Associate Director Housing/ Mixed Use)

Morson Edge is recruiting for an Associate Director - Architect to join a leading global, multidisciplinary design practice with an established presence across the South West and Wales.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and grow an established housing team, shape the strategic direction of its residential portfolio and contribute to the continued success of a highly regarded design practice. You will benefit from the support, expertise and resources of a wider international network, while playing a pivotal role in strengthening the teams regional presence.

The successful candidate will combine design excellence and technical expertise with commercial acumen, strategic thinking and a proven ability to win work, develop client relationships and deliver high-quality projects.

The Role

As Associate Director, you will take a leading role in the development and growth of the housing team across the South West and Wales. Working closely with the Studio Lead and wider senior leadership team, you will help define and deliver the teams strategic ambitions, strengthen its market position and secure a sustainable pipeline of future projects.

You will lead and inspire an experienced team, champion design and technical excellence, and build strong relationships with clients, consultants and key industry stakeholders. With a clear understanding of the housing market, you will identify emerging opportunities, anticipate client needs and translate commercial opportunities into successful project appointments.

This is a senior leadership position offering the opportunity to influence design quality, business performance, team development and the long-term growth of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Development

Lead, motivate and develop an established housing team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture.

Support the professional development of colleagues, nurture emerging talent and encourage knowledge sharing across multidisciplinary teams.

Delegate effectively, promote accountability and drive continuous improvement in team performance.

Work collaboratively with senior leadership to support the wider strategic objectives of the practice.

Business Development and Client Relationships

Identify, pursue and secure new business opportunities across the residential and housing-led mixed-use sectors.

Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, developers, housing associations and other key decision-makers.

Develop a strong understanding of regional market conditions, emerging trends and client requirements to identify opportunities for growth.

Contribute to bid strategies, fee proposals, presentations and client engagement activities.

Establish and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective projects to support sustainable business growth.

Strengthen the practices regional reputation through sector expertise, collaboration and successful project delivery.

Design Leadership and Project Delivery

Provide strategic design leadership across a portfolio of high-quality residential and housing-led mixed-use projects.

Champion innovative, people-centred design solutions that balance creativity, functionality, buildability and sustainability.

Oversee design quality, technical standards and project delivery, ensuring that projects meet client expectations and professional requirements.

Bring together the appropriate multidisciplinary expertise to deliver coordinated, commercially viable and impactful outcomes.

Provide guidance on complex design and delivery challenges, making informed decisions that support successful project outcomes.

Commercial and Strategic Management

Take responsibility for supporting the commercial performance and growth of the housing team.

Demonstrate strong financial awareness, including project profitability, resource planning, fee management and risk mitigation.

Translate strategic objectives into practical business development and operational plans.

Monitor market developments and identify opportunities to diversify and strengthen the residential portfolio.

Work alongside senior colleagues to align team priorities with the wider ambitions of the practice.

Sustainability and Design Impact

Embed sustainable design principles throughout project development and delivery.

Promote environmentally responsible, socially inclusive and people-focused design.

Encourage innovation and fresh thinking to respond to the evolving needs of communities and the built environment.

Uphold professional standards and champion design solutions that deliver lasting value.

About You

You will be an experienced architectural leader with the credibility, commercial awareness and ambition to develop a successful housing team and strengthen its market position.

You will bring:

Proven experience delivering high-quality residential and housing-led mixed-use projects.

A strong track record of winning work, developing client relationships and contributing to business growth.

Experience identifying new market opportunities and developing a sustainable pipeline of future projects.

Demonstrable experience leading, mentoring and developing established teams.

Excellent design leadership skills, supported by strong technical knowledge and an understanding of project delivery.

Commercial acumen, including an understanding of project profitability, fee management, resourcing and financial performance.

The ability to anticipate market trends and respond to changing client needs and industry demands.

Confidence working with senior leadership to shape and implement strategic plans.

Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation and relationship-building skills.

A commitment to design excellence, sustainability, collaboration and continuous professional development.

You will be a proactive and forward-thinking leader who can balance creative ambition with commercial priorities, inspire colleagues and build lasting partnerships with clients.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Senior leadership: Take a pivotal role in shaping the future of an established housing team.

Regional influence: Help grow a residential portfolio across the South West and Wales.

Business development: Play a key role in winning new projects and developing strategic client relationships.

Multidisciplinary collaboration: Work alongside experienced architects, engineers, designers and other built-environment specialists.

Design-led environment: Champion innovative, sustainable and people-focused design.

Career progression: Contribute to the long-term success and strategic direction of an internationally connected design practice.

Apply Through Morson Edge

If you are an ambitious architectural professional with the leadership experience, commercial insight and sector expertise to take the next step in your career, we would welcome the opportunity to hear from you.