Pophouse is seeking a Vice President of Business Development to lead revenue growth and expand client relationships within the commercial real estate and design ecosystem. This senior leadership role is responsible for building trusted partnerships with developers, owners, occupiers, brokers, and institutional clients, and converting those relationships into long-term, repeat business. This role will serve as a key external face of Pophouse in the Detroit market and beyond.
About the role
Client acquisition and revenue growth
- Drive new business with commercial developers, owners, CEOs, and real estate investors
- Build and manage a strategic pipeline that supports sustainable, long-term revenue growth
- Lead pursuits from early relationship-building through contract execution
Commercial real estate and design partnerships
- Cultivate relationships with developers, landlords, brokers, asset managers, and capital partners
- Position Pophouse as a strategic design partner across workplace, mixed-use, multifamily, hospitality, and other commercial sectors
- Generate repeat work by deepening relationships with existing clients
- Work closely with studio leadership, project teams, and marketing to ensure a cohesive client experience
- Represent Pophouse at industry events, real estate forums, and civic initiatives
Market strategy and positioning
- Partner with the President and senior leadership to define go-to-market strategy for key real estate sectors and client types
- Track market trends including development cycles, capital markets activity, and tenant demand to inform business development efforts
- Provide insight on how design can drive asset value, leasing performance, and long-term flexibility
- Lead proposal strategy, interview preparation, and client presentations
- Collaborate with design and project teams to align vision, scope, and value proposition
Success in this role
- Measurable growth in Pophouse’s client base and project revenue across target markets
- Expanded visibility and reputation of Pophouse both locally in Detroit and nationally
- Strong partnerships with key industry players driving a steady pipeline of opportunities
- Expansion of Pophouse’s project portfolio with repeat clients and new high-value engagements driven by the firm’s reputation for design excellence
- Consistent delivery of projects that exceed client expectations in design quality, innovation, and experiences, resulting in strong referrals and ongoing partnerships
About you
Minimum Qualifications
- 10+ years of business development or client leadership experience in commercial real estate, architecture, interior design, or related professional services
- Strong understanding of real estate development, leasing, and owner-occupier decision-making
- Established network within the Detroit commercial real estate and design community (regional or national experience a plus)
- Proven ability to drive revenue through relationship-based selling
- Executive presence with the ability to build trust with senior-level leadership teams
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills
- Strategic, collaborative, and entrepreneurial mindset
Preferred Qualifications
- Thorough experience in commercial real estate and/or design services
- Understanding of how to navigate complex projects, long sales cycles, and relationship-driven growth
What you’ll get
Our team members fuel our strategy, innovation and growth, so we ensure the health and well-being of not just you, but your family, too! We go above and beyond to give you the support you need on an individual level and offer all sorts of ways to help you live your best life. We are proud to offer eligible team members perks and health benefits that will help you have peace of mind. Simply put: We’ve got your back.
About us
Started in 2013, Pophouse is a full-scope design studio focused on the built environment. Located in Detroit, Michigan, we work on both commercial and residential projects with a specialty in workplace, hospitality, and retail as well as home office design. Our team of designers and strategists work to positively impact people through interior, industrial, and environmental graphic design.
Leveraging industry research and business intelligence, we begin every project with a meaningful strategy that informs our design narrative. The design narrative is then carried through every aspect of the project including finishes, space plans, custom furniture, branding, wayfinding, signage, and artwork to transform the space into one that highlights culture, increases productivity, and optimizes business outcomes.
This job description is an outline of the primary responsibilities of this position and may be modified at the discretion of the company at any time. Decisions related to employment are not based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations in completing the application and/or participating in the application process should contact a member of the Human Resources team, at Careers@Rocket.com.