London, UK
Projects director
at Ström Architects
Ström Architects is hiring a projects director to join its team in London.
Location: based in our new London studio (with travel to Lymington two days per week; travel assistance available)
Salary: competitive, depending on experience
Job type: full-time, flexible working hours considered
Ström Architects is seeking an accomplished projects director to join our growing senior team and help shape the future of our award-winning, boutique practice. We are internationally recognised for delivering contemporary, high-end residential projects – from luxury villas to multi-residential developments – across more than ten countries.
While our primary focus to date has been residential architecture, we’re increasingly active in commercial, hospitality, and resort projects. Many of our projects are showcased publicly, while others remain confidential, reflecting the trust placed in us by our clients. We take pride in creating architecture that stands out for its elegance, innovation, and exceptional quality.
What you’ll do:
- strategically oversee the delivery of all studio projects, supporting and guiding senior associates and project architects
- support client on-boarding and maintain strong, long-term relationships
- collaborate with the senior team on business development and strategic planning
- manage project delivery and ongoing challenges, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met
- oversee practice systems and processes, working closely with the technical director and managing director on QA systems
- provide mentorship and guidance to project teams, fostering a culture of excellence
- support the founder/creative director and managing director as required
- champion design excellence, ensuring our projects are innovative and of the highest standard
- be a collaborative leader, inspiring and motivating teams to achieve their best work
What we’re looking for:
- minimum ten years’ of post-Part 3 experience, with at least five years in an associate-level (or above) role delivering high-end luxury residential, commercial, hospitality, resort, and multi-residential projects – experience with international projects is a plus
- a confident communicator with the ability to manage clients, consultants, and teams with professionalism and clarity
- proactive, open-minded, and adaptable – able to think strategically while keeping an eye on the details
- skilled at managing complex projects to meet tight deadlines and budgets, without compromising quality
- a passion for design excellence and a collaborative approach to creating exceptional spaces
- proficiency in Vectorworks, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office is beneficial, but a quick learner with a keen eye for detail will excel
- a positive and inspiring leader who balances big-picture thinking with day-to-day project management
Who you are:
- a natural leader with a strong sense of direction and initiative. You bring energy, confidence, and calm authority to every situation. You’re proactive, curious, and solutions-focused: challenges don’t faze you, they focus you. You have common sense, emotional intelligence, and a good eye for how things work; in design, in teams, and in business
- you’re sharp, charismatic, and comfortable in the room with high-net-worth clients, developers, and consultants, yet grounded, professional, and clear-headed. People trust you because you’re engaged, dependable, and thoughtful. You can manage complexity without losing sight of quality, and you know how to lead others without ego
- you’ve spent more than ten years since your Part 3 developing your skills and your judgement, including five years or more at associate level or above. You’ve delivered luxury residential, commercial, or hospitality projects, often across borders, and know what it takes to guide teams and projects to a high standard
- you understand the stakes of high-end architecture, and you thrive in that space. You value good design, but you also know it needs structure, process, and people to succeed. You don’t just want to be part of something great, you want to help shape it
What we offer:
- a competitive salary depending on experience and position
- flexible working hours and an open conversation about work-life balance
- based in our new London studio, with travel to our Lymington studio two days per week, to support the wider team (additional travel assistance available)
- opportunities to work on ambitious, design-led projects across four continents
- the chance to help shape our growing portfolio of commercial, hospitality, and resort work alongside our internationally recognised residential projects
- a dynamic and supportive team culture, including studio trips, social events, and regular FIKA sessions
- discretionary studio closure over the Christmas period
- additional benefits such as extended leave for long service, Cycle to Work scheme, office socials, and CPD programmes
To apply
Please submit your cover letter, CV, and a PDF portfolio (max 10MB) via the apply for job button below.
Clearly state the role you’re applying for and confirm you have the right to work in the UK.
Due to the volume of applications, we will only contact shortlisted candidates.