Principal Architect

As a Principal Architect at CSHQA, you are the leading architectural voice at the firm, guiding design projects for buildings and structures. You assist clients through the planning and creation of fiscally responsible, award-winning designs, as well as manage multiple architectural projects from the conception stage through construction and completion; ensuring teams meet quality, schedule, contractual and budget goals, while leading and mentoring others through collaboration. You will have proven experience supervising and leading a team of Designers, Architects and Architects-in-Training, Engineering disciplines and Consultants. This position requires knowledge of architectural projects concerning unique and varied complexities that significantly impact CSHQA. Well-developed project management, client management and/or marketing abilities will be key to your success. In addition, you will use your partnering and relationship-building skills to establish new and manage existing client relations; coordinating communication among all parties involved to maintain a project workload for business continuity. You will report to the VP of Architecture.

JOB DUTIES

• Guides and develops a Studio Business Plan.
• Represents the firm’s vision, values, objectives, goals, and why, consistent with CSHQA’s strategic vision, internally and externally.
• Holds Studio accountable for high-level communication and coordination.
• Maximizes efficiency and promotes continuous improvement within the Studio.


• Studio Management:
  • Collaborates with the HR Director, VPs of Architecture or Engineering, and Talent Management Director to execute the HR lifecycle (e.g., recruiting, hiring, retention) to maximize Studio performance and engagement.
  • Responsible for annually projected studio revenue and profit establishing annual studio utilization goals as developed annually with the Executive Team.
  • Initiates and develops new project opportunities.
  • Develops studio goals based on established firm KPIs with accountable metrics.
  • Develops technical, business development, project management, and operational capabilities of Studio team.
  • Guides and mentors Sr. Associates and Associates through career path development, establishing goals and evaluating the progress of goals on a regular basis.
• Marketing/Business Development:
  • Collaborates with VP of Business Development to create a Studio Business Development Plan that supports and aligns with company established model.
  • Manages specific Market Sectors.
  • Actively participates in professional, business, committee, and civic organizations.
  • Serves as primary client contact, ensuring that clients report the highest satisfaction scores and continue to choose the company as their preferred partner.
  • Develops project scope and fees and establishes schedules and budgets, in collaboration with the Studio member responsible for managing the project.
  • Prepares proposals (including establishing basic criteria for the project scope development) and reviews contract documents.
• Project Management:
  • Obtains necessary project data and assists in establishing program requirements in
    collaboration with the Studio member responsible for managing the project.
  • Maintains Standard of Care for projects confirming regulatory requirements and supporting client needs.
  • Supervises the Project Managers responsibilities to deliver projects, monitor and actively manage project outcomes of their Scope, Time/Schedules, Team/Resources, Cost/Budgets, and Client Management.
• Delivers design sensitive projects on schedule and within budget while making authoritative decisions and recommendations of significant impact related to the project.
• Leads design discussions and the development of drawings, modeling and 3D renderings based upon those discussions, ensuring the design intent of the project is incorporated into the detailed documentation.
• Oversees specification set-up and drawing coordination, research, and appropriate use of CSHQA standards.
• Oversees and coordinates technical aspects of the design of multiple projects assuming responsibility for finished plans, specifications, and QA/QC.
• Manages project scope, budgets, schedules, QA/QC reviews and client expectations ensuring that cost, customer service, quality, schedule, and safety are incorporated into the design from commencement through completion.
• Communicates and coordinates with other architects, owners, engineering disciplines, vendors, consultants, governmental agencies, etc. throughout the design phases of the building project.
• Oversees the preparation of construction documents and direct construction administration of architectural projects.
• Leads ongoing business development activities including project proposal preparation and ability to win work during proposal response.
• Seeks to understand project priorities between other studios and disciplines and works with other studios and disciplines in a professional manner.
• Evaluates and selects architectural and engineering consultants.
• Effectively manages multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Excellent negotiator and communication skills and ability to work effectively with others.

REQUIRED CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALITIES

• Proven experience as an Architect Principal.
• Empathetic leader having genuine interest in understanding others’ thoughts and perspectives.
• Outstanding communicator with the ability to speak at all levels to all audiences.
• Prioritizes attention to details, understanding situations, and makes calculated decisions.
• Ability to guide and mentor a team of individuals to be productive.
• Ability to identify, understand and manage your own emotions as well as the emotions of others around you to manage conflict, communicate effectively and empathize with colleagues to improve business performance.
• Supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.
• Prioritizes task and delegates them when appropriate.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Working Knowledge of with AutoCAD and/or Revit software.
• Familiar with design software.

PREFERRED CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALITIES

• Working knowledge of sustainability, integrated design and LEED guidelines.
• Working knowledge of buildingSMART, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery (IDP).
• Proficiency in 3D Modeling software such as 3D Studio Max and Enscape.
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup, Bluebeam and InDesign graphic software.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor or Master’s degree of Architecture at an accredited institution.
• Demonstrate active Architectural Professional licenses; NCARB accreditation preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years’ design experience and expert knowledge of building products, construction details and relevant rules, regulations, and quality standards.
• Strong portfolio to demonstrate architectural skills in both design and construction documents.
• Familiarity with design software.
• Working Knowledge in AutoCAD and/or Revit.
• Proficient with all Microsoft Office applications.

CSHQA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, retaliation for protected activity, protected veteran or disabled status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.