Associate Principal

US$110000 - US$150000 per annum

PermanentArchitecture & DesignUSHybridRichmond, Virginia

Senior Architecture Leader (Associate Principal Level)
Location: Flexible within the U.S. | Hybrid options available
Employment Type: Full-Time | Architecture & Design Practice

A well-established architecture and design firm is seeking a Senior Architecture Leader at the Associate Principal level to guide the future of its growing practice. This strategic leadership position focuses on developing client relationships, mentoring internal teams, and contributing to firm-wide initiatives that influence design excellence, business development, and company culture.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Architecture Leader will:

  • Lead the delivery of complex, multi-phase projects while maintaining exceptional design quality

  • Cultivate and expand relationships with both existing and prospective clients

  • Oversee project teams, allocate resources, and manage internal workflows

  • Provide mentorship and career development support to team members

  • Manage project schedules, budgets, invoicing, and internal financial reporting

  • Champion sustainable, community-focused design approaches

  • Contribute to marketing strategies, proposal development, and client pursuits

  • Play a central role in business planning, lead generation, and portfolio expansion

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of design expertise, leadership capability, and strategic thinking. Qualifications include:

  • A minimum of 12 years of professional experience in architecture, with at least 5 years in a project leadership or management role

  • A professional degree in Architecture (Bachelor's or Master's) from an accredited program

  • Licensure as a Registered Architect (RA)

  • Proven success delivering moderately sized and technically complex projects

  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing competing priorities

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including direct client engagement

  • A track record of overseeing $1 million or more in project fees and contributing to firm growth

Preferred Experience

  • Leadership in sectors such as public work, higher education, or healthcare

  • Experience developing long-term client accounts and strategic business plans

  • Engagement in professional speaking, mentoring, or firm-wide initiatives

Compensation & Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Clear career growth pathways and internal mobility support

  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage (including fully paid individual plans)

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) and eight paid holidays

  • Retirement savings plan with firm contributions

  • Student loan assistance (up to $6,000)

  • Tuition reimbursement and professional licensure support

  • Life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee

  • Dependent care flexible spending account (up to $5,000 annually, pre-tax)

Company Culture

This firm fosters a values-driven workplace built on:

  • Collaboration - Emphasizing collective problem-solving and cross-team learning

  • Family - Supporting team members' well-being and recognizing their families as part of the community

  • Fun - Encouraging creativity, camaraderie, and a balanced work-life approach

  • Inspiration - Promoting a culture of growth, positivity, and innovation

  • Integrity - Acting with consistency, accountability, and transparency

  • Ingenuity - Pursuing smart, forward-thinking solutions in all areas of practice

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