Director of Architecture

Partners; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Growth opportunities

Texas-based real estate firm

Job summary

Partners is seeking a Director of Architecture & Planning in Houston, TX to lead the design and drafting function across industrial projects, ensuring code compliance and cost efficiency. You will guide the design vision from concept through construction and coordinate with engineers and consultants.

You'll grow and mentor the design team, manage multiple projects, and present strategy and progress to executive leadership, while evolving CAD and BIM standards for the firm’s expansion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Licensed Architect (RA) in Texas.
• 5-10 years of architectural experience with a focus on commercial or industrial projects.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit; proficiency in Microsoft Project and Excel; familiarity with Bluebeam, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, and permitting processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and cross-functional teams with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to build and mentor a design team as the company scales.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience presenting to executive leadership or ownership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and expand the architectural design function for small industrial and flex space projects (10,000 – 100,000 SF).
• Direct architectural design and planning from concept through completion, setting the design vision.
• Produce and oversee complete construction documents (SD/DD/CD sets) for permitting and bidding.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, and MEP engineers throughout the design process.
• Oversee site layouts, floor plans, elevations, sections, and details produced by the design team.
• Own the permitting process and interface with local jurisdictions.
• Direct construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, and field changes.
• Lead due diligence, site planning, and pre-development feasibility efforts.
• Maintain and evolve CAD and BIM standards and template libraries.
• Grow and mentor the design team, recruiting and developing talent.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resourcing across a portfolio of projects.
• Present design strategy, project status, and recommendations to executive leadership.

Skills

Leadership experience

Project management

Communication

Team mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture

Licensed Architect (RA) in Texas

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Microsoft Project

Excel

Bluebeam

SketchUp

Adobe Suite

Job description

Director of Architecture & Planning | Houston, TX

The Role

As Partners Director of Architecture & Planning, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our industrial developments. You will lead the design and drafting function while upholding direction, standards, and process across our development and construction teams and trusted external consultants. Your leadership will ensure every project is efficiently and thoughtfully designed, fully code compliant, and cost effective.

This is a rare opportunity to scale the design function within a rapidly growing real estate development firm and shape how it scales.

About Us

Partners is a diversified commercial real estate firm that offers a full spectrum of services and investments. We partner with people to create value, protect assets, and preserve wealth through real estate services, development, and capital investment.

How You'll Make an Impact (Key Responsibilities)

• Lead and further expand the architectural design function for small industrial and flex space projects (10,000 – 100,000 SF), refining standards, workflows, and best practices as the team grows.
• Direct architectural design and planning from concept through completion, setting the design vision across the project pipeline.
• Produce and oversee complete construction documents (SD/DD/CD sets) for permitting and bidding, ensuring quality and consistency across all projects.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, and MEP engineers throughout the design process, serving as the senior point of contact for design decisions.
• Oversee site layouts, floor plans, elevations, sections, and details produced by the design team.
• Own the permitting process and serve as the primary interface with local jurisdictions and authorities.
• Direct construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, and field changes.
• Lead due diligence, site planning, and pre-development feasibility efforts, advising leadership on design-related risk and opportunity.
• Maintain and evolve CAD and BIM standards and template libraries for the company.
• Grow and mentor the design team, recruiting and developing talent to support the company's continued expansion.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resourcing across a portfolio of concurrent projects.
• Present design strategy, project status, and recommendations to executive leadership and ownership.

What You'll Bring (Qualifications)

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Licensed Architect (RA) in Texas.
• 5-10 years of architectural experience with a focus on commercial or industrial projects, including experience leading design teams or a design function.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit; proficiency in Microsoft Project and Excel; familiarity with Bluebeam, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, and permitting processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and cross-functional teams with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to build and mentor a design team as the company scales.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience presenting to executive leadership or ownership.

What’s In It for You

• Be part of one of the fastest-growing full-service commercial real estate firms in Texas, backed by an integrated platform spanning Investments, Development, Brokerage, and Property Management.
• Gain access to a diverse suite of institutional-quality investment offerings through Partners Capital.
• Collaborate with a driven, high-performance team that values integrity, teamwork, and long-term partnerships.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for growth within a rapidly expanding organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Partners is proud to be committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.