At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers. We’re tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring new ideas to solve challenging problems. Whether you’re into sketching new ideas, hacking a building or growing client relationships in global markets, there’s something here for everyone.
Our depth of expertise spans disciplines—from aviation and transportation to education, hospitality, retail, technology and more. At our core we embody an entrepreneurial spirit, always looking ahead for new ways to innovate and add to our clients' success. We share the belief that design has the power to transform organizations and change lives; whether we’re refreshing a retailer’s brand, planning a new urban district or designing a super tall building.
Our work reflects an enduring commitment to sustainability, and we believe that a diversity of voices and cultures is one of the most powerful strategic tools for securing lasting competitive advantage.
As the world’s largest design firm, Gensler has a unique obligation and opportunity to focus on sustainability in the built environment. We deepened our commitment to combat the impact on climate change in the built environment when we launched Gensler Cities Climate Challenge (GC3) in 2019. This is our pledge to meet an ambitious goal: the elimination of all greenhouse gases from our work by 2030.
Your Role
Directing and providing leadership for activities in the Bangalore Borderless Studio including, but not limited to, all business, staff and financial operations, studio performance metrics, project profitability, inter-company business development, client satisfaction, establishment of high performing project teams, as well as individual employee growth and development.
What You Will Do
Management
- Responsible for 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, financial operations, and client satisfaction.
- Able to articulate and update growth strategies on a quarterly basis.
- Collaborates closely with peers and counterparts in LATAM to share best practices and leverage the firm’s borderless resource platform
Staff Development
- Work closely with your staff with regards to hiring, 90-day 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 Director upon becoming aware of the issue to avoid escalation.
Leadership
- Proactively participates in weekly regional operations meetings, global peer networks, and bi-annual strategic planning summits.
- 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.
- Provide staff members with an “open door policy” to allow individuals to feel free to communicate with you and other members of the management team.
- Build staff capabilities through programs that improve individual technical/design skills and develop improved management and communication.
- Lead Professional Development Planning (PDP) program annually and ensure employee goals are monitored throughout the year.
- Provides a diverse, inclusive, creative, innovative and nurturing environment through your studio.
- Supports an effective coaching/mentoring program with the regional Talent Development team tailored for the Borderless Studio
- Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
Business Development
- Working in collaboration with the Regional Borderless Director, develops new and existing relationships with Studio Directors, Practice Area Leaders, Client Relationship Leaders, and Borderless Liaisons across the firm.
- Able to communicate our purpose, mission and guiding principles while building relationships.
- Ensure prompt and timely response to all proposal requests.
- Work closely with the Borderless Marketing Specialists and Team Leaders to ensure business development reporting, lead generation, workplans, collaboration agreements and other related business processes are executed effectively
- Proactively position and networks the Borderless Studio capabilities.
Projects
- In your role as Studio Director, you will be responsible for maintaining positive client relationships with all projects assigned to your studio. You will need to attend key client meetings, lead and participate in strategy, review project progress 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.
- Client development - build internal client’s trust and loyalty within Gensler and foster the development of additional business through exemplary project delivery.
Financial
- Monitor budgets and profitability targets for your studio.
- Oversee workplans, billings, and fee management operations in the Borderless Studio and ensure all financial activities are consistent with Gensler policies and procedures.
- Responsible for accounts receivable accountability, discretionary expense budget management, expense report approvals, held time monitoring, productivity projections and review.
Studio Operations
Responsible for the following within your studio
- Participate in weekly regional operations meeting
- Conduct Studio meetings – bi-weekly
- Conduct staffing & resource planning meetings w/ team leaders - weekly
- Talent Acquisition & Staffing – maintain a strong talent pipeline and all technical staff remain within their billable targets
- Management Committee reports
- Effective hybrid work collaboration
- QA/QC oversight
- Time card reviews
- PTO requests
Your Qualifications
- Bachelor or Master’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design
- A design professional with proven leadership skills, including business development
- A minimum of 15 years of experience in the architecture, interiors and design field with a focus on design and delivery
- Technical delivery and contract review expertise
- Experience in guiding the operations of a studio; both in the mentorship and development of staff as well fiscal oversight
- Demonstrated business development skills within the local industry
- Significant project experience in some combination of Mixed Use, Retail, Hospitality, Residential, and Data Centres
- High level of drive and collaborative spirit to help grow and mentor a dynamic studio with engaged team members
- Able to travel to other Gensler offices or client project locations if needed
- Excellent references and personal portfolio of work
- Participation and presence in industry organizations and professional affiliations
For consideration, please submit resume in PDF format.
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
