Director of Architecture- Virginia

Thompson & Litton Inc; Radford (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k) with company match

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision

Generous PTO and holidays

Continuing education support

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Thompson & Litton Inc in Radford, VA seeks a Director of Architecture to lead Virginia's architectural practice from our Radford office, guiding project delivery, design excellence, and team growth.

You will mentor architects and designers, manage staffing and budgets, and partner with engineering and surveying divisions to win opportunities while advancing sustainable design and client service within the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from NAAB-accredited program.
• 10+ years of progressive architectural experience with oversight of teams, budgets, and operations.
• Virginia Licensed Architect or eligibility for reciprocity; NCARB Certificate; AIA membership preferred.
• Strong proficiency in building systems, construction materials, codes, and full-phase documentation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Virginia architecture practice.
• Lead, mentor, and recruit architects, designers, and staff.
• Manage staffing, workload, scheduling, and resource allocation; plan succession.
• Oversee projects from programming through construction administration; monitor budgets and schedules.
• Direct QA/QC process and ensure code compliance and quality design.

Skills

Leadership

Staff mentoring

Strategic planning

Team recruitment

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture (NAAB-accredited)

Job description

Director of Architecture - Virginia

Lead Virginia's Architectural Practice. Build Communities. Build Your Future.

Thompson & Litton is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Director of Architecture to lead, manage, and expand our established Virginia architecture practice from our Radford, VA office.

Founded in 1956, Thompson & Litton is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) multidisciplinary firm with eight offices across Virginia, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Architecture, you will provide strategic leadership for project delivery, design quality, team mentorship, and business growth, while collaborating with our integrated engineering, surveying, and planning divisions.

Why Thompson & Litton?

• Retirement and Ownership: As a 100% employee-owned firm, you will earn direct equity through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and retirement benefits.
• Stable Legacy: For nearly 70 years, we have delivered engineering, architecture, and planning solutions that strengthen regional communities.
• Multidisciplinary Scope: Work alongside in-house civil engineers, surveyors, and planners to deliver comprehensive project solutions.

Benefits and Compensation

• Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Continuing education, professional development, and licensure support
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary work environment

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Practice Management

• Provide strategic and operational direction for the Virginia architecture practice.
• Lead, mentor, and recruit architects, designers, and technical staff.
• Manage staffing, workload scheduling, resource allocation, and succession planning.
• Partner with executive leadership to drive operational improvements and regional growth.

Project Delivery & Design Excellence

• Oversee architectural projects from programming through construction administration.
• Monitor project performance metrics, budgets, schedules, and profitability.
• Direct the QA/QC process, ensuring strict code compliance and technical accuracy.
• Champion practical, sustainable, and high-quality design standards.

Client Relations & Business Development

• Maintain and grow long-term client relationships across Virginia.
• Coordinate with engineering and surveying divisions to pursue integrated project opportunities.
• Lead client presentations, proposals, and business development initiatives.
• Represent the firm at industry events and within local communities.

Required Qualifications

• Education:Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an NAAB-accredited program.
• Experience:10+ years of progressive architectural experience, including direct oversight of teams, budgets, and practice operations.
• Licensure:Active Virginia Licensed Architect credential (or eligibility through reciprocity) and current NCARB Certificate (AIA membership preferred).
• Technical Proficiency: Strong expertise in building systems, construction materials, building codes, and full-phase documentation.

Working in Radford, VA (The New River Valley)

Based in our Radford office, this role offers an exceptional quality of life in Southwest Virginia:

• Cost of Living: Affordable housing options, minimal commute times, and local university amenities (Virginia Tech and Radford University).
• Recreation:Proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking trails, and paddling on the historic New River.
• Proximity:Enjoy a mountain lifestyle while remaining driving distance from Roanoke, Richmond, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C.
• Note: Occasional regional travel is required for client meetings and site visits.

Thompson & Litton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.