Practice Manager

About Das

Das Studio is an architecture and interior design practice working across residential, education, community, health, workplace and hospitality projects, with a focus on design that makes a difference.

From our light and bright studio on McLaren Street in Adelaide, we value collaboration, creativity and generosity in the way we work. Just as important as the projects are our people - we celebrate milestones, share ideas, and foster a culture that is supportive, inclusive and fun.

The Role

We're seeking a Practice Manager (0.8 to 1.0 FTE) to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the studio. This is a pivotal role that underpins how we work - supporting our people, keeping systems and processes on track, and ensuring the studio runs smoothly behind the scenes so the team can focus on delivering great design.

You'll be a key point of contact for the whole practice: the person who keeps things organised, solves problems as they come up, and looks for ways to make how we work even better. From HR and compliance to IT, culture and operations, this role touches just about every part of our studio.

Tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage and optimise studio operations, including resourcing and administrative support.
• Coordinate HR processes including onboarding, contracts, facilitate performance reviews, development planning and wellbeing initiatives.
• Maintain HR systems, records and policies to ensure clarity and compliance.
• Coordinate internal communications, meetings and studio-wide initiatives ensuring connectivity with our satellite studios in Melbourne and Sydney.
• Manage quality and compliance by administering our ISO-certified Integrated Management System, coordinating audits, and maintaining templates and documentation.
• Look for ways to improve processes and systems to make daily work easier and more efficient.
• Manage the studio environment, including office requirements, IT systems, suppliers, memberships and insurances.
• Work collaboratively and assist the team with the compilation of tenders, submissions and EOIs.
• Troubleshoot IT issues as they arise and coordinate external support when required.
• Coordinate events, from Friday nights and training days, to our Future Forum event series and related activities.

Skills & Experience

We're focused on finding the right person - someone who can keep the wheels turning, the details sharp, and the bigger picture in focus. This role covers a lot of bases, so we're looking for a mix of practical know-how, people skills and initiative. You don't need to tick every single box, but the right candidate will bring confidence in managing varied responsibilities, curiosity to improve how things are done, and the ability to support others while staying calm under pressure. Ideally, you'll bring a mix of the following:

• Proven experience in studio or operations management, ideally within architecture or professional services.
• Knowledge and experience in HR processes, quality systems (ISO) and certification.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to support a variety of people and positions.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Forward thinking, with the ability to plan ahead and manage priorities.
• Proficiency in IT and the ability to troubleshoot day-to-day technology issues (MS Office essential; Adobe Creative Suite and Total Synergy platforms highly regarded).
• Understanding of architectural terminology and projects lifecycles is desirable.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Alignment with our 
  Make Better
   ethos – make the way; make together; make with joy; and make generously.

What we can provide

• a chance to have a real impact on business direction and operations.
• commitment to your professional development and growth.
• regular social activities including weekly Friday night events.
• a strong, supportive and fun team culture (we all genuinely really like each other)
• a workplace that values the health and happiness of their staff above all else, and a genuine commitment to wellbeing and work/life balance

The role has been advertised with advance notice. As our current Practice Manager is relocating overseas next year, we are looking for a commencement date in November/December. Extensive training and support will be provided for the successful applicant.

If this sounds like you, simply drop us a line at - with a little bit about yourself and your resume.