Director of Austin

The Director of the Austin office is a senior design and business leader responsible for shaping the creative direction, studio culture, operational performance, and market presence of KW’s Austin office.

This role carries full responsibility for the business growth and financial performance of the studio, with an expectation to operate with an ownership mindset and make decisions that support the long‑term success, profitability, culture, and reputation of the Austin office and the firm. Core responsibilities include elevating design quality, strengthening client relationships, growing the studio's portfolio, and developing a high‑performing team capable of delivering complex, design‑forward work across commercial, mixed‑use, master planned, civic, hospitality, retail, and multifamily markets.

Design Vision and Project Leadership

• Set and champion the design direction for the office, maintaining a high standard of creativity, technical rigor, and built quality across all project types.
• Lead the design and delivery of large‑scale, multi‑million‑dollar projects from concept through construction administration, with particular depth in commercial and mixed‑use typologies.
• Translate complex program requirements, ecological conditions, and client goals into compelling, buildable landscape solutions.
• Drive design exploration through sketching, diagramming, modeling, and material research while maintaining a hands‑on presence in the design process at all phases.
• Oversee site analysis, spatial strategy, planting design, and material selection, holding the team to standards that reflect KW’s reputation for excellence.
• Champion sustainable design practices, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches that push the boundaries of the discipline.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, manage, and grow the design team, including designers, project managers, and support staff, in collaboration with team members across KW offices.
• Establish a culture defined by design passion, collaboration, accountability, and continuous professional development.
• Identify, mentor, and develop future leaders within the Austin office by providing regular feedback, design critiques, increased responsibility, and clear opportunities for professional growth, reinforcing a culture where leadership development is expected at all levels.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, and performance management in partnership with firm leadership and HR.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of top design talent through active engagement with universities, professional organizations, industry events, and personal networks.
• Allocate resources across projects effectively, balancing design quality with project schedules and budget requirements.
• Demonstrate sound judgment in personnel, project, and business decisions while balancing the needs of clients, staff, and the firm.

Project and Financial Management

• Maintain full oversight of project portfolios, tracking scope, schedule, budget, and deliverable quality across all active work.
• Monitor office financial performance including revenue targets, utilization rates, project margins, and billing efficiency.
• Coordinate across disciplines including architects, civil engineers, MEP consultants, and contractors to deliver seamlessly integrated landscape solutions.
• Anticipate and resolve design, schedule, and client challenges proactively, maintaining momentum from design through closeout.
• Model the operational standards the team is expected

Client Relationships and Business Development

• Serve as the primary client relationship leader for key accounts, building long‑term partnerships grounded in trust and design excellence.
• Cultivate client experiences that build trust,…