Principal Architect

THE OPPORTUNITY: You’ll lead a collaborative Sacramento studio of approximately nine professionals, with the autonomy to grow the practice, develop client relationships, and guide projects from pursuit through completion. This is a highly visible leadership role combining business development, project delivery, technical oversight, and team mentorship. You’ll work closely with a dedicated Business Development professional and have the support of an established executive leadership team. Even better? You’ll have the opportunity to help shape the studio’s future, develop your own portfolio of clients, and directly influence its success.

WHAT YOU'LL DO: Lead & Grow the Sacramento Studio: Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to a talented team of architects and design professionals. Drive Business Development: Partner with the firm's dedicated BD professional to pursue opportunities, develop proposals, expand client relationships, and win new projects. Oversee Project Delivery: Guide projects from initial pursuit and design through construction administration, ensuring exceptional quality, profitability, and client satisfaction. Provide Technical Leadership: Oversee QA/QC, construction documentation, code compliance, consultant coordination, and project execution. Manage Project Financials: Oversee project budgets, fees, schedules, scope changes, and profitability. Develop Future Leaders: Mentor junior architects, delegate effectively, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. Build Your Practice: Leverage your industry relationships and expertise to help expand the studio's presence throughout the Sacramento market. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR Required Qualifications: Licensed Architect (California license preferred; architects licensed in other states who can obtain California licensure will be considered). Demonstrated experience leading architectural projects, managing teams, and developing client relationships. Strong business development capabilities, including project pursuits, proposals, fee negotiations, and client presentations. Experience managing architectural projects with professional fees exceeding $150K. Strong technical knowledge of building codes, permitting, accessibility, construction documentation, and quality control. Ability to lead and review work in Revit, AutoCAD, and/or Bluebeam. A collaborative, approachable leadership style with a passion for mentoring and developing others. Ability to work onsite in Sacramento at least three days per week. Experience in at least two of the following sectors is preferred: Retail, Grocery & Fuel Centers Commercial / Developer-Driven Projects Civic & Government Hospitality Additional Plus Factors Established client relationships or a book of business in the Sacramento/Northern California market. Experience with California DSA or HCAI projects. Previous studio, office, or practice leadership experience. An entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to balance business development and project execution. WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY STANDS OUT Competitive Compensation: $140,000–$220,000 base salary, depending on experience and leadership level, plus a discretionary annual bonus. 100% Employee-Owned: Participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and share in the firm's long-term success. Genuine Leadership Opportunity: Lead an established Sacramento studio with the autonomy to develop client relationships, grow the business, and influence its direction. Clear Advancement Potential: Senior Architects with strong leadership potential can be considered for advancement into a Principal role within approximately 6–12 months. Support Without Micromanagement: Benefit from dedicated business development resources, operational support, and an experienced executive team. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Up to 5 weeks of PTO for leadership-level positions, plus 9 paid holidays Discretionary annual bonus Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities Hybrid Flexibility: Three days onsite and two days remote once established in the role. Diverse Project Portfolio: Work across multiple commercial and institutional sectors rather than being limited to a single specialty. This is a confidential leadership search, and additional details about the firm will be shared with qualified candidates.