Principal Architect (Single 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

Lessard Design Inc (LDI) Single Family/Townhomes studio is growing, which means we are looking for a Principal to grow with it. We seek a Principal or Associate Principal to join our Single Family/TH studio, responsible for operations, staff performance, financial profitability, staff development, and growth of the group, in accordance with LDI’s policies and business plan. The role includes overseeing Designers and Project Managers, ensuring technical and financial performance of projects to meet Quality & Cost Assurance standards, and administering staff development and policies.

Responsibilities

1. Demonstrate leadership skills, face challenges, solve problems, motivate others, and maintain effective client relationships by meeting or exceeding expectations.
2. Develop and implement the Group’s business plan.
3. Build strong relationships with clients and professional organizations.
4. Enhance LDI’s competitive position.
5. Review and approve all group bids and proposals for accuracy and thoroughness.
6. Negotiate bid prices, work scope, and terms in line with company policy.
7. Recruit, train, and supervise group personnel, including developing understudies for key roles.
8. Manage career development plans, quarterly development programs, and annual evaluations for direct reports.
9. Handle personnel matters such as hiring, termination, performance reviews, and promotions.
10. Conduct programming and feasibility studies.
11. Assist in design, production, and construction administration to ensure coordinated project information.
12. Produce high-quality designs meeting client expectations without compromising profit.
13. Respond to construction administration questions requiring resolution among architects, engineers, and contractors.
14. Draft contracts and proposals, develop fees, schedules, and contractual terms.
15. As a licensed architect, stamp and seal drawings, obtaining additional licenses as needed.
16. Develop project scope, budgets, and quality assurance, and approve work scopes and budgets for projects and subcontracts.
17. Review and assist in developing project management plans.
18. Approve billings, variances, and recommend credits to the CFO.
19. Mentor management in technical, administrative, financial, and marketing areas; act as a senior resource.
20. Negotiate contracts and budgets.
21. Develop new business, replace completed projects, and maintain client relationships.
22. Maintain target labor utilization and coordinate with other project leaders.
23. Achieve key performance indicators for the group and self.
24. Support collection efforts as needed.
25. Ensure compliance with state/local codes and accessibility standards.
26. Possess strong knowledge of building materials, detailing, construction techniques, engineering principles, and building codes.

Qualities

• Effective and persuasive presentation skills on complex topics.
• Good judgment, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated with initiative, capable of managing projects independently.
• Experience in negotiation and dispute resolution.
• Time management skills, deadline-oriented, proactive.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Keen observation and detail-oriented skills.
• Decision-making and document review skills.
• Strong professional relationships and integrity.
• Organizational discipline and accuracy.
• Successful track record in single-family projects.
• Strong aesthetic sense and interest in the arts.
• Knowledge of professional ethics in architecture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or related field.
• Architectural license in all project locations.
• 15+ years of experience in Single Family/Townhome Residential projects.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Word, Excel, Microsoft Project, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Experience designing single-family and townhome residences via computer and hand-skills.