Managing Principal

Pfluger Architects; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Pfluger Architects seeks a Managing Principal in Houston to champion client engagement and strategic growth. This senior leader will oversee client relationships, project performance, and profitability while guiding design excellence and innovation across engagements.

The role emphasizes leadership, experiential design, and alignment with Pfluger’s values, with a focus on high-quality craft and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in delivering high-quality craft and products.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and drive business development.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and strategic planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Client Executive for assigned clients and primary contact.
• Build and sustain long-term client relationships based on trust and service.
• Oversee client-focused design quality, project delivery, and profitability at the engagement level.
• Lead business development initiatives and pursue growth opportunities within target markets.
• Foster collaboration across offices to leverage Pfluger’s resources and expertise.
• Monitor client satisfaction through surveys and repeat work.

Skills

Client relationships

Business development

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Professional degree in Architecture

Licensed/Registered Architect

Tools

REVIT

ERP systems

Job description

Managing Principal

Department: Client Engagement

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Houston, Texas

Description

The Managing Principal champions client relationships, driving business development, and ensuring the highest quality standards in all projects. This strategic leadership role combines expertise in architectural craft, client satisfaction, and financial performance. The Managing Principal is responsible for overseeing project performance, fostering operational excellence, and ensuring alignment with Pfluger Architects’ strategic vision and core values. While not directly managing large teams, this role sets the standard for leadership, creativity, quality, and profitability, acting as a trusted advisor to clients and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Client Engagement & Product Excellence

• Serve as the Client Executive for assigned clients, acting as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact throughout all phases of engagement.
• Build and sustain long-term client relationships rooted in trust, transparency, and exceptional service.
• Prioritize client satisfaction, responsiveness, and continuous improvement in every aspect of service, design, and project delivery.
• Foster firmwide collaboration to ensure projects benefit from the full depth of Pfluger’s expertise and resources.
• Oversee financial performance at the client level, including invoicing accuracy, project profitability, and resource alignment to deliver efficient, high-quality outcomes.
• Champion a culture of learning, design excellence, and innovation, ensuring that client outcomes consistently reflect Pfluger’s purpose and values.
• Measure and evaluate success through client satisfaction surveys, repeat work, and share of bond program opportunities, consistently positioning Pfluger as a top-performing firm within key districts and markets.
• Partner with the discipline leads/directors to identify staff resources required to secure work.
• Oversee project-level activities of the project management staff.

Business Development & Strategic Growth

• Lead assigned business development initiatives, including prospect prioritization, client acquisition, and identification of growth opportunities within target markets.
• Maintain and strengthen strategic client relationships, overseeing proposals, contracts, and negotiations to ensure mutual success and alignment with firm objectives.
• Conduct client interviews, strategic planning sessions, and visioning discussions, leading and facilitating solution-based conversations that align client goals with Pfluger’s expertise.
• Utilize the firm’s CRM systems to monitor pipeline value, client engagement stages, and strategic relationship development.
• Collaborate closely with leadership and firm executives to identify, pursue, and execute new opportunities that support the firm’s strategic growth and profitability.

Leadership & Culture Ambassador

• Embody Pfluger’s core values, consistently demonstrating Do What’s Right, Build Synergy, Make a Difference, and Never Settle.
• Serve as a brand ambassador, representing the firm’s purpose, thought leadership, and strategic vision.
• Promote the firm at industry conferences, award submissions, and public engagements.
• Lead by example, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing culture across project teams.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks at the project and client levels.
• Partner with other offices and business units to leverage firm resources and expertise, ensuring solutions of the highest quality.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Alignment with Pfluger’s purpose of “inspiring people to create a more meaningful human experience,” with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Proven leadership in delivering high-quality craft and products, and driving business development.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex challenges, serving as the client’s primary escalation contact and ensuring timely, effective resolution that strengthens relationships.
• Passionate advocate for innovative design, exceeding client expectations, and embodying core values in decision-making.
• High integrity, accountability, and exceptional communication skills.
• Expertise in designing learning environments with general knowledge of REVIT and enthusiasm for generative design.
• ERP system knowledge preferred, or a strong systems-oriented mindset.
• Professional degree in Architecture is required.
• Licensed/Registered Architect is required.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience.