OVERVIEW:
Our client is an award-winning national multi-disciplinary practice committed to providing fully integrated solutions while emphasizing design excellence that advances their client’s business objectives. With a portfolio encompassing architecture, engineering, environmental planning + design, construction and client services, the firm leverages its depth and breadth of expertise spanning local, regional and national market sectors to develop innovative solutions focused within Academic, Commercial, Civic + Government, Power + Energy, Retail, Science + Technology, Transportation and Workplace sectors. The firm’s entrepreneurial culture fosters close collaboration with their clients to create environments that enhance peoples’ lives, advance business objectives and enrich surrounding communities. Given the firm’s strategic growth, they are seeking a Director of Architecture to assume a key leadership role within a growing national organization, to be based in Chicago

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of Architecture will be highly skilled in the development and direction of large-scale, programmatically complex building and infrastructure projects across the Unites States. S/he will develop and grow relationships with new and existing clients that produce new and continued business. This innovative leader will demonstrate a propensity for problem solving, creative strategy development and sustainable design, and exhibit highly evolved business and financial management skills. A dynamic and fully engaged communicator, s/he will be an active participant in industry events and provide organizational, leadership, communication and relationship management both within the Chicago office and firm wide.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture
• Architecture Licensure required & NCARB preferred
• 15+ years progressive architecture experience inclusive of five years management experience with numerous building typologies at multiple scales
• Strong knowledge of current and emerging trends, clients, and the academic, civic + government, commercial and science + technology markets
• Proven track record of success in working with clients, including participation in the development of client relationships that lead to new and continuing business
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships across the firm, with clients and other key constituents that creates a competitive advantage
• Propensity for problem-solving, brand development and sustainable design
• Excellent communicator with strong presentation skills – written, oral and graphic
• Ability to maintain a balance between business development, financial management and staff development duties within the group
• Thorough understanding of financial components and management of financials within budget at a project and at a group level
• LEED Accreditation a plus
• Ability to travel in the U.S.