Position Overview:

The Studio Design Leader is a multifaceted, pivotal role that involves the management of our studios, our ethos, and our processes. As a Studio Designer Leader, you will serve as a beacon of leadership, fostering collaboration both internally with our talented roster of designers and externally with our valued clientele. Internally, you will engage with Design Leaders and staff, ensuring the seamless implementation of project designs from the initial conceptual stage to the final walkthrough and delivery with clients. Externally, you will adeptly manage client expectations to meet program requirements and uphold the highest studio standards.

This role demands a dynamic individual with a keen ability to balance internal leadership, client management, and project oversight while delivering exceptional design solutions that uphold the values and standards of Curioso.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Strategic Cohesiveness:

• Collaborate with Managing Partners & Studio Design Leaders to organize priorities across both the Mexico and US studios

• Collaborate with our Design Principal, Studio Design Leaders, and Studio Orchestrator to make sure our projects are adequately and appropriately staffed

• Establish design vision, goals, budgets, and schedules for interior design projects. Lead project teams through each phase of design, ensuring the delivery of excellent design and cohesive, thoughtful work. 

• Establish a collaborative environment for project teams, providing high-level design direction and/or solutions with thoughtful consideration and input from designers

• Mentor the design team, encouraging creative innovation and inspiring performance excellence

• Ensure project teams are progressing steadily and deadlines are met

• Identify and develop tools to streamline workflows and enhance overall efficiency

• Develop relationships with clients and brands to strengthen existing connections and build new business opportunities

• Present design concepts, narratives, and progress to internal and external audiences

• Communicate with clients in a clear, timely manner, and report pertinent updates to studio Design Leaders & Project Teams

Project Execution:

• Interpret and evaluate client requirements, ensuring all project needs are met 

• Organize and direct the workflow of project team members to achieve results, particularly on larger and more complex projects

• Coordinate detailed design solutions, addressing functional requirements and meeting client project design criteria. Identify instances of additional services when applicable.

Technical Coordination and Quality Assurance:

• Demonstrate a complete understanding of the studio design process, building upon established design strategies within this framework

• Assist in design and technical coordination among disciplines such as interior design, architecture, engineering, and construction

• Provide on-site direction when needed to ensure that the execution of design concepts aligns with client and Curioso standards.

Team Development and Mentorship:

• Direct, organize, and mentor staff, providing guidance and mentorship to junior team members.

• Ensure project teams are adequately equipped with appropriate resources for the effective execution of design documentation

• Ensure project teams have a positive physical work environment at the Mérida studio that is conducive to collaborative, efficient work

Software/Skill sets:

Must be proficient in:

• Revit 

• Sketchup/Enscape

• Bluebeam

• Adobe Creative Suite (INDD, PSD)

• Keynote (Apple)

• Microsoft/Google office 

• Project management methodologies such as CMap

• Hand sketching

• Fluent in English and Spanish

Not required but beneficial skills:

• AutoCAD

• 3D Max and/or Lumion

• SpecSources, Designspec or similar FFE specification programs

• Sketches, Concepts, Procreate or Morphofolio trace (tablet apps)

Experience Level:

15-20 years of experience working in an architectural or interior design studio, with a preference for hospitality-focused roles.

Location:

Must be located in Merida, Yucatán, Mexico, or willing to relocate.