Principal Architect

National Award-Winning Studio & Winner of Design Firm of the Year is actively seeking a Principal Architect for their Berkeley office. With over 19 offices across the U.S., the award-winning architecture + design firm specializes in K-12 through college/university, healthcare, sports, and corporate business sectors across the U.S. The company has won over 500 design awards and is recognized for shaping learning environments for students and the community.

It s well-established culture has also led the firm being named to the list of “Best Places to Work.” For over forty years, the multidisciplinary studio has created a client base of more than two hundred clients, a list that includes university systems, hospital systems, school districts, and Fortune 500 companies.

The Principal Architect will be a senior leader within a dynamic and rapidly growing architectural firm, serving as the primary point of contact for key clients. This individual will regularly engage with top decision-makers at client organizations, ensuring exceptional client experiences, high-performing project teams, and consistent delivery of excellence. A proven relationship builder, the ideal candidate combines strategic insight with an approachable, energetic leadership style.

Your Impact:

• Partner with executive leadership to refine, implement, and drive the firm’s strategic vision.
• Leverage robust corporate resources and support to achieve client and organizational goals.

• Maintain ultimate responsibility for service quality, cultural development, and process execution within assigned offices.
• Oversee all aspects of client relations, ensuring satisfaction and optimal project outcomes from inception through delivery.

• Proactively build and nurture relationships with both prospective and existing clients.
• Collaborate closely with marketing and business development teams to identify new opportunities and expand client partnerships.

• Foster a supportive and empowering environment that encourages staff growth and professional excellence.
• Oversee workforce planning and participate directly in the recruitment and selection of new team members.

• Participate in or lead:
• Executive and management meetings
• Board-level and major client presentations
• Strategic discussions and introductions to key issues
• Staff management sessions and new-hire interviews
• Ongoing quality assurance and project oversight
• Regular, concise check-ins with Production Directors and Project Managers
• Industry conferences and seminars

• Registered Architect in the relevant state.
• Minimum 15 years’ experience within the architectural field, with at least 10 years managing project teams and delivery processes.
• Demonstrated experience with K-12 and/or Higher Education sector projects is required.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a proactive and collaborative management style.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a respected architectural firm while advancing both client success and firm growth.