Job Description

Posted 3 days ago

Are you a seasoned design professional who finds just as much joy in orchestrating a high-functioning team as you do in great design? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and love being the steady hand that keeps projects, people, and studio operations moving seamlessly?

We’re looking for a Studio Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our busy and growing design studio. With 15+ years of experience in architecture or interior design—and a solid foundation in project delivery, team leadership, and building construction—you’ll bring clarity, structure, and mentorship to our multidisciplinary team.

This role is ideal for someone who’s worked on all phases of design projects and now wants to step into a studio-wide leadership role—supporting Directors, overseeing resourcing and workflow across projects, and mentoring team leads and designers. You’ll ensure projects stay on track and teams stay inspired, all while helping shape the culture and operational foundation of the studio.

If you’re ready to lead from behind the scenes, help others do their best work, and take pride in building systems that support both creativity and consistency, this could be your next great chapter.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the studio to ensure a smooth, efficient, and motivating work environment.

• Coordinate project resourcing and staffing to meet deadlines, deliverables, and client expectations.

• Work closely with Principals and Project Leads to align project goals with team capacity, timelines, and studio priorities.

• Track project schedules and budgeted hours, identifying potential risks early and helping the team course-correct when needed.

• Implement and uphold studio-wide systems and protocols that support consistent, high-quality project delivery.

• Provide operational support on large-scale or complex projects—from concept to client occupancy.

• Support a team of talented designers and project leads with mentorship, feedback, and performance development.

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable studio culture rooted in open communication, creativity, and curiosity.

• Collaborate with leadership on strategic planning, resourcing, and professional development opportunities.

• Help onboard new team members and participate in hiring processes as the team grows.

• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, sustainable design practices, and industry trends to keep the studio future-forward.

Who You Are

• You’re a people-focused leader who understands how to support a creative team without getting in their way.

• You’ve been on the front lines of design projects—and now you’re ready to lead the operations that support them.

• You’re calm under pressure, highly organized, and always thinking three steps ahead.

• You love working closely with Principals, consultants, and cross-functional teams to bring clarity and structure to complex projects.

• You enjoy mentoring junior and intermediate staff, and have a knack for building team trust and alignment.

• You’re energized by a fast-paced, high-design environment with diverse projects and ambitious clients.

• You’re both strategic and hands-on—able to zoom out to plan for the big picture, and dive in to support the day-to-day.

What You Bring

• 15+ years of experience in architecture or interior design, with a strong understanding of building construction, detailing, and project delivery.

• A degree or diploma in Interior Design or Architecture.

• Professional designations such as NCIDQ, LEED, or WELL are an asset.

• Deep knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, Fire Code, and municipal approval processes.

• Familiarity with zoning by-laws, sustainable design practices, and site planning.

• Strong skills in conceptual design, furniture systems, technical detailing, and construction administration.

• Ability to interpret and coordinate work across consultant disciplines (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical).

• Experience managing interior design projects from early concept through to construction and client occupancy.

• Excellent organizational, time management, and documentation skills.

• Strong communication and leadership abilities.

• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is an asset.

• A collaborative, positive, and professional attitude.

Why Join Us?

We are a creative, high-energy studio working across workplace, retail, hospitality, residential, and wellness sectors. Our team is driven by innovation, curiosity, and design excellence—with a strong foundation in practical delivery and a reputation for quality.

Working here means being part of a collaborative team where your voice matters and your impact is real. You’ll find opportunities to lead, grow, and make meaningful contributions to how the studio runs and evolves.

We value work-life balance, diversity, and a respectful culture where everyone is encouraged to thrive. Our downtown Toronto studio is easily accessible by highway and transit, and we love the creative energy that comes from working together in person.

If you’re looking for a leadership role that blends operations, mentorship, and strategic impact and you’re passionate about supporting great design from the inside out—we’d love to hear from you.