Business Development Director

Person Place Thing PLLC Employer

New York, NY, USLocation:

Full-timeType

Mon, Apr 13 '26Posted on:

Positon Overview

We are seeking a Business Development Director to help shape the trajectory of a New York City–based, design-led architecture studio with global ambitions. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, relationships, and storytelling—driving thoughtful growth while reinforcing the firm’s distinct voice.

The ideal candidate brings a nuanced understanding of the design ecosystem, a cultivated network, and an instinct for identifying opportunities that align with both ambition and ethos. This is a highly collaborative, outward-facing role working closely with the founder to build a practice defined as much by its ideas as by its work.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Growth & Positioning

• Define and advance a business development strategy that reflects the studio’s design values and long-term vision
• Identify and pursue opportunities across luxury residential, cultural, educational, and wellness-driven environments
• Expand the studio’s presence in key global markets through targeted, relationship-driven efforts
  
  

Client Development & Engagement

• Cultivate meaningful relationships with developers, collectors, cultural leaders, institutional partners, and forward-thinking brands
• Serve as a primary ambassador for the studio in New York City and internationally
• Build trust through a deep understanding of client ambitions, translating them into aligned opportunities
  
  

Pursuits & Narratives

• Lead the pursuit process from initial connection through award, shaping a clear and compelling narrative for each opportunity
• Guide the development of proposals, presentations, and interviews with a strong editorial sensibility
• Work in close dialogue with design leadership to ensure continuity between concept, communication, and client vision
  
  

Pipeline & Revenue Stewardship

• Build and maintain a focused, high-quality pipeline of global opportunities
• Secure projects that reinforce the studio’s positioning and contribute to sustainable growth
• Support fee development, negotiations, and strategic deal-making
  
  

Brand Building & Thought Leadership

• Shape and elevate the studio’s presence through curated partnerships, events, and cultural engagement
• Identify and pursue awards, publications, and collaborations that extend the studio’s reach and relevance
• Oversee the studio’s digital presence—including social media and website—as an extension of its design voice, ensuring clarity, consistency, and visual rigor
• Direct content development across platforms, from project storytelling to editorial features, aligning communications with business development priorities
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to evolve the studio’s website as a dynamic portfolio and strategic tool, including content strategy and performance optimization
• Contribute market insight to inform positioning, messaging, and long-term direction
  
  

Studio Collaboration & Growth

• Partner closely with founder to shape both immediate opportunities and long-term direction
• Establish and refine business development processes appropriate to a growing, design-driven practice
• Foster a culture of engagement, encouraging the broader team to participate in storytelling and relationship-building
  
  

Qualifications

• 8–15+ years of experience in business development within architecture, design, real estate, or related fields
• Demonstrated success securing complex, design-driven projects—particularly in luxury residential, cultural, or institutional sectors
• Strong network in New York City with international reach
• Fluency in the architecture and design process, with an appreciation for craft, narrative, and detail
• Experience in an entrepreneurial or early-stage environment is highly valued
  
  

Key Attributes

• Strategic yet intuitive, with a strong editorial eye
• Discerning in opportunity selection and relationship building
• Articulate and persuasive, with a refined approach to communication
• Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable operating within an evolving structure
• Motivated by building something enduring and distinct
  
  

Work Environment

• New York City–based studio with a global outlook
• Flexible, hybrid working style with regular travel
• Intimate, ambitious, and highly collaborative team environment
  
  

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