Associate Design Principal

About the role

We are seeking an Associate Design Principal for our Boston office. This role is for a talented design leader looking to lead across the firm to enhance our design capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly innovative, creative, integrated and effective design solutions.
• Bring a strong design portfolio and developing reputation demonstrated through design work, awards, publications, education or other venues, with positive client references.
• Guide initial design concepts and ideas from pursuit and selection through successful project completion on multiple projects.
• Set and support teams to meet design excellence goals while considering management goals and project budgets.
• Have the aptitude and initiative to teach and train other designers and interdisciplinary AE project teams in the essentials of design excellence and in the critical tenets of HDR’s Design Philosophy.
• Effective in mentoring and developing junior design staff, challenging, inspiring and/or motivating others to join in the constant pursuit of design excellence.
• Identify, attract and retain key design staff, identifying and developing skills of internal design talent as well.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Architecture or closely related field.
• 10+ years experience functioning as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities.
• Professional architectural registration.
• Experience in institutional clients in Healthcare, Civic, Education, Science, and Transportation Architecture ideal.
• Proven record of winning project pursuits and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Experience and/or interest in integrating sustainable building design.
• Excellent leadership and mentoring skills.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated graphic presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of codes and good planning skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project Schedule).
• Ability to collaborate and integrate with existing team.
• Preference given to candidates currently residing in the greater Boston area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years experience.
• Registered Architect.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project Schedule).
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in use of Autodesk Revit and familiarity with related tools and process.
• Demonstrated graphic presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of codes and good planning skills.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.

Pay

The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.)

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Business Class

Gen Architecture

Job Posting Date

May 19, 2026

Company Information

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.