Architecture Manager & Business Development Lead
About the role
GHD's US West Design Studio is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Project Director- Architect who will play a key role in advancing the growth of our architecture practice across all building sectors. This role will be based in Anchorage, AL and will act as a Lead architect, Project Manager, and Seller-Doer, focused on winning work, delivery as well as leading teams. This role blends high-impact business development with hands-on project involvement—ideal for an entrepreneurial design professional who excels at cultivating clients, winning work, and leading delivery teams. This is a pivotal role for a motivated architect who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment and is energized by shaping the built environment across a diverse project portfolio.
Responsibilities
- Build, maintain, and grow client relationships across all target markets—civic, education, commercial, industrial, transportation, infrastructure‑related facilities—while strategically deepening GHD's presence in Hospitality and Entertainment
- Lead opportunity identification, positioning, and pursuit strategy for new and existing clients
- Partner closely with the US West Design Studio leadership to drive growth, revenue targets, and key account development
- Collaborate with market sector leaders across GHD to coordinate integrated, multidisciplinary offerings
- Represent the Architecture Design studio and the broader GHD brand at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations
- Support proposal development, interview strategy, and client presentations
- Serve as project architect, design lead, or technical advisor for select projects across a broad range of building types
- Lead conceptual design workshops, visioning sessions, and planning discussions with clients and stakeholders
- Integrate architectural solutions with engineering, interiors, landscape architecture, and environmental teams for a seamless, multidisciplinary approach
- Ensure high standards of design quality, documentation, and project execution from concept through construction
- Mentor emerging design talent and contribute to a collaborative, high-performance studio culture
- Serve as the responsible lead for managing project financial health from contract execution to close out with work plans and instructions to guide and support the team through delivery
- Working knowledge of contract types and delivery approaches, invoicing and payments, project health metrics to manage to budget, schedule, and scope
- Act as subject matter expert in an area of technology, policy, regulation, or operational management for the team
- Maintain external accreditations and in-depth understanding of current and emerging external regulation and industry best practices through continuing professional development, attending industry events, and reading specialist media
- Ensure quality service and profitable business growth by managing a portfolio of complex customer relationships and/or a small team of account managers, executing on a plan for strategic win management, developing a personal network to represent the organization at business sector events to promote the organization, and enhance its reputation
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture
- Architectural licensure in the U.S. (required) or active progress toward licensure
- 12-20 years of architectural experience, including project involvement in multiple building types
- Demonstrated success in leading teams, delivery excellence and business development
- Strong presentation, communication, and relationship-building abilities
- Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams
- Competency with Revit, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and design communication tools