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Studio Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Westside Build LLC

Studio Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

We are looking for a Studio Director to lead an entire studio across client management, contracts, design, technical coordination, and delivery. This is a senior leadership role for someone who can ...

Westside Build LLC

Studio Director

Santa Monica, CA · Hybrid

We are looking for a Studio Director to lead an entire studio across client management, contracts, design, technical coordination, and delivery. This is a senior leadership role for someone who can ...

Westside Build LLC

Studio Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

We are looking for a Studio Director to lead an entire studio across client management, contracts, design, technical coordination, and delivery. This is a senior leadership role for someone who can ...

Blueprint Hires

Studio Director

Los Angeles, CA

... seeking Studio Director to help them lead architecture and design delivery across projects in California. You'll bridge firm leadership and project teams, ensuring design vision, quality ...

AC Martin Inc

Studio Director - Civic

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Has direct oversight of a market or discipline and establishes and implements goals and objectives. * Develops and promotes the studio's values and long-range plans and goals, positions the studio ...

Smith Group

Health Studio Leader (12331)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$160K - $187K/yr

Work with the Regional Director and the Market Director to ensure that marketing & sales budgets, revenue, and project performance targets are achieved and that studio issues are addressed. * Provide ...

SmithGroup

Health Studio Leader

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$160K - $187K/yr

Work with the Regional Director and the Market Director to ensure that marketing & sales budgets, revenue, and project performance targets are achieved and that studio issues are addressed. * Provide ...

SmithGroup

Health Studio Leader

San Diego, CA · On-site

$152K - $179K/yr

Work with the Regional Director and the Market Director to ensure that marketing & sales budgets, revenue, and project performance targets are achieved and that studio issues are addressed. * Provide ...

Smith Group

Health Studio Leader (12332)

San Diego, CA

$152K - $179K/yr

Work with the Regional Director and the Market Director to ensure that marketing & sales budgets, revenue, and project performance targets are achieved and that studio issues are addressed. * Provide ...

SmithGroup

Health Studio Leader (12331)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$160K - $187K/yr

Work with the Regional Director and the Market Director to ensure that marketing & sales budgets, revenue, and project performance targets are achieved and that studio issues are addressed. * Provide ...

SmithGroup

Health Studio Leader (12332)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$152K - $179K/yr

Work with the Regional Director and the Market Director to ensure that marketing & sales budgets, revenue, and project performance targets are achieved and that studio issues are addressed. * Provide ...

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Studio Director information

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How much do studio director jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for studio director in California is $30.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $31.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a studio director typically collaborate with creative and technical teams to achieve project goals?

A Studio Director plays a pivotal role in bridging creative vision and technical execution by regularly meeting with both creative leads and technical managers to align project objectives and timelines. They facilitate communication across departments, resolve resource allocation challenges, and ensure that both artistic quality and production efficiency are maintained. Studio Directors also provide mentorship, foster a collaborative culture, and address obstacles that could impede team progress, ensuring all teams work cohesively toward shared goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a studio director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Studio Director, you need extensive experience in creative production management, leadership, and often a degree in film, media, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, project management tools, and knowledge of studio operations are typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and team leadership are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure efficient project delivery, foster a collaborative studio environment, and drive creative excellence.

What is the difference between Studio Director vs Studio Manager?

AspectStudio DirectorStudio Manager
CredentialsOften requires a degree in arts, business, or related fields; experience in leadership rolesTypically needs a background in arts or business; management experience preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees creative projects, staff, and operations in art, design, or production studiosManages daily studio operations, staff scheduling, and client relations
Industry UsageCommon in creative industries like film, design, and arts organizationsUsed across similar industries for operational oversight

The main difference is that a Studio Director focuses on strategic leadership, creative vision, and high-level management, while a Studio Manager handles daily operations, staff coordination, and client interactions. Both roles require management skills, but the Studio Director typically has a broader scope and higher-level responsibilities.

What does a studio director do?

A studio director oversees the daily operations of a creative or production studio, managing staff, coordinating projects, and ensuring quality standards are met. They often handle budgeting, scheduling, and client communication, and may use tools like project management software to organize workflows.

What are the most commonly searched types of Studio jobs in California?

The most popular types of Studio jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Studio Director jobs in California?

For Studio Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Studio Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Studio Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Studio Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Studio Director job openings:

Studio Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Studio Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,537 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Studio Director

Westside Build LLC

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Westside Design, in partnership with Westside Build, is a Santa Monica-based design and construction firm rebuilding homes across the Pacific Palisades in the wake of the wildfire. We bring architecture, design, and construction under one roof, with a strong emphasis on technology, speed, and craft.
We are looking for a Studio Director to lead an entire studio across client management, contracts, design, technical coordination, and delivery. This is a senior leadership role for someone who can operate as a broad-based leader rather than a narrow specialist, someone who can move between client conversations, project strategy, technical issues, team leadership, and day-to-day studio needs with ease.
This role is intended to be more of a multi-tool leadership position: a person who can talk about contracts, deal with clients, guide design, engage technical and CA issues, and help support the Managing Principal lead the full studio. The Studio Director will directly lead our Project Managers and Project Architects, who are responsible for BIM model development, construction documentation, and permit-ready deliverables in Revit. You will set the design intent and quality bar that the team documents and executes against, review their work at key milestones, and serve as the design authority they escalate to on coordination, code, and client-facing design decisions.
Requirements
  • 13+ years of professional experience in architecture, residential design-build, or a comparable studio environment.
  • 8+ years leading complex residential projects through design, technical coordination, and delivery.
  • 5+ years in a senior leadership role spanning client management, contracts, team oversight, and project execution.
  • Residential experience, especially custom homes, ADUs, and rebuild work.
  • Proven ability to lead across contracts, client management, design discussions, technical coordination, and CA.
  • Strong leadership presence and sound judgment in a fast-moving environment.
  • Experience overseeing teams, projects, and multiple stakeholder relationships.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to operate effectively with clients, internal teams, and leadership.
  • Must bring direct experience in a comparable leadership seat; this is not intended as a step-up role from PM or senior project architect.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 3+ years in a role such as Studio Director, Senior Project Manager, Design Director, or similar leadership role.
  • Experience in integrated architecture/construction or design-build settings.
  • Familiarity with consultant coordination, construction documentation, and field-related problem solving.

Studio Leadership
  • Lead the overall performance of the studio across client service, project execution, staffing coordination, and day-to-day operations.
  • Serve as a senior leader helping guide studio priorities, unblock issues, and maintain momentum across multiple active projects.
  • Partner with firm leadership on studio structure, resourcing, and operational effectiveness.
  • Help create accountability across the studio by following up on open items, pushing decisions forward, and keeping workstreams moving.

Client & Project Leadership
  • Serve as a senior point of contact for clients and help manage relationships across active work.
  • Navigate project conversations across scope, contracts, design, technical coordination, and delivery.
  • Step into difficult project situations and help resolve issues with sound judgment and a broad understanding of project needs.
  • Balance design intent, technical requirements, coordination demands, and client expectations across the life of a project.

Contracts, Technical Oversight & CA
  • Engage directly in contract review, contract language discussions, and related project risk items as needed.
  • Provide high-level oversight on technical issues and support teams in resolving project coordination challenges.
  • Participate in CA-related discussions and help ensure project issues are being surfaced and addressed appropriately.
  • Act as a senior escalation point when projects need broader leadership attention beyond pure design questions.

Team Leadership
  • Help supervise and support team members working across design, project delivery, and technical execution.
  • Provide oversight and direction to staff who need support coordinating clients, internal standards, and changing project demands.
  • Mentor team members and help reinforce expectations for accountability, communication, and cross-functional coordination.
  • Work closely with leadership to identify where additional supervision or stronger management coverage is needed.

Benefits
• Hybrid work schedule: four days in-office, one day remote.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision).
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A collaborative, innovative work environment with a supportive culture focused on mentorship and growth.
Compensation: Commensurate with experience and scope of leadership responsibility. The salary range for this role is $140,000-$170,000.

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