Associate Principal Architect (Education)

Leadership & Vision

This role blends executive leadership, business development, and project oversight, offering the opportunity to influence firmwide strategy while building meaningful, long-term client partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the regional leader for the Education market, building and sustaining strong client relationships throughout Southern California.
• Collaborate with Market and Firm leadership to develop and execute long-term market and practice strategies.
• Provide leadership for planning, programming, design, and project management across a portfolio of complex education projects.
• Participate in firmwide leadership initiatives, strategic planning efforts, and management committees.
• Lead marketing and business development efforts aligned with the Firm’s strategic plan.
• Identify and pursue new market opportunities, including team formation, proposal development, and participation in interviews.
• Represent the Firm at industry events and within professional and client networks.
• Meet or exceed performance metrics related to business development, contracts secured, and client satisfaction.
• Serve as Principal-in-Charge for assigned projects, overseeing quality, profitability, staffing, and revenue performance.
• Review and develop fee proposals, service scopes, and staffing plans to support project success.
• Support project managers with contract negotiations, additional services, and financial performance monitoring.
• Lead Quality Control/Quality Assurance efforts and champion Firm standards and lessons learned.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and high-performing work environment.
• Act as a mentor and coach to support professional growth, leadership development, and succession planning.
• Collaborate across studios, markets, and disciplines to support Firm-wide initiatives and shared goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or interior design (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 18 years of relevant professional experience.
• Established West Coast professional network within the K-12, Community College, and/or Higher Education market.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• California Licensed Architect

Benefits

• A competitive compensation package, robust bonus program, flexible work options, comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, and vision), generous paid time off, and a 401(k) with employer match.