Associate Principal – Education & Science

About the role

We are seeking an Associate Principal to join our Education and Science (EdSci) practice in Atlanta. The role involves guiding the EdSci sector in the Georgia region, developing new client relationships, and managing projects from inception to completion.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the leadership and visioning for the EdSci sector in the Georgia region.
• Develop capture plans and initiate relationships with key new clients.
• Maintain an active and visible presence in the EdSci sector.
• Develop qualifications and proposals for EdSci pursuits.
• Contribute to or leading pursuit go/no-go and strategy discussions.
• Contribute to or direct interview strategies and implementation.
• Prepare and negotiate project contracts.
• Serve as Principal-in-Charge and/or Project Manager on projects as appropriate.
• Maintain project oversight throughout execution, including conformance to client expectations for technical/quality, financial performance, and schedule adherence.
• Oversee financial performance across projects, including proactive budget management, forecasting, and alignment of resources with strategic priorities.
• Direct staffing strategies and workload planning across multiple teams to ensure efficient and successful project delivery.
• Champion and ensure implementation of QA/QC procedures to maintain design excellence and technical rigor across all deliverables.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Project Managers and multidisciplinary teams, building a high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Facilitate coordination and alignment among internal teams, clients, and stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes.
• Guide project teams through all phases of delivery, from initiation through close-out, ensuring consistency and quality throughout the lifecycle.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to project teams.
• In collaboration with EdSci subject matter experts, and independently when appropriate, develop abstracts and presentations for industry conferences, seminars, workshops, and other similar events promoting program messages, research, project outcomes, lessons learned, trends, etc. related to facility design.
• Contribute to thought leadership and represent HDR in industry forums to strengthen market presence and influence.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years experience with higher education architecture projects.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong knowledge of codes and good planning skills.
• PMP certification or demonstrated leadership of large, complex projects or programs.
• Proven experience leading higher education, science, or research portfolios, including client development and repeat business success.
• LEED Accreditation, with demonstrated leadership in sustainable and regenerative design strategies (low-carbon design, LEED, SDGs, Living Building Challenge).
• Familiarity with Fitwel, WELL, and AIA Framework for Design Excellence, with the ability to integrate these at a program or portfolio level.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale priorities while balancing strategic leadership and project oversight.
• Established or emerging network within the Georgia market with the ability to expand HDR’s regional presence, local candidates are preferred.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• 10 years related experience.
• A minimum 5 years project management experience.
• Registered Architect.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project).
• Knowledge and experience within the local and regional market.
• Good planning and mentoring skills.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.