We are seeking an exceptional Rainmaker Architect-a visionary leader with the talent, drive, and entrepreneurial mindset to guide and grow a high-performing architecture and engineering studio. This person will oversee a team of approximately 14 professionals and work closely with firm leadership to expand the organization's reach, capabilities, and long-term success.
The ideal candidate combines top-tier architectural ability, client-facing excellence, and business acumen, and is motivated by the opportunity to shape and eventually help own a thriving high-end Architecture/Engineering firm.
Key Responsibilities
Studio & Business Leadership
- Lead a multidisciplinary team, fostering a positive, collaborative, high-performance culture.
- Partner with the firm principal to grow the business, including new service offerings, market expansion, and operational improvements.
- Contribute to long-term strategic planning and drive initiatives that strengthen the firm's design reputation and operational excellence.
Client Engagement & Rainmaking
- Serve as the firm's primary relationship builder, developing and nurturing client partnerships built on trust, professionalism, and design excellence.
- Lead business development efforts, including networking, proposal development, presentations, and maintaining ongoing client satisfaction.
- Represent the firm in high-level meetings, ensuring alignment between client goals, team execution, and organizational vision.
Project Strategy & Oversight
- Oversee complex projects from concept through construction administration, ensuring technical accuracy, design quality, schedule adherence, and financial performance.
- Guide the preparation and execution of construction documents, permit sets, and bid packages.
- Participate in Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings, mentor project teams, and provide oversight during Construction Administration.
Team Management & Mentorship
- Lead, mentor, and develop architects and project managers, ensuring strong communication, technical quality, and project delivery.
- Support career growth for junior staff through coaching, feedback, and project exposure.
Qualifications
Required
- Licensed Architect with substantial experience leading teams and clients.
- Strong architectural design and technical expertise, with the ability to guide complex projects.
- Proven experience managing projects across retail town centers, mixed-use developments, or similarly complex environments.
- Exceptional communication and leadership skills; ability to inspire trust and confidence in clients and teams.
- Demonstrated ability in sales, client management, and relationship building.
- Solid understanding of finances, business operations, and the economics of architecture practice.
- Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD Architecture/AI, and other relevant design software.
Preferred
- Experience growing or running a studio, practice group, or firm.
- Knowledge of sustainable design and large-scale permitting processes.
- Confidence in navigating multidisciplinary teams and consultants.
- Desire for long-term career stability and interest in potential future ownership.
Why This Role Is Unique
This is not a typical architect or project manager position. It is a high-impact leadership role for someone who wants to shape a firm's future-both culturally and strategically. You'll lead a talented team, strengthen client relationships, elevate design excellence, and drive growth with the potential for future ownership.
