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26-Mar-2026

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As Sydney Studio Leader, the Principal is accountable for the commercial performance, operational
leadership, and culture of the Sydney studio.
This role is an appointment by the Board of Directors, recognising the individual’s demonstrated
capability to secure work for the practice and deliver strong commercial outcomes, including profitable
project delivery and appropriate fee collection throughout the project lifecycle.
The Principal / Studio Leader plays a critical role in growing the practice’s presence in the Sydney
market, securing and converting significant opportunities, building and maintaining key client
relationships, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality projects across the studio’s portfolio.
This position requires an established industry reputation, deep sector expertise, and strong professional
networks to support practice growth, client engagement, and studio performance. The Studio Leader
provides clear leadership across people, design, project delivery, resourcing, and financial discipline,
ensuring that the firm’s design philosophy, governance frameworks, and performance expectations are
consistently upheld.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Studio Leadership & Operational Oversight
 Lead the strategic direction and operational performance of the Sydney studio.
 Contribute to the commercial performance of the practice through leadership in revenue growth
and profitability.
 Provide leadership in the development of people, design excellence, project delivery, and
financial outcomes.
 Oversee studio planning, resourcing, and workflow management.
 Ensure strong delivery governance and financial discipline across all projects.
 Maintain consistency in design quality and documentation standards.
 Identify and pursue commercial opportunities aligned with the firm’s strategic objectives.
 Represent the practice in industry forums, client engagements, and professional associations.
 Foster strong relationships with clients, consultants, and key industry stakeholders.
Project Leadership and Delivery
 Act as Project Partner on key projects, ensuring successful delivery from inception to completion.
 Provide high-level design, commercial, and strategic oversight.
 Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with agreed scope, budget, and program.
 Support teams in resolving complex design and delivery challenges.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
 Provide mentorship and leadership to project teams, fostering a culture of learning and
continuous improvement.
 Participate actively in performance management, goal setting, and the training and development
of staff.
 Partner with Directors and Senior Associates in conducting performance reviews, identifying
training needs, and implementing career development strategies.
 Lead and/or participate in management units and committees to ensure effective governance
and decision-making.
F3103_Position Description_Principal_Studio Leader Sydney
Quality, Compliance and Risk Management
 Ensure projects meet design standards, contractual obligations, and NCC/Australian Standards.
 Oversee quality assurance including design and documentation reviews.
 Monitor project risks and ensure mitigation strategies are implemented.
 Provide regular updates to Directors on studio performance and risks.
Financial Performance & Reporting
 Maintain financial oversight of projects and ensure commercial discipline.
 Monitor profitability, cost-to-complete, and fee recovery.
 Ensure accurate and timely invoicing and fee collection.
 Collaborate with Directors and Finance on financial reporting
LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS
Live Our Values
Model and champion the studio’s core values – excellence, integrity, innovation, relationships, and
sustainability. Inspire others to integrate these principles into their work and take accountability for
decisions and outcomes.
Enable Collaboration
Create a culture of trust, open communication, and shared responsibility. Empower individuals by
delegating meaningfully and encouraging confident decision-making across the team.
Lead with Empathy and Respect
Value diverse perspectives and foster inclusivity by treating all team members, clients, and stakeholders
with fairness and dignity. Ensure people feel heard, respected, and appreciated.
Inspire Unity and Purpose
Align people around the studio’s vision and goals. Build a strong sense of belonging and shared
direction, strengthening cohesion across all locations and teams.
LIMITS OF AUTHORITY
 Authorised to undertake architectural duties in accordance with the client brief, project scope,
and agreed budget.
 Significant business expenditure outside approved project scope requires Director approval.
 Minor business development and travel expenses may be undertaken using the issued
Corporate Credit Card in accordance with the Delegations of Authority policy.
MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE
Business Development and Revenue Growth
 Year 1 revenue target: $600k
 Year 2 revenue target: $1m
 Revenue targets to increase in line with Board approved growth projections (currently 5% per
year).
 Demonstrated ability to secure and convert significant project opportunities
 Growth of the Sydney studio pipeline and client base
Project Financial Performance
 Minimum 20% profit margin on projects where the Principal acts as Project Partner
 Effective fee negotiation and scope management
 Strong fee recovery and timely invoicing
 Accurate and timely financial forecasting and reporting including timesheet compliance
F3103_Position Description_Principal_Studio Leader Sydney
Studio Leadership and Operational Performance
 Effective resourcing and utilisation across the Sydney Studio
 Delivery of projects in accordance with program, budget and quality expectations
 Contribution to overall practice profitability
 Effective collaboration with Directors and other studios
Client Relationships and Market Presence
 Development and maintenance of strong client relationships.
 Positive client feedback and repeat work
 Contribution to the practice’s industry reputation and profile
 Active participation in industry engagement and business development activities
People Leadership and Culture
 Development and mentoring of staff within the studio
 Contribution to staff retention and engagement
 Support for performance management and career development
 Promotion of the firm’s values and collaborative culture
QUALIFICATIONS
 Registered Architect in Australia (preferably NSW Registered)
 Additional qualifications in business, leadership, or management highly regarded
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
 Minimum 15+ years professional experience in architectural practice, including experience in a
senior leadership role.
 Demonstrated success in securing, leading, and delivering complex architectural projects.
 Strong commercial acumen with experience managing project profitability, budgets, fee
negotiations, and financial performance.
 Proven capability in business development, client relationship management, and work winning.
 Demonstrated leadership in managing and mentoring multidisciplinary teams.
 Experience overseeing multiple projects and teams within a studio or practice environment.
 Thorough understanding of the National Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards, and
statutory planning frameworks.
 Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
 Established industry relationships and professional networks, ideally within the Sydney property
and construction sector.

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