Director of Architecture

Summary
The Director of Architecture is a senior leadership role responsible for guiding the strategic vision, technical excellence, and operational performance of the architectural function within a design/build environment. This executive provides oversight across complex, multi-site projects while ensuring alignment with evolving market demands, client expectations, and enterprise growth objectives. Serving as both a strategic business partner and technical authority, the Director of Architecture leads high-performing teams, strengthens client relationships, and champions innovation, quality assurance, and safety-by-design principles. The role requires an experienced, licensed architect with a demonstrated ability to unify teams, drive accountability, and position the organization as a trusted industry leader.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the architectural department across multiple projects and locations.
• Lead and mentor high-performing architectural teams, fostering professional development, accountability, and technical excellence.
• Serve as a public-facing industry leader and ambassador, cultivating and managing strategic client relationships.
• Align departmental capabilities with evolving project demands and client expectations.
• Evaluate, refine, and uphold architectural standards, QA/QC processes, and design delivery methodologies.
• Balance high-level strategic leadership with hands-on technical authority to ensure design integrity and execution quality.
• Drive cross-functional initiatives to integrate safety-by-design principles into all phases of project delivery.
• Advance innovation through adoption of emerging design technologies, workflow optimization, and targeted staff training.
• Shape and execute long-term architectural strategy aligned with business development goals and market trends.
• Strengthen market position within the design/build sector through strategic partnerships and visible industry engagement.
• Build trusted relationships with senior leadership, departmental stakeholders, and key external partners.
• Promote a culture of proactive problem-solving, calculated risk-taking, and continuous improvement.
• Navigate complex conversations with clarity and confidence, ensuring alignment and forward momentum across teams.

Qualifications

• Licensed architect with a minimum of ten years of progressive architectural experience, including increasing leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams across complex, multi-site projects within industrial, commercial, or institutional sectors.
• Proven experience in strategic client relationship management and serving as a public-facing industry leader.
• Deep knowledge of architectural standards, QA/QC processes, and technical design excellence.
• Strong mentorship capabilities with a commitment to staff development and succession planning.
• Executive presence with polished communication and persuasive leadership skills.
• Strategic mindset with comfort navigating market evolution and enterprise-level growth initiatives.
• Forward-thinking, client-focused approach with strong analytical follow-through.
• Proactive problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort engaging in courageous conversations and leading through change with energy and resilience.