Cities Studio Leader

SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges.

Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.

The Chicago office of SmithGroup is looking for a Cities Studio Leader to join our team. In a time of unprecedented urban growth and change, our Cities team collaborates with clients and leads with responsive, creative city-building to realize the greatest benefits for our communities.

We partner the public and private sectors and with community members to create resilient, human-centered solutions that make a real difference for the future of a city and its residents. The multidisciplinary professionals who make up our Cities team have dedicated their careers to addressing the complex challenges that communities are facing.

We bring together experts in urban planning, engineering, architecture and landscape architecture, creating diverse teams working across the full range of project scales. Our work is built on a foundation of inclusive public engagement and measurable outcomes for health and wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and economic benefit.

Our Cities team focuses on four key areas of expertise and impact: Urban Planning & Development, Mobility & Transportation, Parks & Public Spaces, and Waterfronts.

Working with us, you will

• Be responsible for growing practice market share and net revenue in conjunction with regional, local, and national teams.
• Provide leadership and management necessary for the development and growth of the studio consistent with SmithGroup’s strategic themes of: values-led, mission-forward design, increased influence and agency, expanding services to broaden impact, solving problems clients can’t yet name, fostering a culture of curiosity, wonder and extraordinary people.
• Maintain relationships with past clients and develop relationships with current/new clients and work closely with Business Development, Marketing, and market leaders to effectively market and grow our services.
• Work with the Regional Director and the Market Director to ensure that marketing & sales budgets, revenue, and project performance targets are achieved and that studio issues are addressed.
• Provide leadership and be actively involved in projects through all phases, from initial client contacts through marketing pursuits, sales efforts, contract negotiations, project kick-off, feasibility studies, strategic planning, master planning, programming, conceptual studies, schematic, design, design development, construction documentation, bidding and award, construction administration, move-in, follow-up, and on-going client relationship maintenance.
• Provide leadership on a limited number of key projects as the principal-in-charge and be accountable for the financial performance of your own projects individually and the studio collectively.
• Participate in recruiting, coaching, and career development of staff.
• Be actively involved in professional, civic, or community activities that support the goals and core values of SmithGroup – That design must improve lives, strengthen communities, and honor culture; and we center human experience, equity, resilience, and beauty in our work. We also hold ourselves to the highest standards of our craft; act with respect, accountability, and trust; and seek the unexpected.

An ideal candidate has

• A professional degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Architecture, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, or equivalent combination of related experience and/or training.
• 15+ years related experience preferred and/or training (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in the AE Industry.
• Registration or licensure in relevant field; LEED AP preferred.
• Proven leadership and demonstrated track record of winning work and growing market share in planning and construction projects.
• Demonstrated effectiveness and a strong commitment to working in a team setting, delivering high client satisfaction and technical competence.
• Strong leadership skills in the areas of business development; professional and civic involvement.
• Strong business acumen and critical thinking skills in the pursuit of the work.
• The ability to take responsibility and ownership to meet standards, budgets, schedules, and deadlines.
• A high degree of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel 25-35%.

At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off!

Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities.

While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $152,000 to $179,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year. To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply!

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to