Associate Design Principal

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is looking for an Associate Design Principal in Boston to lead design initiatives and mentor junior staff. The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s Degree in Architecture and over 10 years of experience as a lead designer.

This role requires excellent communication and leadership skills, proficiency in Autodesk Revit, and a commitment to our employee-owned culture. The position is full-time and regular, offering the chance to work on diverse, impactful projects within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience as a lead designer on a variety of project scales.
• Professional architectural registration required.
• Experience with institutional clients in various architecture sectors.
• Strong knowledge of codes and planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly innovative design solutions.
• Guide design concepts from inception to project completion.
• Mentor junior design staff and promote design excellence.
• Collaborate across multiple offices on design efforts.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Design Excellence

Mentoring

Team Collaboration

Education

Master's Degree in Architecture

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture

Tools

Autodesk Revit

Microsoft Office

Job description

Associate Design Principal – Boston

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. The Associate Design Principal will lead cross‑firm design initiatives, raising the floor and ceiling of our design capabilities through leadership of design dialogue, culture and design excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly innovative, creative, integrated and effective design solutions.
• Showcase a strong design portfolio and a developing reputation through design work, awards, publications or other venues, and positive client references.
• Guide initial design concepts and ideas from pursuit and selection through successful project completion on multiple projects.
• Set and support teams to meet design excellence goals while considering management goals and project budgets.
• Teach and train other designers and interdisciplinary AE project teams on the essentials of design excellence and HDR’s Design Philosophy.
• Mentor and develop junior design staff, challenging, inspiring and motivating others to pursue design excellence.
• Serve as a contributing design leader, collaborating across multiple offices and partnering with project management and key leaders on all efforts.
• Identify, attract and retain key design staff and develop internal design talent.
• Remain active in local, national and/or international professional design organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Architecture or a closely related field.
• 10+ years experience as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities.
• Professional architectural registration.
• Experience with institutional clients in Healthcare, Civic, Education, Science, and Transportation Architecture (ideal).
• Proven record of winning project pursuits and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Experience and/or interest in integrating sustainable building design.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, writing and communication skills.
• Capability to lead a team and make client presentations.
• Ability to collaborate and integrate with existing team.
• Preference given to candidates currently residing in the greater Boston area.
• Commitment to being an active participant in our employee‑owned culture.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years experience.
• Registered Architect.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project Schedule).
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient in Autodesk Revit and familiarity with related tools and processes.
• Demonstrated graphic presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of codes and planning skills.
• Commitment to our employee‑owned culture.

Employment

Schedule: Full‑time

Employee Status: Regular

Job Posting: May 19, 2026

Equal Employment Opportunity

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

HDR is an affirmative action and Equal Opportunity Employer.