Design Principal

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading firm as a Design Principal where your innovative design solutions will enhance health and human conditions. You will lead a talented team, manage large-scale projects, and foster a culture of creativity and excellence. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the community while collaborating with diverse professionals. Be part of an organization that values inclusivity and empowers its employees to bring their authentic selves to work. If you are passionate about design and leadership, this is the perfect opportunity for you to thrive in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 15 years related experience with a focus on design excellence.
• Registered Architect with extensive knowledge of local market.

Responsibilities

• Champion design excellence and lead design efforts across multiple projects.
• Mentor junior staff and develop studio design culture.

Skills

Design Excellence

Project Management

Team Leadership

Communication Skills

Mentoring

Sustainable Design/LEED

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project)

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

The Charlotte office of HDR is in search of a Design Principal to join our growing practice and continue the legacy of providing our clients and communities with creative design solutions that improve the health and human condition of those they serve. Ranked #1 in both Health and Science in the World Architecture annual list, HDR is a leader in innovative planning and design, client service and thought leadership on projects locally and throughout the region.

The primary responsibility of the Design Principal is to champion design excellence for the local office/region. This individual must be capable of developing highly innovative, creative, integrated and effective design solutions. Must have an established design reputation evident through design awards, publications, education or other venues, and positive client references. Has the ability to guide initial design concepts and ideas from pursuit and selection through successful project completion on multiple projects. Capable of meeting design excellence goals while meeting management goals and project budgets. Must have the proven initiative to teach and train other designers and interdisciplinary AE project teams in the essentials of design excellence and in the critical tenets of HDR’s Design Philosophy. Effective in mentoring and developing junior design staff, challenging, inspiring and/or motivating others to join in the constant pursuit of design excellence. Has experience in developing and fostering studio design culture and creating a studio environment that supports both design excellence and staff creativity.

Will be a key design leader at HDR who must have the vision and attitude to lead design efforts from multiple offices, while effectively partnering with office management, project management, and AEP discipline leaders on all efforts. Must be capable of identifying, attracting and retaining key design staff, and will be responsible for targeting and developing strategies for hiring senior and junior design talent. Must be active in local, national or international professional design related organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience functioning as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities.
• Experience on healthcare, science or higher education, civic and/or federal related projects.
• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• 15 years related experience.
• A minimum of 7 years project management experience.
• Registered Architect.
• Must have experience on large-scale projects.
• Must be able to lead a team on projects and make client presentations.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project).
• Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional market.
• Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational/organizational and people skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be willing to travel.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

United States-North Carolina-Charlotte

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Feb 4, 2025

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great things possible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We're always looking for great talent to join our global teams.