Studio Principal, Community

Little is seeking a passionate and highly capable Community Studio Principal for our Southern California office. This role emphasizes leadership on key projects, client engagement, and team development, with a focus on community-driven design.

About the Role

The Community Studio Principal will lead a team specializing in the design and construction of community projects, including K-12 schools, higher education, recreation, and civic buildings. You will mentor and build a dedicated team while collaborating with leaders across the firm. This position requires a registered architect and offers access to a wide range of resources and firmwide partnerships.

Our community practice portfolio includes sports and recreation facilities, public safety facilities, student centers, student housing, performing arts centers, and medical education and health science buildings.

Responsibilities

• Design Expertise & Execution: Demonstrate deep experience in community-based buildings, working with design partners to enhance project quality and client performance.
• Business Development: Initiate and develop new business opportunities through professional networks, targeting new and existing clients to identify, pursue, and win new work. Integrate a strategic business development plan for revenue and profitable growth.
• Client Satisfaction: Serve as a trusted advisor, earning client loyalty through subject-matter expertise, client care, and a focus on delivering value for the client.
• Financial Responsibility: Maintain studio profitability to reward employees and invest in new processes, technologies, and competitive advantages. Understand market conditions impacting project costs.
• Leadership & Team Building: Foster team success through clear communication, mentoring, motivation, and vision. Collaborate with peers across offices and disciplines to grow the national practice.
• Thought Leadership: Lead internal teams and position Little at the forefront of the industry by staying abreast of trends in higher education, technological innovations, and architectural design processes.
• Commitment to Regenerative Outcomes: Champion regenerative design—restoring ecosystems and harmonizing economic, environmental, social, and human health outcomes through a "whole systems" approach.

Qualifications

• Registered architect (required).
• Proven experience in community-based projects, including K-12, higher education, recreation, and civic buildings.
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Track record in business development, client relations, and financial management.
• Passion for public spaces, complex projects, and regenerative design.

Benefits

At Little, you’ll join a collaborative culture of diverse expertise, teaching, and learning. We prioritize client and team relationships, creativity, and community impact. Our Southern California office features a uniquely creative workspace, fostering imagination and innovation.

Pay

Anticipated salary range: $150,000–$195,000, based on experience level.