About STUDIO Architecture
STUDIO Architecture (STUDIO) is a Denver-based, nationally active architecture and design firm specializing in affordable and market-rate multifamily housing, mixed-use and commercial projects. We work with developers, housing authorities, municipalities and mission-driven organizations to pair thoughtful design with a practical understanding of what it takes to get projects built.
The Opportunity
STUDIO is seeking an experienced Business Development Director to lead a focused approach to growth out of its Denver office. You will help determine where we compete, build new client relationships and turn opportunities into work that fits our expertise, capacity and culture.
This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced business developer with an established AEC industry network and a record of originating work. Working directly with the partners, you will shape our BD strategy, direct our communications partner, build and monitor our BD budget, personally lead outreach and relationship development, and report to partners at least quarterly on progress.
Your initial focus will be to expand STUDIO’s affordable housing and multifamily developer relationships, reconnecting with past clients and trusted partners, and evaluating complementary opportunities. You will help prioritize a manageable set of markets within STUDIO’s national footprint, alongside opportunities in Colorado. Travel will follow agreed client and pursuit priorities.
What you will do
Lead business development strategy
- Collaborate with partners to develop an annual BD plan with longer-term priorities, target clients and markets, budget and measurable goals. Recommend where the firm should focus and which opportunities it should avoid.
- Evaluate client development plans, market conditions, competitive positioning and STUDIO’s experience to identify a credible path into each priority market.
- Balance diversification and growth with project timing, likely profitability, staffing capacity and potential for repeat business.
- Guide branding, website improvements, communication and positioning efforts.
- Assist with staff training to advance long term BD goals.
Build and advance relationships
- Use your existing network and targeted research to initiate conversations with developers, owners, housing authorities and potential referral or teaming partners.
- Reconnect with former clients and warm contacts, working with the partners to identify repeat work, referrals and introductions.
- Personally lead prospect meetings and follow-up, learn clients’ priorities and engage the appropriate partners and project leaders as opportunities develop.
- Build relationships ahead of formal procurements and plan conferences and market visits around specific meetings, opportunities and next steps.
Make business development consistent
- Assess and improve STUDIO’s existing trackers, research and processes. Establish a practical way to qualify opportunities, assign relationship owners and keep next steps current.
- Maintain pipeline forecasts covering anticipated fees, decision dates, project timing and likelihood of award. Lead regular partner reviews and follow through on agreed actions.
- Recommend tools and process improvements proportionate to the firm’s needs. Operate within agreed authority and budget, securing partner approval for material investments or change.
Lead selective pursuits
- Lead go/no-go recommendations and develop a strategy for each priority pursuit, including client needs, teaming, differentiators and the path to selection.
- Direct RFP/RFQ responses and interview preparation, coordinating technical input and production responsibilities with the team. Coach presenters and prepare for client conversations.
- Advance opportunities through selection and award with the partners, who retain final authority over fees, scope, staffing and contracts. Apply lessons from wins, losses and client feedback.
Connect communications to business development priorities
- Share market insights, client priorities and needed proof points with STUDIO’s external communications partner.
- Coordinate agreed communications support while retaining ownership of BD strategy, relationships and pipeline.
What you bring
- At least 8-10 years of relevant experience in architecture, engineering, construction or real estate, with substantial responsibility for building business development strategy, budgets, tracking progress and originating new work.
- An active network relevant to STUDIO’s clients and project types, plus specific examples of AEC relationships you developed that led to signed work.
- Experience translating growth goals into focused plans, qualifying opportunities and leading competitive pursuits. You understand how clients select design partners and the economics of professional services.
- Strong relationship, presentation and organizational skills, with the confidence to advise principals and the discipline to follow through.
- Comfort working independently in a lean, principal-led firm and traveling to priority markets.
- Experience with affordable housing or multifamily and building business across markets is especially valuable.
- Experience building BD strategies and budgets, tracking progress, and improving a BD process and CRM is preferred. Relevant networks and demonstrated results carry more weight than a particular degree or familiarity with every market STUDIO serves.
What success looks like
- In the first 90 days, agree on a focused strategy and target list, establish a reliable pipeline review process and begin priority client conversations.
- Over the first year, advance new relationships into qualified pursuits and awarded work, strengthen repeat business and improve pursuit selection.
- Goals will reflect the firm’s baseline, delivery capacity and project timelines, with partners actively involved in winning work.
Base Salary: $115,000 - $150,000 plus bonus or commission for achievement of annual goals.
STUDIO Architecture (STUDIO) is a Denver-based, nationally active architecture and design firm specializing in affordable and market-rate multifamily housing, mixed-use and commercial projects. We work with developers, housing authorities, municipalities and mission-driven organizations to pair thoughtful design with a practical understanding of what it takes to get projects built.
