Architecture Manager & Business Development Lead

GHD; Tustin (CA); Hybrid; USD 89,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

GHD's US West Design Studio seeks a strategic, relationship‑driven Project Director‑Architect to lead architectural delivery and growth across all building sectors. The role is based in Southern CA offices (Tustin, Irvine, San Diego, Long Beach) and blends lead responsibility with hands‑on delivery and seller‑doer activities.

The candidate will drive opportunities, manage teams, and advance GHD’s presence through high‑impact project leadership and market leadership, within a vibrant hybrid work

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.
• Architectural licensure in the U.S. (required) or active progress toward licensure.
• 12–20 years of architectural experience with leadership in delivery and business development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead client relationships across target markets to grow the practice.
• Lead project architecture, design leadership, and technical delivery across a range of building types.
• Manage portfolio and project health, budgets, schedules, and scope from contract to close.
• Mentor design teams and promote a collaborative, high‑performing culture.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Presentation

Team building

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Architecture

Tools

Revit

Bluebeam

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Who are we looking for?

GHD’s US West Design Studio is seeking a strategic, relationship‑driven Project Director- Architect who will play a key role in advancing the growth of our architecture practice across all building sectors. This role will be based in any of our Southern CA offices, Tustin, Irvine, San Diego or Long Beach, CA, and will act as a Lead architect, Project Manager, and Seller‑Doer, focused on winning work, delivery as well as leading teams.

This role blends high‑impact business development with hands‑on project involvement—ideal for an entrepreneurial design professional who excels at cultivating clients, winning work, and leading delivery teams.

This is a pivotal role for a motivated architect who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment and is energized by shaping the built environment across a diverse project portfolio.

Our Hybrid Work Model Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in:

Business Development & Market Leadership

• Build, maintain, and grow client relationships across all target markets—civic, education, commercial, industrial, transportation, infrastructure‑related facilities—while strategically deepening GHD’s presence in Hospitality and Entertainment.
• Lead opportunity identification, positioning, and pursuit strategy for new and existing clients.
• Partner closely with the US West Design Studio leadership to drive growth, revenue targets, and key account development.
• Collaborate with market sector leaders across GHD to coordinate integrated, multidisciplinary offerings.
• Represent the Architecture Design studio and the broader GHD brand at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations.
• Support proposal development, interview strategy, and client presentations.

Project Leadership & Technical Delivery

• Serve as project architect, design lead, or technical advisor for select projects across a broad range of building types.
• Lead conceptual design workshops, visioning sessions, and planning discussions with clients and stakeholders.
• Integrate architectural solutions with engineering, interiors, landscape architecture, and environmental teams for a seamless, multidisciplinary approach.
• Ensure high standards of design quality, documentation, and project execution from concept through construction.
• Mentor emerging design talent and contribute to a collaborative, high-performance studio culture.

Project & Portfolio Management

• Serve as the responsible lead for managing project financial health from contract execution to close out with work plans and instructions to guide and support the team through delivery.
• Working knowledge of contract types and delivery approaches, invoicing and payments, project health metrics to manage to budget, schedule, and scope.

Additional Responsibilities

• Personal Capability Building: Act as subject matter expert in an area of technology, policy, regulation, or operational management for the team. Maintain external accreditations and in-depth understanding of current and emerging external regulation and industry best practices through continuing professional development, attending industry events, and reading specialist media.
• Account Management, Customer Relationship, Sales Opportunities Creation: Ensure quality service and profitable business growth by managing a portfolio of complex customer relationships and/or a small team of account managers, executing on a plan for strategic win management, developing a personal network to represent the organization at business sector events to promote the organization, and enhance its reputation.

Education

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture.
• Architectural licensure in the U.S. (required) or active progress toward licensure.

Experience

• 12-20 years of architectural experience, including project involvement in multiple building types.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams, delivery excellence and business development.
• Strong presentation, communication, and relationship‑building abilities.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams.
• Competency with Revit, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and design communication tools.

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.

Salary Range: $89,000 -$149,00 based on experience and location