Principal Architect (Multi-Family)

Job Description

About Lessard Design

Lessard Design Inc. (LDI) has been shaping the future of architecture for over 35 years. With a $25M Architecture division and a $20M Real Estate Development arm, the firm is renowned for its innovative designs and its commitment to creating vibrant, thriving communities.

LDI’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning projects across the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, ranging from high-rise towers to garden apartments. By blending creative ingenuity with real estate expertise, LDI is redefining what’s possible in the built environment.

Position Overview

Reporting to the CEO, the Principal of Multi-family is responsible for operations, staff performance, financial profitability, staff development, and growth of his/her group, consistent with LDI’s policies and approved business plan. Oversee the Group’s Associate Principals, Designers, and Project Managers, ensuring technical and financial performance of all projects to meet Quality & Cost Assurance standards. Oversee the Group’s organizational staff development and administer LDI’s policies and programs.

Responsibilities

1. Provide support to Associate Principals, Design Associates, and Project Managers.
2. Demonstrate leadership skills with ability and willingness to face challenges, solve problems, and motivate others, while maintaining effective relationships with customers by meeting or exceeding their requirements and expectations.
3. Develop and implement the Group’s business plan.
4. Develop strong ties with clients (as Client Sponsors) and professional organizations.
5. Increase LDI’s competitive position.
6. Market LDI’s services, in coordination with other Senior Principals and Principals.
7. Review and approve all Group bids and proposals for thoroughness and accuracy.
8. Negotiate bid price, work scope, and proposed terms (consistent with LDI’s policy).
9. Recruit, train, and supervise all Group personnel. Select, train, and develop understudies for all key positions.
10. Administer career development plans, quarterly Development Program, and annual evaluations for each direct report.
11. Administer Group personnel actions, including hiring, termination, performance and salary evaluations, promotions, demotions, and achievement recognition, in conformance with company policies.
12. Conduct Programming and Feasibility Studies.
13. Assist in design, production, and construction administration to maintain accurate and coordinated project information.
14. Produce top-quality designs that meet Clients’ expectations without impacting profit.
15. Respond to Construction Administration questions requiring resolution by Architect, Engineer, and Contractor.
16. Write contracts and Proposal Agreements with Project Managers to develop appropriate fees, schedules, and contractual terms.
17. As licensed architect, stamp and seal your drawings; obtain additional licenses as necessary with Lessard’s assistance.
18. Develop work scope, prepare budgets, provide Quality Assurance, and approve all work scope and budgets for projects, subcontracts, and related addendums.
19. Review, assist in development, and approve all Project Management Plans for the assigned group.
20. Support Associate Principals, Design Associates, and Project Managers under supervision.
21. Approve all Group billings, variances, and recommend write-offs and credits to COO.
22. Mentor Group management in technical, administrative, financial, and marketing management; function as “Senior Resource”.
23. Negotiate group contracts and budgets.
24. Develop new business to replace completed projects, maintain clients, and develop new clients.
25. Maintain the Group’s target labor utilization and coordinate with other Principals and Project Managers.
26. Achieve “Key Performance Indicators” as negotiated for the Group and self.

Qualities

• Leadership skills with ability and willingness to face challenges, solve problems, and motivate others, while maintaining effective relationships with customers.
• Thorough understanding of state/local codes and accessibility requirements.
• Effective and persuasive presentation skills on complex topics.
• Good judgment, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated personality, able to take on projects independently.
• Experience in negotiation and dispute resolution.
• Time management skills, deadline-oriented, and proactive.
• Proficient in spoken/written English.
• Keen observation and detail-oriented skills.
• Decision-making and document checking abilities.
• Strong professional relationships skills at all organizational levels.
• Strong organizational skills and disciplined accuracy.
• Discretion and sound judgment.
• Strong aesthetic sense and interest in the arts.
• Knowledge of professional ethics in architecture.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS), preferably in Architecture or related field.
• Architectural License: Required in all states where projects are located.
• Experience: 15+ years in Multi-family projects.
• Software Skills: Advanced in REVIT, MS Office; Photoshop and InDesign are a plus.
• Building Type: Multi-family, mixed-use, high-density.
• Support collection efforts as required.
• Strong knowledge of building materials, detailing, construction techniques, engineering principles, and codes.