Principal, Education and Science We design spaces that change how people think, discover, and create - and we're looking for a Principal to help lead that work in the Southeast.
Our Education and Science practice shapes research labs, academic institutions, and corporate life science environments for the world's most ambitious clients. We're ranked
#1 in Science and Technology and have earned
11 Lab of the Year awards - not by playing it safe, but by pairing deep technical rigor with bold, human-centered design.
You'll join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and designers who believe the built environment can fundamentally shift human behavior. That belief drives everything we do, from the first client conversation to ribbon cutting.
What you'll own:- Setting strategic direction for the Education and Science sector across the region
- Building and sustaining a high-value client portfolio through genuine, lasting relationships
- Leading pursuits from pre-positioning through close - and owning the results
- Directing project teams with the confidence of someone who's done it before
What you bring:- Proven experience winning and delivering complex Education and Science projects
- The drive to grow a market, not just manage one
- A reputation clients remember and competitors notice
What We're Looking For:You have experience working across science and education - with biotech, pharma, and academic clients - and an understanding of what these environments need to succeed. You have built client relationships to prove it.
Beyond the portfolio, you bring sharp business development instincts, a genuine commitment to sustainable design, and the flexibility to show up where the work is.
Most importantly, you thrive in a culture of ownership - literally. HDR is not a limited partnership or publicly held company. We are 100% employee-owned, and we're looking for someone who takes that seriously.
If you're drawn to work that shapes how the next generation learns and how discoveries get made, we'd love to connect.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience on large-scale science and higher education projects.
- Experience with biotech, pharma, or corporate science clients.
- Experience with general higher education academic buildings and programs.
- Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional science and education market.
- Proven business development experience in education and science consulting industry.
- Working knowledge of Revit.
- Willing to travel.
- Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED.
*LI-SA1
QualificationsRequired Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Architecture
- 15 years related experience
- A minimum 7 years project management experience
- Registered Architect
- Must have experience on large-scale projects
- Must be able to lead a team on projects and make client presentations
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project)
- Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional market
- Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational/organizational and people skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Must be willing to travel
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
