Studio Director – Architectural Solutions

About the role

DEPO is NOWN’s Design, Engineering & Production Office, the output engine that handles design coordination, engineering, shop drawings, production files, technical documentation, crating, assembly diagramming, packing and shipping. As the Director of Architectural Solutions you will act as a hybrid architect, engineer and manufacturing expert, bridging big‑picture company goals with the detailed delivery of each project.

Key responsibilities

• Set project priorities and manage workload across the team.
• Review and approve drawing sets before client release.
• Oversee transition of projects from design through pre‑production into manufacturing.
• Coordinate with other NOWN studios (BUILD, LAB, MOTHERSHIP) and sales territories on handoffs and scope boundaries.
• Drive internal tool development: Grasshopper scripts, automation workflows, BOM builders, AI integration and Rhino/GH plugins.
• Hands‑on work on shop drawing output, assembly, testing and prototyping when required.
• Handle customer communication and light project management, including last‑minute installer and GC requests.
• Fast‑track studio schedules, error handling, tool deployment and team development.

Required profile

• Minimum 8 years of experience in architecture, industrial design or manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in architecture or design.
• Proven experience managing teams of at least three people.
• Familiarity with sheet metal, powder‑coating, architectural assemblies and related processes.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment with daily new challenges.

Required skills

• Expert‑level proficiency in Rhino and Grasshopper (non‑negotiable).
• Working knowledge of Python and advanced AI tools.
• Strong understanding of metal fabrication, laser cutting, press‑brake bending and material nesting.
• Experience producing and reviewing shop drawing sets for architectural products.
• Ability to spot cut‑file errors or installation sequencing problems.
• Project organization skills including timeline management, bills of materials, shipping, logistics and installation coordination.
• Clear communication of complex design ideas verbally and through drawings.