Design Principal

Internal Number: DP, DC 2026

About the role

A renowned design firm seeking a Design Principal who will continually elevate the quality of our work in the DC (Tysons Corner) office through positive leadership, a collaborative work style, and deep design expertise. This high-impact position will lead design of a wide range of project types with a focus on Community, Higher Education and Recreation/Sports. Partnering with a transdisciplinary team, you’ll listen intently, ask insightful questions, surface and frame the real challenges, generate and test ideas, and guide teams toward solutions that measurably advance your clients’ strategic and operational goals. We seek to truly integrate and become a multidisciplinary studio with Architecture and Interior Architecture, to blur the line of where architecture ends and interior design begins.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of projects across various market segments, with a focus on Community, Higher Education, and Recreation/Sports
• Partner with transdisciplinary teams to advance client strategic and operational goals
• Build and sustain relationships with client executives to develop and win business opportunities
• Shape the evolution of design and discourse within the firm by collaborating with designers across the firm footprint
• Mentor and develop the talents of others while leading design efforts
• Contribute to thought leadership and uncover breakthrough ideas
• Enhance design culture through collaboration and innovation

Requirements

• Registered Architect with deep experience designing projects across various market segments
• Proven design leadership and creative problem-solving skills
• Knowledgeable and passionate about sustainable, agile, and regenerative design
• Strong team leadership with a collaborative and empathetic approach
• Excellent communication skills, able to simplify complex ideas and listen to understand
• Experience in business development, building relationships, and winning projects
• Working knowledge of the latest design software and techniques
• Active involvement in industry-related organizations or recognition of award-winning designs
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on design trends and discourse
• Ability to mentor and develop others while fostering a positive and inclusive culture

About the company

Little, nationally and locally recognized as a “Best Firm to Work For,” is dedicated to enhancing client performance by orchestrating the right mix of expertise, creativity, and innovation to deliver results beyond architecture. Over 300 employees across the nation specialize in a variety of market types, including Community (Civic, College & University, Schools, Justice), Retail (Brand Experience, Supermarket/Hypermarkets, Service Retail), and Workplace (Interiors, Mission Critical, and Office). The firm delivers results through a complete array of diversified architectural consulting services such as Architecture, Engineering, Interior Architecture, Land Development Services, Branded Environments, FM Strategies, Building Technology Applications, and Skyscraper Services.

Originally started in Charlotte, NC, Little has locations in Costa Mesa, CA; Orlando, FL; Durham, NC; Washington, DC; and Beijing, China. The culture is energetic, collaborative, and open, valuing people who are fun to work with and who have a positive impact on those around them. Little offers outstanding benefits, compensation, and growth opportunities.

To learn more about Little, visit www.littleonline.com.