Connecting visionary leaders with roles that define the built environment

Full-time

This award-winning and holistic architecture, interiors, urban design, landscape, and engineering firm has an extensive portfolio encompassing multi-family residential, student housing, mixed-use, and hospitality projects as well as corporate and government. With five offices across the U.S. and Asia, the firm’s dynamic, design team structure promotes collaboration and innovation, while investing in the talent and expertise of all professional staff and incorporating the latest technology throughout the organization. They are committed to surpassing their clients’ expectations with technology-based, innovative, and culturally significant design solutions that reflect and respect the unique social and built environment fabric of communities. Given the firm’s continued growth, they are seeking a Managing Partner for their Washington, DC Office with demonstrated practice and client leadership, and expertise in multi-family, mixed-use, and/or commercial projects.

The Managing Partner is an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader, highly skilled in the design and/or leadership of large complex multi-family, mixed-use, and/or commercial projects while remaining focused on client engagement and mentoring. They will work closely and collaborate with Project Managers, Directors, and the CEO in the development of concepts and strategies that respond to program, client and project requirements while striving for design excellence. The firm’s strengths lie in the integration of architecture, interiors, landscape architecture, and engineering, and the Managing Partner, as a project, client, and office leader, will work closely across disciplines, collaborating in the development of exemplary projects.

The Managing Partner provides leadership internally and externally, setting the vision for the office, and fostering a culture of design excellence, collaboration, innovation, and mentorship. With exceptional skills at building long-term relationships, they will lead marketing efforts with the CEO, Managing Partners, business development, and design colleagues to attract new clients and maintain existing clients in the Washington Metro Area and New York to Florida. The Managing Partner will manage the full scope of projects including design management, project delivery, and project performance/ profitability. Adept with the big picture and the smallest details, the Managing Partner will have proven design and client leadership experience. They will communicate clearly with clients for any required decisions that impact the firm’s design goals, schedule, and delivery of documents.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the Washington, DC Office in tandem with the VP of Operations.
• Lead large complex multi-family, mixed-use and hospitality projects while building a culture of design across the office.
• Lead marketing efforts with the business development staff, management staff and the design staff to attract new clients and to maintain existing clients.
• Oversee project document process for issuance, to meet the client’s development program and budget. Implement design and production processes and policies in line with the project fee budget, goals and professional standards.
• Lead the design team in overviewing the plan layouts process for the projects; includes the determination of functional and spatial requirements and prepares information regarding design, specifications, materials, color and equipment.
• Market and coordinate the integration of the firm’s “holistic multi-disciplinary approach” in a unified design for client review and approval.
• Maintain appropriate records and files as accessible to the firm’s leadership.
• Maintain a free flow of communications with the Directors, Project Managers and staff members relative to duties and activities.
• Perform as client leader for the service and documents production with Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design and Engineering staff and independent consultants.
• Collaborate with the CEO regarding the Boards’ overall strategy, goals and policies.
• Overview the design and technical quality review process as part of client “promise” delivery process. Provide internal quality reviews of projects and teams under their direct control.
• Support, implement, and coordinate office standards and procedures during the project delivery process.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture and Licensure required, LEED AP preferred.
• 15-20+ years of design and/or client leadership experience with large complex developer driven projects including multi-family residential, student housing, senior living, mixed-use, or hospitality.
• Experience with all phases of projects including successful experience navigating and interacting with planning boards and review boards.
• Collaborative leader with a proven track record of running teams and working closely with clients, sub-consultants and vendors while completing large, complex projects
• Active member of AIA, ULI, NMHC, NAA or other industry organizations preferred.
• Strong knowledge of zoning ordinances, laws and regulations related to design and construction for multi-family residential and/or hospitality projects.
• Proven ability to present information and respond quickly to inquiries from managers, clients, and the general public.
• Strong knowledge of Revit, Microsoft Office Suite, and related software systems that are at the forefront of architectural practice.
• Proven fiscal accountability and responsibility, and an understanding of market forces pertaining to fees, scope and schedule requirements.

• The opportunity to directly influence the company’s growth and long-term strategy.
• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible schedule and remote-friendly environment.
• Supportive, collaborative, and growth-oriented team culture.
• Professional development opportunities and exposure to global markets.

Full-time

This award winning multi-disciplinary architecture, engineering + planning firm has an extensive portfolio encompassing multi-family residential, student housing, mixed-use and hospitality projects as well as corporate and government projects. The firm’s dynamic, design team structure promotes collaboration and innovation, while investing in the talent and expertise of all professional staff and incorporating the latest technology throughout the organization. They are committed to surpassing their clients’ expectations with design solutions that reflect and respect the unique cultural, social and built environment traditions of communities. Given the firm’s continued growth, they are seeking a Structural Discipline Lead with demonstrated experience and expertise across multi-family, mixed-use and/or commercial projects, to assume a key firmwide leadership role based in their Dallas practice site.

The Structural Discipline Lead is an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader, highly skilled in the design and leadership of structural engineering for large complex multi-family, mixed-use and/or commercial projects while remaining focused on leading the structural engineering team comprised of 20+ professionals across four practice sites. The Structural Discipline Lead is responsible for management of the full discipline team, coordination with other Directors/Managing Partners/Project Managers in oversight of projects, participation in the hiring/annual review process, marketing alongside architectural and engineering colleagues, and coordination of mentoring/training opportunities.

The Structural Discipline Lead will work closely with Directors and oversees development of concepts and strategies that respond to program, client and project requirements while striving for design excellence. The firm’s strengths lie in the integration of architecture, engineering, planning and interior design, and the Structural Discipline Lead, as a practice, design, and client leader, will work closely across disciplines, collaborating in the development of exemplary projects. As a fully integrated practice creating dynamic buildings in which to live, work and play, the Structural Discipline Lead is integral to the project’s success through their expert engineering guidance and ability to lead and develop structural engineering talent. Goals and objectives will be shared and developed with weekly meetings with practice site Managing Partners and a monthly operations meeting with firm leadership.

With exceptional skills at building long-term relationships, they will be involved with business development efforts with architecture, marketing/BD, and design colleagues to attract new clients and maintain existing clients regionally and nationally. The Structural Discipline Lead will oversee the full scope of projects including design management, project delivery and project performance/profitability. Adept with the big picture and the smallest details, the Structural Discipline Lead will have proven practice, design, management, and client leadership experience. They will communicate clearly with clients for any required decisions that impact the firm’s design goals, schedule, and project delivery. The Structural Discipline Lead will create a culture of technical excellence that encourages emerging talent to learn and grow in an inclusive and collaborative environment.

The Structural Discipline Lead is actively engaged with clients and projects, leading, or managing the following:

• Engage with clients and Directors to review and ensure client engineering needs are successfully addressed
• Provide oversight of the design requirements, specifications, and performance requirements to determine the best and most appropriate designs to meet client expectations, code requirements, and all life and safety considerations.
• Provide design oversight of new facility engineering systems or modification of existing systems considering cost, available space, time limitations, company planning, and other technical factors.
• Review technical information concerning advantages and limitations which affect long range facility and space planning.
• Confer openly and directly in a respectful and professional manner with colleagues to clarify or resolve problems and develop designs.
• Provide leadership for Directors of Structural Engineering
• Ensure signing and sealing of engineering plans and specifications for assigned projects.
• Responsible for reviewing disciplinary project budgets with Directors.
• Provide oversight for structural design work across the practice.
• Proficiency with the IBC and ASCE 7 building design codes as well as material specific design codes for steel, concrete, wood, and masonry.
• Maintain a free flow of communications with the Partner-In-Charge and the Project Manager, as well as other firm members relative to the activities on assigned projects.
• Provide oversight for the technical accuracy and completeness of the structural engineering documentation

• 20+ years progressive practice and project leadership experience with a portfolio that includes multi-family residential, mixed-use, or government projects
• BS degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited college or university. MS degree in Structural Engineering preferred.
• Structural Engineering (SE) license required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to write cohesive reports and business correspondence. Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Effective presenting information and responding to questions from managers, clients and the general public.
• Proven fiscal accountability and responsibility, and an understanding of market forces pertaining to fees, scope and schedule requirements
• Strong written, verbal and drawing communications skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with structural engineering software such as RISA 3D/Floor, RAM Steel, ADAPT Floorpro/Edge/Matt, Enercalc, Woodworks, Ramsteel, and Microsoft Office Suite. /Revit experience preferred

• The opportunity to directly influence the company’s growth and long-term strategy.
• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible schedule and remote-friendly environment.
• Supportive, collaborative, and growth-oriented team culture.
• Professional development opportunities and exposure to global markets.

Full-time

The Director of Business Development will play a pivotal role in expanding the firm’s presence across multiple sectors and markets. You will support the partnership team in approaching new and existing clients to win work across mixed-use development, cultural institutions, higher education, transportation, and civic buildings. This position involves identifying new business opportunities, building and maintaining client relationships, and collaborating with principals and studio teams to drive strategic growth.

The Director of Business Development is responsible for expanding the firm’s business network, researching business opportunities, managing strategic partnerships essential for sector diversification, and coordinating planning and preparation of pursuit materials, RFPs, and proposals. You will work in close collaboration with the managing principal, partnership team, studio leaders, and the Director of Operations to create firm-wide pipeline visibility and strategic resource allocation.

Business Development Strategy & Leadership:

• Serve as Principal-in-Charge on multiple concurrent projects of varying scales and typologies, ensuring design quality, profitability, and successful delivery
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve business growth objectives aligned with firm’s sector priorities
• Create dedicated BD infrastructure that enhances the firm’s business development capabilities
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities across multiple sectors including mixed-use, cultural, transportation, higher education, and civic projects
• Serve as strategic partner to principals, qualifying opportunities and developing relationships that enable principals to focus on winning work and design leadership
• Lead pursuit strategy development and win strategy formulation for major opportunities
• Manage strategic partnerships essential for accessing target sectors (particularly transportation, healthcare, and cultural institutions)
• Provide firm-wide pipeline visibility and strategic resource allocation insights

Business Development Strategy & Leadership:

• Establish and nurture relationships with key stakeholders including developers, institutional clients, government agencies, and industry partners
• Support principals in building their client portfolios and navigating the firm’s BD ecosystem
• Serve as primary point of contact for strategic relationship development, coordinating principal involvement at appropriate stages
• Ensure consistent client engagement and relationship cultivation across all firm activities
• Coordinate with new principals to support their integration and client development efforts

Market Research & Intelligence:

• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify emerging trends, potential clients, and new project opportunities
• Analyze competitive landscape and provide insights to inform strategic decision-making
• Monitor sector-specific procurement processes, funding mechanisms, and delivery requirements
• Track pursuit outcomes and maintain competitive intelligence on major opportunities
• Provide strategic market insights to support firm positioning and sector diversification efforts

Pursuit Management & Coordination:

• Lead pursuit planning and coordination for major opportunities, managing timelines and team involvement
• Develop proposal content strategy and coordinate with principals, project teams, and consultants
• Manage RFP/RFQ responses, ensuring compliance while showcasing firm capabilities effectively
• Coordinate pursuit presentations and interview preparation with principals and project teams
• Implement and maintain CRM systems for pipeline management and pursuit tracking
• Create pursuit templates, processes, and tools that improve efficiency and win rates

Collaboration & Internal Coordination:

• Work closely with principals and studio teams to align business development efforts with firm capabilities and project pipelines
• Coordinate with Director of Operations on pursuit resources, strategic initiatives, and operational support
• Collaborate with principals on strategic planning, sector priorities, and growth opportunities
• Foster integrated pursuit approaches and knowledge sharing across the firm
• Support organizational evolution toward enhanced collaborative, project-based pursuit teams

Representation & Industry Engagement:

• Represent the firm at industry conferences, association events, and networking forums
• Build visibility and thought leadership presence for the firm in target sectors and markets
• Develop and maintain relationships with industry associations, partner firms, and strategic consultants
• Create opportunities for principal engagement and visibility in target markets

Reporting & Documentation:

• Prepare regular reports on business development activities, including pipeline status, pursuit outcomes, and market insights
• Maintain accurate records of all business development initiatives, client communications, and strategic partnerships
• Provide metrics and analysis to support strategic decision-making and resource allocation
• Document pursuit lessons learned and best practices to improve firm capabilities

Required Experience & Credentials:

• 15+ years of business development experience in architecture or closely related professional services
• Proven track record leading BD teams and driving revenue growth in complex professional services environment
• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Architecture, or related field
• Documented success securing new business and managing client relationships in competitive markets
• Experience with CRM/pipeline management systems and pursuit process development

Strategic Capabilities:

• Strategic relationship development and opportunity identification skills with ability to identify high-probability pursuits
• Understanding of architectural procurement processes, delivery methods, and client decision-making dynamics
• Market research and competitive intelligence capabilities to inform strategic positioning
• Win strategy development and proposal management expertise
• Partnership development skills for accessing opportunities in specialized sectors

Professional Services & Architecture Industry Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of the architecture, engineering, and construction landscape and market dynamics
• Familiarity with institutional procurement, developer relationships, and public sector processes
• Knowledge of sector-specific requirements (cultural, transportation, healthcare, higher education, mixed-use)
• Understanding of integrated project delivery methods and collaborative frameworks
• Awareness of design excellence standards and ability to articulate firm capabilities authentically

Leadership & Cultural Fit:

• Strong, independent leadership presence capable of partnering effectively with principals while driving strategic initiatives
• Collaborative approach that values and supports architectural leadership
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills with comfort engaging high-level stakeholders
• Diplomatic professional capable of fostering collaboration and cross-studio coordination
• Genuine interest in architecture and design with authentic appreciation for design quality
• Professional maturity to handle ambiguity, build consensus, and operate with significant autonomy

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign preferred), and CRM software
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to craft compelling pursuit narratives
• Presentation development and delivery capabilities
• Data analysis and reporting skills to track metrics and inform strategy

This position provides significant autonomy to shape and build the firm’s business development infrastructure during a strategic transition that creates genuine opportunity for impact. The role offers the chance to work alongside accomplished principals and contribute to a distinguished firm’s next chapter, with direct influence on growth strategy and sector positioning. Compensation includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience and market positioning, performance bonus structure tied to business development success and firm growth, transparent progression to senior leadership participation, and comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement plan contribution, and professional development support.

Full-time

This award-winning national design firm with a 50-year legacy is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to join their leadership team during an exciting period of transformation. With studios across multiple markets, this dynamic, multi-disciplinary practice creates meaningful places through design excellence, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. As an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company owned by the people who design and deliver the work, they have created a unique culture of accountability, collaboration, and shared success. The firm is seeking a strategic operational leader who can build the business infrastructure that powers their creative vision while guiding them through a generational leadership transition.

The Chief Operating Officer is an executive partner who brings a powerful combination of operational excellence and appreciation for design culture – someone who sees operations not as a constraint on creativity, but as the engine that enables it to thrive. They will work in close partnership with the National Managing Principal, Managing Principals, and studio leadership to transform financial performance and strengthen operational foundation across all offices.

The COO provides strategic leadership internally and externally, translating the firm’s vision into operational reality through clear objectives, metrics, and implementation plans. With exceptional skills at driving organizational change and building cross-functional partnerships, they will lead the implementation of operational improvements while respecting established culture and gaining buy-in. The COO will assume responsibility for firm-wide financial performance, working with the leadership team to establish and achieve revenue and profit goals that support the ESOP structure. They will modernize technology infrastructure, enhance risk management, and create cohesive strategies that improve efficiency, collaboration, and client service.

• Strategic Leadership: Translate the firm’s vision into operational reality through clear objectives, metrics, and implementation plans.
• Financial Stewardship: Assume responsibility for firm-wide financial performance, working with the leadership team to establish and achieve revenue and profit goals that support the ESOP structure.
• Process Design: Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, standardize best practices, and eliminate inefficiencies across studios and offices.
• Teamm Development: Lead and mentor a team of operational leaders in marketing, finance, human resources, technology, and sustainability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work as a key connector between traditionally siloed functions, ensuring alignment and cooperation.
• Change Management: Guide the implementation of operational improvements with sensitivity to culture and a focus on gaining buy-in.
• Problem Resolution: Act as an ombudsman for operational challenges, facilitating communication and implementing solutions.
• Technology Infrastructure: Modernize technology systems to create cohesive strategies that improve efficiency, collaboration, and client service.
• Risk Management: Enhance risk management through coordinated approaches to professional liability and business risk, while ensuring seamless operations across all locations.
• Performance Enhancement: Transform financial performance by driving stronger and more consistent profitability at both project and office levels through enhanced systems, metrics, and accountability.
• Decision-Making Systems: Elevate decision-making capabilities by implementing meaningful metrics and reporting systems that provide real-time insights.
• Talent Strategy: Develop strategic approaches to talent resources that improve attraction.

• Talent Strategy: Develop strategic approaches to talent resources that improve attraction.
• Proven Operational Leadership: Demonstrated success improving operational performance in a professional services or creative environment.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of professional service firm economics, project profitability drivers, and financial management.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to connect operational decisions to long-term business goals and market positioning.
• Change Management Expertise: Experience implementing new systems and processes while respecting established culture.
• Leadership Presence: Executive-level communication skills and the ability to influence across organizational boundaries.
• Design Appreciation: Genuine respect for design excellence and understanding of how operations support rather than constrain creativity.
• Data-Driven Approach: Comfort with metrics, analytics, and using data to guide decision-making and track performance.
• Collaborative Style: Capacity to build consensus and partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Cross-Functional Experience: Proven ability to work as a connector between traditionally siloed functions, ensuring alignment and cooperation.
• Technology Leadership: Experience modernizing technology infrastructure and implementing cohesive strategies for improved efficiency.
• ESOP Understanding: Knowledge of Employee Stock Ownership Plan structures and their operational implications preferred.
• Mullti-Location Management: Experience managing operations across multiple offices and geographic markets.

This is a rare opportunity to join a respected design firm during a transformational period, where you will be instrumental in building the operational foundation that enables creative excellence to flourish. The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of a firm with a rich legacy while creating systems and processes that support both business growth and design innovation. As COO, you will work alongside passionate design leaders who are committed to creating meaningful environments that enhance communities, ensuring that operations serve as the engine that powers their creative vision.

• The opportunity to directly influence the company’s growth and long-term strategy.
• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible schedule and remote-friendly environment.
• Supportive, collaborative, and growth-oriented team culture.
• Professional development opportunities and exposure to global markets.

Full-time

Our client is a nationally recognized architecture and interiors studio celebrated for its refined design sensibility and deeply personalized approach to residential environments. For over two decades, the firm has built an enduring reputation for creating tailored, timeless spaces that merge craft, innovation, and livability. With an expanding portfolio of award-winning private residences across the country, the practice has become known for projects that balance architectural rigor with warmth, comfort, and a keen attention to detail. As the practice continues to evolve, they are seeking a Design Director to lead and elevate their interiors team.

This role provides both creative and operational leadership, driving design excellence, ensuring seamless project delivery, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture. The Design Director will report to the firm’s partners and work closely with design and architectural leadership to shape the next evolution of the studio’s interiors practice. This is an opportunity to influence the creative direction of a respected firm while building and mentoring a talented team in a design-driven, collaborative environment.

Design Leadership & Project Oversight

• Provide creative direction for all single-family residential interiors, guiding projects from concept through installation
• Maintain design integrity across all phases, ensuring each project reflects the studio’s aesthetic and quality standards
• Partner with architectural and technical teams to develop cohesive, integrated design solutions
• Review and refine FF&E documentation
• Participate in material reviews, design charrettes, and construction coordination as needed
• Oversee multiple concurrent projects, balancing creative rigor with operational efficiency and profitability
• Attend site visits and client meetings as required

Client Engagement & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, leading design presentations, progress meetings, and on-site reviews
• Build and sustain long-term relationships through exceptional service, communication, and design delivery
• Manage expectations and maintain alignment between client vision, budget, and design intent
• Contribute to business development efforts in tandem with Interior Design Principal

Team Leadership & Studio Management

• Lead and meantor a team of designers, project managers, and procurement specialists
• Define team structure, assign project roles, and monitor workload distribution and performance
• Provide hands-on guidance and professional development opportunities, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability
• Ensure operational excellence through clear processes, documentation standards, and quality control
• Partner with firm leadership on staffing, resourcing, and financial planning for the interiors discipline

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

• Professional degree in Interior Design or related field
• 12+ years of experience in high-end single-family residential interiors, including at least 4 years in a senior leadership capacity
• Proven ability to lead complex, custom residential projects from design through installation
• Exceptional design sensibility and aesthetic judgment, with deep knowledge of materials, detailing, and fabrication
• Strong communication and presentation skills; confident leading clients and internal teams
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, timelines, and staffing for multiple projects concurrently
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Cloud; Revit experience a plus
• Willingness to travel as required for client meetings and site visits

• The opportunity to directly influence the company’s growth and long-term strategy.
• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible schedule and remote-friendly environment.
• Supportive, collaborative, and growth-oriented team culture.
• Professional development opportunities and exposure to global markets.

Full-time

Our client is a nationally recognized architecture, planning, and design firm with offices across the country and a significant Los Angeles presence. The firm brings multi-market expertise and resources while maintaining an entrepreneurial, collaborative studio culture that values design excellence and strategic problem-solving.

The firm is forward-thinking about the profession’s evolution, moving toward a “master builder” approach that integrates design, construction, and development thinking. They embrace design-build delivery, understand how new technology is transforming practice, and seek leaders who can envision and create the future of architectural practice, not just solve today’s problems.

As part of a strategic investment in building Los Angeles office depth, the firm is searching for a principal-level leader, one focused on mixed-use development, demonstrating their commitment to LA as a major market.

Our client seeks a Principal to lead mixed-use development business development, client relationships, and design excellence for their Los Angeles office. The ideal candidate has deep developer relationships, proven ability to win and deliver complex mixed-use projects, and design credentials that demonstrate sophisticated urban design thinking.

This is a unique opportunity to join an established office while having significant autonomy to shape and grow a development-focused practice in one of the nation’s most dynamic real estate markets. While current market conditions are challenging for private development, this positions the firm for long-term growth. The Principal will balance business development with design leadership, with the “master builder” approach, understanding pro-formas, financing, and project feasibility alongside design excellence, being particularly critical for this role.

Business Development Leadership

• Lead pursuit strategy for mixed-use development projects throughout Southern California, including residential/retail/office integration, urban infill, adaptive reuse, and transit-oriented development
• Build and maintain relationships with developers, real estate investors, institutional owners, and decision-makers in the development community
• Understand project feasibility, pro formas, financing structures, and development economics to be a credible partner to developers
• Navigate entitlement processes, community engagement, planning department relationships, and political dynamics of urban development
• Represent the firm in development community forums, real estate conferences, and strategic networking opportunities
• Generate revenue growth through strategic pursuit of transformational mixed-use projects

Design Leadership & Project Delivery

• Serve as Principal-in-Charge on multiple concurrent mixed-use development projects, balancing design quality with development economics
• Provide design direction and creative vision for urban projects that are both financially viable and architecturally compelling
• Understand constructability, value engineering, and phasing strategies that keep projects on budget and on schedule
• Manage client relationships with developers who value both design quality and financial performance
• Comfortable with design-build delivery, fast-track schedules, and integrated project delivery methods
• Coordinate with project teams across multiple offices, including contractor collaboration and consultant coordination
• Balance business development with hands-on design involvement as portfolio grows

Market Leadership & Strategic Positioning

• Represent the firm as a key player in the Los Angeles development community
• Build expertise in specific development types (multifamily, mixed-use, adaptive reuse, etc.) where firm can differentiate
• Support and mentor Los Angeles office team members
• Contribute to firm-wide initiatives related to development sector growth

Required Experience & Credentials

• 20+ years of progressive architectural experience with demonstrated leadership on complex mixed-use development projects
• Licensed architect required; LEED AP strongly preferred given sustainability requirements in California development
• Significant Principal-in-Charge experience managing multiple concurrent projects through fast-paced development cycles
• Understanding of development economics, construction costs, and project financing

Southern California Development Market Expertise

• Deep, established relationships with Los Angeles area developers, real estate investors, institutional owners, and development decision-makers
• Known and respected in the California development community with credibility that opens doors to opportunities
• Comprehensive understanding of California entitlement processes, CEQA, density bonus provisions, TOD incentives, and local planning dynamics
• Track record navigating complex approvals, community opposition, and political challenges
• Understanding of market cycles and positioning during challenging conditions

Business Development & Design Excellence

• Documented success bringing in development projects with portfolio demonstrating ability to win work through developer relationships
• Strong design capabilities with portfolio of built mixed-use work that demonstrates both financial performance AND design quality
• Ability to speak developers’ language about returns, rents, construction costs, and schedules while championing design excellence
• Proven ability to lead design teams, provide creative direction, and balance project economics with design ambitions
• Strategic thinker about development opportunities, market positioning, and long-term client relationships

Forward-Thinking & Industry Evolution

• Understanding of how AI and technology are transforming architectural production and value proposition
• Strong comfort with design-build, integrated project delivery, and alternative delivery methods common in development
• “Master builder” approach is critical: deep understanding of project feasibility, financing, budgeting, constructability, and economic viability alongside design thinking
• Vision for the future of urban development, housing, and mixed-use environments
• Entrepreneurial mindset comfortable with development risk and market dynamics

Leadership & Cultural Fit

• Collaborative, open-minded approach that values diverse perspectives—not ego-driven mentality
• Exceptional communication skills with comfort presenting to developers, investors, lenders, and planning commissions
• Supportive leadership style that develops others and thrives in team-based environment
• Ability to work alongside the public/government principal in complementary rather than competitive manner
• Alignment with firm values while understanding development sector’s unique pressures and priorities

This position provides a clear pathway to partnership based on performance, with the unique advantage of joining an established office that has existing market credibility and multi-office firm resources. The role offers significant autonomy to drive business development and design direction for the development practice while focusing on what matters most: winning work and delivering design excellence that is both financially viable and architecturally compelling. Compensation includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience and California market, performance bonus structure tied to business development success and project delivery, partnership track with defined timeline (typically 2-3 years) including profit sharing and equity participation, and comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement plan with firm contribution, and professional development support. The collaborative, non-bureaucratic culture provides opportunities to work alongside the public/government principal in building a diversified LA office, exemplifying the firm’s vision of integrated design/construction/development thinking through the “master builder” approach, while accessing expertise and capacity across offices nationally.