Associate Principal or Principal Architect– Higher Education

About the Role

We’re looking for a strategic, relationship-driven Principal to lead, grow, and elevate our higher education practice in Irvine. This role blends executive leadership, business development, and project oversight, offering the opportunity to influence firmwide strategy while building meaningful, long-term client partnerships. You’ll play a key role in advancing our mission, vision, and standards of excellence within the Education market.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the regional leader for the Higher Education market, building and sustaining strong client relationships throughout the San Diego region and 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or interior design (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 16 years of relevant professional experience.
• Established West Coast professional network within the 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• LEED accreditation.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package and robust bonus program.
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, and vision).
• Generous paid time off.
• 401(k) with employer match.

At Lionakis, people and design come first. You’ll find a collaborative, design-forward culture that values creativity, mentorship, and shared success, along with a workplace deeply committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion—in our projects, our people, and our culture.

Pay

Salary Range: $158,300–$220,500 annually. Compensation and level depend on experience.