Client Executive/Principal Architect

Northern Impact; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A national award-winning architecture firm seeks a Client Executive/Principal Architect in Berkeley, CA. This role involves leading key client relations, ensuring exceptional project delivery, and mentoring staff while contributing to the firm’s strategic vision. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in architecture and outstanding leadership skills.

Qualifications

• 15 years’ experience in the architectural field.
• 10 years managing project teams.
• Experience with K-12 and/or higher education sector projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for key clients.
• Oversee client satisfaction and project outcomes.
• Foster staff growth and professional excellence.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership

Strategic Insight

Education

Registered Architect

Job description

Overview

National Award-Winning Studio & Winner of Design Firm of the Year is actively seeking a Client Executive/Principal Architect for their Berkeley office. With over 19 offices across the U.S., the award-winning architecture + design firm specializes in K-12 through college/university, healthcare, sports, and corporate business sectors across the U.S. The company has won over 500 design awards and is recognized for shaping learning environments for students and the community. It's well-established culture has also led the firm being named to the list of “Best Places to Work.” For over forty years, the multidisciplinary studio has created a client base of more than two hundred clients, a list that includes university systems, hospital systems, school districts, and Fortune 500 companies.

The Client Executive will be a senior leader within a dynamic and rapidly growing architectural firm, serving as the primary point of contact for key clients. This individual will regularly engage with top decision-makers at client organizations, ensuring exceptional client experiences, high-performing project teams, and consistent delivery of excellence. A proven relationship builder, the ideal candidate combines strategic insight with an approachable, energetic leadership style.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The Client Executive will be a senior leader within a dynamic and rapidly growing architectural firm, serving as the primary point of contact for key clients. This individual will regularly engage with top decision-makers at client organizations, ensuring exceptional client experiences, high-performing project teams, and consistent delivery of excellence. A proven relationship builder, the ideal candidate combines strategic insight with an approachable, energetic leadership style.

Your Impact:

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with executive leadership to refine, implement, and drive the firm’s strategic vision.

• Leverage robust corporate resources and support to achieve client and organizational goals.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain ultimate responsibility for service quality, cultural development, and process execution within assigned offices.

• Oversee all aspects of client relations, ensuring satisfaction and optimal project outcomes from inception through delivery.

Business Development & Marketing

• Proactively build and nurture relationships with both prospective and existing clients.

• Collaborate closely with marketing and business development teams to identify new opportunities and expand client partnerships.

People Management & Talent Development

• Foster a supportive and empowering environment that encourages staff growth and professional excellence.

• Oversee workforce planning and participate directly in the recruitment and selection of new team members.

Leadership Activities

• Participate in or lead:

  • Executive and management meetings

  • Board-level and major client presentations

  • Strategic discussions and introductions to key issues

  • Staff management sessions and new-hire interviews

  • Ongoing quality assurance and project oversight

  • Regular, concise check-ins with Production Directors and Project Managers

  • Industry conferences and seminars

Here's What You'll Need:

• Registered Architect in the relevant state.

• Minimum 15 years’ experience within the architectural field, with at least 10 years managing project teams and delivery processes.

• Demonstrated experience with K-12 and/or Higher Education sector projects is required.

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a proactive and collaborative management style.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a respected architectural firm while advancing both client success and firm growth.

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