Practice Area Leader, Education

Practice Area Leader, Education

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GFF Design is a dynamic, award‑winning multi‑disciplinary design firm based in Dallas, with a legacy of excellence since 1982. Our team of over 120 design professionals in Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth delivers innovative Architecture, Interior Design, and Planning across the United States. We have garnered national recognition and numerous accolades, including receiving The Texas Society of Architect’s prestigious ‘Firm Award’ and receiving over 125 awards for design excellence.

Our collaborative, design‑focused approach thrives on tackling complex projects with creativity and strategic thinking, ensuring sustainability and client service excellence.

GFF is an award‑winning, design‑focused firm with a 40+ year legacy of creating memorable architectural solutions across Texas. With offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, we specialize in multifamily, mixed‑use, office, retail, faith‑based, civic, educational, and corporate projects. Our passionate team of planning, architecture, and interior design professionals offers an energetic and stimulating work environment, competitive salary/benefits, and advancement potential at all levels.

We are seeking a skilled Practice Area Leader to join our Education Practice in Dallas. As the Education Practice Area Leader, you will be the creative and strategic force shaping the future of learning environments for higher education and K‑12. You’ll guide projects from vision to reality—translating educational philosophies into spaces that empower faculty, engage students, and serve communities for decades to come.

Your leadership will influence not just buildings, but the way people experience education.

• Lead the design vision for higher education, K–12, and specialized learning facility projects, ensuring alignment with client goals and educational best practices.
• Lead business development activities to identify opportunities, craft proposals, and grow the education practice portfolio.
• Represent the firm at client presentations, industry conferences, and community forums as a thought leader in educational design.
• Develop and maintain strong client and external relationships that lead to meaningful new projects.
• Oversee all phases of the architectural process—from concept design and stakeholder engagement to construction administration.
• Collaborate closely with educators, administrators, and community leaders to translate pedagogical needs into functional, inspiring spaces.
• Integrate sustainable design strategies, accessibility standards, and emerging technologies into every project.
• Mentor and inspire a multidisciplinary team of architects, designers, and planners, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration and excellence.

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from an accredited university.
• 10+ years of architectural experience, with a strong portfolio of education-focused projects.
• Proven leadership in guiding complex projects from concept through completion.
• Deep understanding of current trends in pedagogy, campus planning, and learning space design.
• Proficiency in design and documentation tools such as Revit, Sketch Up, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and human‑centered design.
• Proven ability to grow the education market sector and develop new client relationships.
• Active Registration.

• Previous experience with award‑winning retail and commercial projects.
• Understanding of financing structures for commercial development.
• Experience with modular construction or other innovative building technologies.
• Active involvement in ULI, AIA, or other professional organizations.
• Knowledge of universal design strategies.
• Previous experience developing or assisting development of practice standards and training programs.