Architectural Studio Operations Manager

Architectural Studio Manager + Operations

Luxury Residential Architecture Firm | North Shore Chicagoland | Full-Time In-Office

Highly respected North Shore Chicagoland boutique architecture firm specializing in thoughtfully designed luxury residential environments is seeking an experienced and proactive Studio Operations & Practice Leader to help elevate the firm’s next phase of growth, team leadership, operational structure, and project delivery excellence.

This is a unique leadership opportunity for a sophisticated operations-minded professional who understands the complexities of high-end residential architecture and thrives at the intersection of people, process, project oversight, and business operations.

The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on — capable of helping lead the day-to-day operations of a growing architectural practice while supporting project workflow, internal accountability, systems implementation, team coordination, and operational scalability.

This role is ideal for someone who has worked within a residential architecture or luxury design-build environment and understands the full lifecycle of custom residential architectural projects from initial client introduction and conceptual planning through construction administration and final project completion.

Please contact Wendy Cohen, CEO, Power House Recruiting do not contact the firm directly.

• Help oversee and manage the daily operations of the architecture practice
• Create and improve operational systems, workflow processes, and internal efficiencies
• Assist with implementation and management of CRM systems, project management software, and operational technologies
• Support firm leadership with strategic planning, growth initiatives, and organizational structure
• Develop operational procedures and accountability systems that improve team communication and project execution
• Help create a positive, collaborative, and high-performing studio culture

• Oversee project workflow, scheduling, and internal coordination across multiple residential architectural projects
• Support project assignments, staffing coordination, and workload management
• Collaborate closely with architects, consultants, contractors, vendors, and clients
• Monitor project timelines, deliverables, and team accountability
• Help identify bottlenecks and proactively problem-solve project or operational challenges
• Ensure projects are moving efficiently from design development through construction administration and completion

• Serve as a trusted operational partner to firm leadership
• Help mentor, organize, and support team members across the studio
• Foster strong internal communication and collaborative leadership practices
• Maintain professionalism and high-touch client service standards reflective of a luxury residential environment
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within both operations and project delivery

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Preferred degrees include:
  Architecture, Interior Architecture, Construction Management, Business Management, Operations Management, Project Management, Or related design/build industry disciplines

• Minimum 7–10+ years of professional experience within architecture, luxury residential design-build, or related project-based professional services environments
• Significant experience working on custom residential architecture projects from initial client introduction through final project completion
• Strong understanding of residential architectural processes, project phases, timelines, consultant coordination, and construction administration
• Experience supporting or leading studio operations, project operations, practice management, or team coordination functions
• Experience implementing operational systems, software platforms, CRM tools, and workflow processes preferred
• Ability to manage multiple moving priorities in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment
• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving abilities
• High emotional intelligence and ability to work…