Principal Architect

This role offers a licensed Project Architect the opportunity to step into a key leadership position with a clear path to ownership and eventual Principal-level responsibility. You will lead projects from schematic design through construction documents, oversee technical quality, and mentor a small, collaborative team within a highly regarded, woman-owned architecture practice based in Seattle.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural projects from schematic design through construction documents, ensuring cohesive design and technical excellence at every stage.
• Oversee quality control and quality assurance for project deliverables, including detailed review of drawings, specifications, and coordination documents.
• Provide technical oversight on building codes and ADA compliance, ensuring all designs meet applicable regulations and standards.
• Supervise and collaborate with staff on design and detailing across schematic design, design development, and construction documents.
• Guide the team in Revit-based production, setting standards for modeling, documentation, and coordination.
• Participate in construction administration activities, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, and supporting field coordination as needed.
• Serve as a primary client-facing architect, representing the firm in meetings, presentations, and ongoing project communication.
• Support pursuit of new clients and business opportunities by contributing to proposals, interviews, and relationship-building efforts.
• Mentor junior and mid-level staff, providing leadership, feedback, and professional development guidance.
• Contribute to the firm’s mission-driven design approach, particularly in housing and community-focused projects.
• Engage in firm-wide leadership activities that support a future transition to ownership and Principal-level responsibilities.

Requirements

• Advanced proficiency in Revit for design, documentation, and coordination.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and ADA requirements, with demonstrated experience applying them to complex projects.
• Proven experience leading projects from schematic design through construction documents.
• Demonstrated capability in QA/QC and technical oversight for architectural projects.
• Experience in schematic design, design development, and construction administration.
• Ability to supervise and collaborate effectively with architectural staff on design and detailing.
• Strong client-facing communication skills, including the ability to lead meetings and present design concepts.
• Interest in or experience with mission-driven work such as housing and community-focused projects.

Qualifications

• Experience mentoring and developing junior and mid-level architectural staff.
• Interest in pursuing new clients and business development opportunities.
• Familiarity with design tools such as InDesign for presentations and marketing materials.
• Experience working in small, highly collaborative teams.
• Interest in or experience with high-performance and sustainable design, including projects achieving advanced sustainability certifications.
• Desire to grow into a Principal-level role and participate in firm ownership.

Work Environment

You will join a six-person architecture firm known for a highly collaborative, creative team atmosphere and a strong track record of quality design execution. The practice has achieved some of the highest levels of sustainability certification in Washington State and is recognized as a leader in assisted living and special needs housing design. The office is located in Seattle, approximately a 10-minute walk from light rail and a 5-minute walk from bus service, offering convenient transit access.

Staff typically work on-site three days per week, with a standard work schedule of approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 or 6:00 p.m., and a standard workload of around 40 hours per week. Partners are generally expected to commit at least 45 hours per week, reflecting the leadership and ownership responsibilities associated with this path-to-Principal role. The environment emphasizes close collaboration, open communication, and shared ownership of project outcomes.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $120,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year.

Benefits

• Employer-paid Regence Silver Plan Health Insurance for the employee.
• 2 weeks of vacation.
• 2 weeks of sick pay.
• 401(k) with employer contributions.

Schedule

This is a permanent, hybrid position based in Seattle, WA. The standard work schedule is approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 or 6:00 p.m., with a standard workload of around 40 hours per week (45+ hours expected for partners).