OVERVIEW:
Our client is a leading International multi-disciplinary practice consistently recognized and awarded at the highest levels for design excellence and technical innovation. The firm leverages its international expertise and in-depth knowledge of local markets through a network of culturally diverse, people centric global design studios focused on Commercial, Hospitality, Civic + Cultural, Science + Technology, Education, Healthcare, Government, Aviation + Transportation, Justice, Recreation + Wellness, Retail, Sports, Recreation + Entertainment, Tall Buildings and Workplace projects. Their innovative portfolio encompasses Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Planning + Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Consulting and Sustainable Design. Given the firm’s robust growth and success they are seeking a Design Principal for their Los Angeles office.

PROFILE:
An architect who is a recognized design leader providing clear vision and direction for innovative and responsive design. Working with clients and project teams, elevates design in all disciplines and markets. Develops a culture of design excellence throughout the practice. In collaboration with the office leadership team and other leaders in the firm, builds on the successes of the firm to secure the future as a top design practice that vies for the most significant work. Becomes a public face of the firm and assists in winning work for the firm. Develops and maintains strong client relationships.

This role joins the business unit leader team to co-lead and support:

• Satisfied Clients
• Great Design
• True Teamwork
• Excellent Delivery
• Profitable Office

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership

• Responsible for the design quality of all work developed by the regional business unit 
• Responsible for promoting and maintaining the firm’s design reputation
• Effectively listens and responds to client goals and offers excellent solutions and service
• Leads design teams, providing overall design direction to ensure high-quality design
• Responsible for conceptual design excellence; initiates project design and idea discussions
• Follows a holistic and integrated approach to design focusing on creating high performing sustainable buildings
• Maintains strong communication and relations with other firmwide practices and resources
• Fosters a commitment to external and internal client service

Management

• Conducts research and seeks thorough understanding of client needs for project requirements and design solution opportunities
• Engages clients in explorations that respectfully challenge their understanding of appropriate design solutions
• Assists in the preparation and delivery of design presentations to clients and drives consultant work to achieve design goals
• Works closely with project teams with respect to budget and schedule constraints
• Leads project design reviews and builds a design culture
• Communicates design intent in a clear and compelling way; demonstrates the incorporation of client’s requirements and goals within design solution
• Serves as project designer on selected projects—conceive and execute design, being mindful of clients’ needs, requirements, project budget, schedule, and site issues

Business Development

• Identifies new business opportunities while developing current client relationships
• Participates in marketing and business development opportunities
• Leads design competition teams
• Develops and nurtures positive client relationships
• Guides preparation of award submittals and design PR

Staff Development

• Mentors and coaches developing talent
• Participates in staff evaluations, compensation decision-making and allocation of resources in the business unit
• Participates in interviews and recruiting of professional staff
• Encourages staff exploration and innovation to achieve project design excellence and continual improvement

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or equivalent in education or experience required. Master’s degree preferred
• 15 years of experience, with at least 5 years as a lead project designer or design director
• Published and/or award-winning projects a plus
• Licensed Architect with current registration in your region required, if licensure is offered in your region
• NCARB registration preferred
• LEED accreditation or Green Associate preferred

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated creativity, passion and interest in architectural design
• Ability to lead and manage the design group with a collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships, both internal and external
• Ability to think strategically, implements change, and resolves conflict
• Thorough understanding of project work plans, schedules, staffing, and budgets
• Proven ability to prioritize oneself and the work of others in order to meet deadlines and provide high quality service to clients
• Proven ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with external clients and internal staff
• Proven ability to masterfully present, effectively sell and negotiate firm-wide services
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Thorough knowledge of sustainability, integrated design and LEED guidelines
• Proficiency in the basic technical skills of architecture including the following computer skills:

• Proficiency in Rhino and Grasshopper is required
• Enscape, 3D Max, Revit and BIM is preferred
• Knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup, and InDesign graphic software required
• Knowledge of Affinity Suite is preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

OTHER:

• Travel will be required
• Overtime will be required
• The job duties and requirements that this document describes may be altered or supplemented at any time at the sole discretion of the firm