OVERVIEW:
Our client is a leading multi-disciplinary practice consistently recognized at the highest levels for design excellence, sector expertise and technical innovation. With and extensive portfolio encompassing Healthcare, Higher Education, Science + Technology and Civic projects, the firm’s seamless design and industry leading expertise are key market differentiators. They foster a collaborative and engaging workplace culture that challenges, rewards and enriches all levels of the organization. The firm’s dynamic, team oriented studio structure promotes collaboration and innovation while supporting ongoing investment in the firm's talent and technology. Their innovative portfolio encompasses Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Planning + Workplace Strategy, Historic Preservation and Building Performance. Given the firm’s robust growth and success they are seeking a Design Principal as a key leader based in their Houston office. 

ROLE:
The Design Principal is an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader, highly skilled in the design of large complex projects. This dynamic thought leader will work collaboratively in with the firm’s deep bench of design talent to create innovative solutions for the design of Healthcare, Higher Education, Science + Technology and Civic projects nationally. The Design Principal is responsible for overall design quality, direction and process while being an advocate of the firm’s design philosophy and brand promise. S/he will lead business development and marketing efforts in collaboration with leadership teams regionally and nationally. The Design Principal is joining a firm committed to design excellence with quarterly Design Forums, a robust Research Group and Strategic Partnership with top Universities and Fortune 100 companies that fuel design innovation. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Design Principal works closely with the Partner in Charge, fellow Principals and Senior Designers leading design teams in the development of concepts and strategies that respond to program and client requirements while striving to elevate design quality and execution. S/he will establish design objectives, develop design concepts, lead design presentations and guide the project team’s creative development. With an extensive role in business development and marketing efforts, the Design Principal is heavily involved in new and existing client relationships and pursuits. S/he will create productive and on-going relationships with key decision makers and influencers that will enhance the firm’s competitive advantage and positioning. 

The Design Principal will oversee presentation and proposal preparation and demonstrate the ability to direct the flow of multiple projects and tasks simultaneously. With exceptional skills at building long-term relationships, s/he will work closely with clients and consultants on high profile projects across the country. Adept with the big picture and the smallest details, the Design Principal will have proven design leadership and understanding of construction techniques on projects of multiple scales and share this knowledge, understanding and expertise as a mentor to emerging design talent. 

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Inspire design team members to explore diverse, mission-connected design concepts.

• Lead team during design implementation to ensure clarity and quality of concept is maintained through detail level.

• Collaborate with Project Leadership Team to establish shared goals, workplan and deliverables for each project.

• Manage client interaction and decision making relative to design in collaboration with Project Leadership Team, Sector Leaders and Project Executives across the firm. 

• Build the firms’ design portfolio by leading business development activities, project pursuits and interviews to win new work.

• Represent the firm in design presentations, national events and outside associations.

• Work closely with Experts, Interior Designers, Engineers and Consultants to integrate thought leadership into design solutions.

• Planning, organizing and facilitating design charettes for projects

• Play instrumental role in promoting and bolstering office design culture

• Advocate for emerging design talent.

• Along with other Design Principals, ensure consistent application of the firm’s established design philosophy. 

• Work collaboratively with firmwide Design Principals to drive the growth of design and innovation relative to client needs, expectations and requirements.

• Coordinate with Senior Design Principal to implement Design and Peer Reviews for projects, in the respective office as required.

• Support and implement firmwide strategic initiatives such as PR, recruitment, award programs, etc. 

• Coordinate with PR and lead the project team in creating award and publication submissions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture degree required

• 15-20+ years’ design experience (Healthcare, Higher Education and/or S+T a plus) with at least 5 yrs in a management/leadership role

• Licensed Architect. LEED accreditation preferred.

• Record of design excellence; designer of multiple award-winning projects

• Proven design leadership skills

• Proven mentorship and teaching skills

• Sound understanding of the expertise within the firm

• Proven successful client relationships