Federal Studio Director

FSB is a full-service Architecture and Engineering firm built on 80 years of design excellence, technical innovation, and community impact. We're always on the lookout for leaders who see beyond the expected, professionals who understand how thoughtful design can transform lives and elevate everyday experiences.

We're currently seeking aFederal Studio Directorto guide our Federal Architecture team and oversee the delivery of integrated, high-performance projects for our federal clients. Whether you bring deep experience managing Department of Defense facilities or a proven record of leading multidisciplinary design teams, FSB offers the opportunity to shape projects that matter, mission-critical facilities that serve those who serve our nation.

What sets us apart is our deep commitment to client experience, technical expertise, and cross-discipline collaboration. At FSB, architects work alongside engineers, interior designers, and technical experts to shape solutions that are both innovative and constructible.

If you are passionate about design that serves people, mission, and community, and you're ready to lead with both purpose and performance, we invite you to apply.

Summary

The Federal Studio Director leads the architectural team for FSB's Federal Market Sector and oversees all aspects of federal projects across the firm. This role ensures design excellence, technical rigor, and compliance with federal standards while coordinating closely with engineering disciplines and the Federal Market Sector Principal.

This position is responsible for the success of the Federal Studio's architectural staff - guiding their professional growth, project performance, and design quality. The Director ensures that federal projects meet FSB's high standards for quality, schedule, and budget, while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation across the entire A/E team.

Leadership Responsibilities

Lead and Inspire

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction for the architectural staff assigned to federal projects.
• Partner with engineering discipline directors, project managers, and the Federal Market Sector Principal to align goals and ensure project success.
• Lead by example in building client trust and maintaining long-term relationships within the federal market.

Develop and Manage Teams

• Train and develop a high performing, engaged architectural team within the Federal Studio to achieve studio/project objectives. Ensure direct reports are accountable for the performance of their staff/teams.
• Oversee the Federal Studio's Project team assignments and workload distribution between staff. Ensure FTE report is accurate and complete. Monitor, evaluate and adjust project assignments to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and in budget.
• Monitor performance and professionalism of staff and provide informal and formal feedback.
• Conduct employee performance reviews, provide coaching, and identify growth opportunities for architectural personnel.
• Champion recruitment efforts to attract and retain top federal design talent.

Project and Technical Oversight

• Oversee all aspects of federal projects, ensuring design excellence, quality, contract compliance, and client satisfaction.
• Provide oversight to the Studio's Architectural Manager who is responsible for technical leadership and quality assurance for the architectural design team.
• Provide oversight to the project managers, monitor and evaluate project schedules and profitability; identify and implement corrective actions or process improvements as needed.
• Ensure project data is accurate and up to date in all systems, including:
  • VantagePoint: Contract Management, Project Overview, Project Team, and Billing Phases
  • Portal: Project Description, BIM Information, and Project Schedule
• Ensure the Studio's Project financials are accurate and complete including invoicing and revenue projections.
• Collaborate with engineering and QA teams to ensure compliance with federal standards, Design Quality Management Plans, and Quality Control procedures.
• Resolve project challenges and provide executive-level oversight across multiple active projects.

Federal Compliance and Contract Management

• Maintain comprehensive understanding of federal contract terms, requirements, and compliance standards (FAR, DFARS, etc.).
• Ensure adherence to contract scope, documentation, and reporting requirements.
• Review and support consultant agreements, fee proposals, and scopes of work in coordination with the Federal Market Sector Principal.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for architectural aspects of federal projects and liaise with contracting officers and federal representatives.

Marketing and Business Development

• Partner with the Federal Market Sector Principal to implement strategic growth initiatives within the federal market.
• Participate in business development efforts, including proposals, interviews, and presentations.
• Serve as a visible advocate and subject matter expert in the federal design community through speaking engagements and professional involvement.
• Identify new opportunities and trends in federal design and construction to inform long-term strategic planning.

Quality, Mentorship, and Innovation

• Uphold a culture of continuous improvement and lessons learned across the Federal Studio.
• Mentor architectural staff in design excellence, documentation standards, and federal project delivery methods (Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, IDIQ, CMAR, etc.).
• Encourage cross-discipline innovation and collaboration to enhance efficiency and creativity in project delivery.
• Support firmwide initiatives related to sustainability, technology, and design research within the federal market.
• Participate in the Architectural Leadership Team. Develop and implement initiatives to address issues or challenges.

Required Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal project delivery processes and compliance standards.
• Ability to analyze data to drive financial and operational decisions.
• Proven ability to lead architectural teams within a multidisciplinary A/E environment.
• Strong understanding of design, production, and project management processes.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Skilled in balancing multiple project priorities while maintaining quality and schedule.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Deltek Vantagepoint; Revit experience preferred.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or closely related field.
• Licensed Architect or Licensed Engineer (PE) required.
• PMP certification a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in federal design and project management.
• Experience with Department of Defense and/or other federal agencies strongly preferred.

At FSB Architects + Engineers, we believe great design comes from great teams. Whether you're an engineer building your leadership skills or a seasoned professional shaping major projects, we welcome your expertise and passion.

Join our inclusive community of architects, engineers, and creatives - and help us shape environments that serve people, inspire progress, and stand the test of time.

Frankfurt-Short-Bruza Associates, P.C. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.