Design Principal, Interiors

HMC Architects; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

HMC Architects in Sacramento, CA seeks a Design Principal (Interiors) to lead design across complex interior projects, mentor teams, and guide project execution to deliver design excellence.

The role requires an Accredited architecture degree, licensure, 12+ years of experience, and the ability to work on-site at least three days per week; some remote days are available.

Salary ranges from $121,582 to $181,923 with additional compensation; detailed criteria apply.

Qualifications

• Accredited degree in Architecture.
• Licensed Architect required.
• 12+ years of architectural experience, including project leadership through all phases.
• Strong knowledge of DSA, HCAI/OSHPD, or similar regulatory requirements.
• Proven success developing client relationships, leading project pursuits, and contributing to business growth.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.
• Strong design portfolio with expertise in project planning, design development, and construction documentation.
• Ability to work on-site in an HMC studio a minimum of three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the design process across multiple projects and project phases.
• Champion design excellence and ensure alignment with firm standards and design goals.
• Direct and mentor project teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Partner with studio and practice leaders to allocate resources and support project execution.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Identify, pursue, and help secure new project opportunities aligned with studio and firm goals.
• Support revenue growth through client engagement, repeat business opportunities, and strategic business development efforts.
• Participate in project pursuits, proposals, interviews, presentations, and contract discussions.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, professional organizations, and community engagements.
• Build and maintain a network of clients, consultants, contractors, and industry partners.
• Serve as a recognized thought leader through speaking engagements, presentations, and industry involvement.
• Lead design presentations, workshops, charrettes, and project critiques.
• Collaborate with project managers and consultants to maintain design intent, schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.
• Review project documentation and oversee quality control through construction administration.
• Support staff development through coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Team leadership

Design portfolio

Construction docs

Regulatory knowledge

On-site work

Education

Architectural degree

Tools

DSA knowledge

Job description

HMC Architects is an employee-owned design firm with an inherent desire to make a difference in our communities. As a purpose-driven brand based on values, our mission to design for good drives everything we do. And our ownership culture creates alignment and increased commitment to that mission, keeping us on track to being successful.

What We Do

Founded with the purpose of anticipating community needs, HMC aims to create designs that have a positive impact, now and into the future. We focus primarily on opportunities to have the most direct contribution to communities–through healthcare, education, and civic spaces.

Why Join HMC

As an employee owned company you become an owner after one year—receiving company-provided shares at no cost and building long-term financial growth as the firm succeeds. We also give back through our volunteerism with our Designing Futures Foundation, which advances sustainable and regenerative design and supports the next generation of innovators. In addition to this, we also support our team through:

• Culture: We put people over profits, giving them the flexibility to manage their work and life. We believe in fairness, equality in opportunity, and rewarding those who perform.
• Wellness: company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial advisors and discounts to wellness platforms, gyms and more.
• Professional Development: LinkedIn learning access, business development training, supportive mentorship, company-paid ARE study materials, exam fees, and licensure completion bonuses.
• Comprehensive Comp and Benefits: Base+Bonus+Equity+401k, including student loan repayments, wellness programs, full medical, dental, vision, time off and holidays above industry standard.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Design Principal (Interiors) to provide leadership, oversight, and vision for the design process across complex architectural interior design projects. This role is responsible for ensuring design excellence, guiding multidisciplinary teams through all project phases, fostering strong client relationships, supporting business development efforts, and mentoring staff while maintaining alignment with studio, office, and firmwide goals.

The position is located in our Sacramento, CA office. The regular schedule is Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You will have the opportunity to work remote Mondays and Fridays and will be required to come into the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the design process across multiple projects and project phases.
• Champion design excellence and ensure alignment with firm standards and design goals.
• Direct and mentor project teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Partner with studio and practice leaders to allocate resources and support project execution.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Identify, pursue, and help secure new project opportunities aligned with studio and firm goals.
• Support revenue growth through client engagement, repeat business opportunities, and strategic business development efforts.
• Participate in project pursuits, proposals, interviews, presentations, and contract discussions.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, professional organizations, and community engagements.
• Build and maintain a network of clients, consultants, contractors, and industry partners.
• Serve as a recognized thought leader through speaking engagements, presentations, and industry involvement.
• Lead design presentations, workshops, charrettes, and project critiques.
• Collaborate with project managers and consultants to maintain design intent, schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.
• Review project documentation and oversee quality control through construction administration.
• Support staff development through coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance.

Requirements

• Accredited degree in Architecture.
• Licensed Architect required.
• 12+ years of architectural experience, including project leadership through all phases.
• Strong knowledge of DSA, HCAI/OSHPD, or similar regulatory requirements.
• Proven success developing client relationships, leading project pursuits, and contributing to business growth.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.
• Strong design portfolio with expertise in project planning, design development, and construction documentation.
• Ability to work on-site in an HMC studio a minimum of three days per week.

The salary range for this position is $121,582 - $181,923.

The actual salary offered for this position will vary depending on multiple factors including the candidate’s qualification, education, position knowledge, work experience, skills, ability, work location, and internal incumbent compensation for similar roles. We do not anticipate individuals hired into this position will start at or near the top half of the range listed; the decision will be based on each individual case. The salary range listed above does not include other compensation elements such as discretionary bonus opportunities, employee stock ownership grants, paid time off, medical insurance, and other wage and benefit opportunities.