to resolution.

  Design Management 5%

• In your role as Associate Director, you will also play a leadership role on the projects in the studio. You may from time to time lead client relationships, plan and facilitate effective meetings, review conceptual development, and provide leadership, inspiration, and motivation to the design team to ensure the highest quality design documentation is produced and client satisfaction is achieved.

With a primary focus on being responsible for the overall performance of the studio and excellence in all aspects of projects.

• Lead and inspire a talented team of approximately 15 architects and professionals from diverse disciplines, including BIM and interior design.
• Drive the creative process on multiple projects, guiding them from acquisition through to design development and execution.
• Ensure the highest standards of design excellence and quality across all projects.
• Be the primary point of contact for clients and consultants, representing UNStudio with confidence and expertise.
• Actively participate in client development, leveraging your network to build strong business relationships.
• Take full accountability for project outcomes, including design, technical aspects, planning, and budgeting.
• Travel up to 80% during peak times to meet with clients and oversee project progress ( normally 20%-30% of the time).