Architecture | Director Of Architecture

RRM Design Group; San Juan Capistrano (CA); On-site; USD 139,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health premiums

ESOP

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Flexible work

Learning & development

Mentoring opportunities

Job summary

RRM Design Group is seeking a Director of Architecture to lead the growth of our architectural practice across California. You will serve as market leader, trusted advisor, and mentor to designers, planners, engineers, and landscape architects while building long‑term client relationships and pursuing opportunities.

This leadership role focuses on strategic growth, presentations, industry outreach, and guiding project pursuits from qualification through execution.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of architectural experience.
• California Licensed Architect.
• Strong network within the AEC industry.
• Experience leading client pursuits, presentations, and contract negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities that align with the firm's strategic goals.
• Develop and execute strategies to grow RRM's architectural practice.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients, school districts, municipalities, developers, and industry partners.
• Lead presentations, interviews, and pursuit strategies for new projects.
• Represent RRM at industry events, conferences, and networking functions.
• Mentor and develop architectural staff while fostering a collaborative team culture.
• Provide strategic leadership throughout project pursuits and execution.
• Work with firm leadership to identify emerging markets and growth opportunities.

Skills

Relationship building

Business development

Mentoring

Public speaking

Negotiations

Networking

Strategic leadership

Team leadership

Client management

Multi-disciplinary coordination

Education

California Licensed Architect

Job description

Shape the Future. Build Lasting Relationships. Grow a Market.

RRM Design Group is seeking an experienced Director of Architecture to lead the growth of our architectural practice. This is an exceptional opportunity for a relationship-driven leader who is passionate about business development, mentoring teams, and helping shape the future of a multidisciplinary design firm.

As a Director of Architecture, you will serve as a market leader and trusted advisor to clients while working alongside architects, planners, engineers, and landscape architects to deliver meaningful projects throughout California. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, identifying new opportunities, and growing both people and business.

If you're looking for an opportunity where your ideas matter, your relationships are valued, and your leadership directly influences the firm's success, we'd love to meet you.

Our Architecture Practice: Architecture at RRM is the art of the possible and delivery of the exceptional with equal parts client service, design, and creative problem solving. Whether your project is residential, commercial, public safety, education or institutional, our designs are beautiful, authentic, and functional, which transform client dreams into spectacular places.
If you’re eager to thrive in a vibrant, fast-paced setting and make a difference with your skills, we want to hear from you!

Your role looks like:

• Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities that align with the firm's strategic goals.
• Developing and executing strategies to grow RRM's architectural practice.
• Building and maintaining long-term relationships with clients, school districts, municipalities, developers, and industry partners.
• Leading presentations, interviews, and pursuit strategies for new projects.
• Representing RRM at industry events, conferences, and networking functions.
• Mentoring and developing architectural staff while fostering a collaborative and positive team culture.
• Providing strategic leadership throughout project pursuits and execution.
• Work closely with firm leadership to identify emerging markets and growth opportunities.

What you’ll bring to the table:

• California Licensed Architect.
• 15+ years of architectural experience.
• Demonstrated success developing business and growing client relationships.
• Strong network within the AEC industry.
• Experience leading client pursuits, presentations, and contract negotiations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to mentor teams and inspire collaboration.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for creating great places and building lasting partnerships.

What Makes You Successful:

You are someone who:

• Naturally builds trust with clients and colleagues.
• Enjoys networking and creating new business opportunities.
• Thinks strategically while remaining hands-on.
• Leads with integrity and collaboration.
• Motivates and develops high-performing teams.
• Sees challenges as opportunities for growth.
• Is excited to help shape the future of an employee-owned firm.

Above & Beyond:

• Some work experience in architecture, engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, or planning firm

We Own This!

In 2018, RRM accomplished the pivotal goal of transitioning to a100% employee-owned company. As an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) corporation, once meeting eligibility criteria, RRMers have an ownership interest in the company. This is a direct reflection of our culture, one that is a supportive team. We are all striving to grow this company forward so that we can continue to create projects that promote sustainability and social good, giving back to our communities we live and work in and supporting staff so they can support their families. We are a team working together towards common goals.

View Benefits

RRM takes great care to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. Our package includes:

• 100% Paid Health Premiums for our Employees (Medical, Dental, & Vision)
• Telemedicine
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible work arrangements
• ESOP
• 401(k) with an Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life, AD&D, & Long Term Disability
• Paid Holidays
• Volunteer Time Off
• Learning & development program, RRM University (RRMU)
• Mentoring opportunities and clear paths for career growth
• Unparalleled company community and more!

What Drives Us?

RRM’s mission and core values are the make‑up of who we are and how we operate day‑to‑day. These values define our company culture and are the basis for all behavior and decision making. Head to Our Mission to see a description of all our core values and why we are passionate about Creating Environments People Enjoy.

ABOUT US:

Ensuring the health and happiness of our RRMers is paramount to how we run our business. RRM Design Group is a 100% employee‑owned multidiscipline design firm with a full spectrum of services including architecture, landscape architecture, planning, civil and structural engineering, and surveying. Our offices are located along the California coast from Orange County to the Bay Area. Over one-third of our workforce has been with us for a decade or more and we work on engaging projects in several diverse markets throughout the state.

We value the diversity of intersecting identities and strive to maintain an environment that is equitable, respectful, and inclusive. We expect our work environments to be places of diverse engagement and informed discourse. Ultimately, we acknowledge that our standards of excellence as a multidiscipline design firm are not separate from the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Privacy Notice to Applicants/Employees. This notice is intended to comply with the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act ( “CCPA/CPRA”).

What is an RRMer?

An RRMer (also known as an employee of RRM) is an individual who exhibits strong communication skills, cultivates a passion for what they do, is eager to learn, and likes to have fun! At RRM, our goal is to foster a community of collaboration and inclusivity, and each RRMer owns their contribution to this environment. In this job, you'll be working with people like:

A solid company with good leadership and successful business practices.

- Anonymous Glassdoor.com review (click to read more)

Learn more about our seven offices:

San Luis Obispo (HQ) | San Leandro | Santa Barbara| Ventura | San Juan Capistrano | San Diego | Seattle (New!)

COMPENSATION:

The hiring range for this role is targeted at $139,360 - $167,710 per year dependening on skills and experience.