Practice Leader | Public & Institutional

Northern Impact; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global architecture firm in Los Angeles is seeking a Practice Leader for its Public & Institutional market sector. This role requires a visionary leader with a strong project portfolio, effective communication skills, and at least 8 years of leadership experience. The firm offers a flexible hybrid schedule, allowing for in-person collaboration and remote work.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in design and leadership of related projects.
• Professional registration required.

Responsibilities

• Guide team and market strategy as a principal-level leader.
• Champion diversity and manage client relationships.
• Provide project leadership ensuring quality delivery.

Skills

Project portfolio expertise

Verbal and written communication

Negotiation knowledge

Time management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design

Master’s in Architecture or Bachelor of Architecture

Job description

Overview

A leading global architecture and engineering firm with over 100 years of legacy is seeking a Practice Leader for its Public & Institutional market sector in their Downtown Los Angeles office. This established firm specializes in transformative design across multiple sectors, with offices strategically located throughout the United States. Their portfolio encompasses federal, healthcare, aviation, education, and commercial projects, delivered through integrated architecture, engineering, and interior design services.

This role is ideal for a design-forward individual with an entrepreneurial mindset, responsible for advancing a dynamic team on a national scale. The position collaborates closely with design, business development, studio leadership, and other market sector leaders across the country.

Key Responsibilities

This is a principal-level opportunity, guiding both team and market strategy. As part of an integrated architecture and engineering practice, you will help fulfill the mission to create thoughtful, sustainable solutions and transform the human experience through the power of design.

Team & Project Leadership

• Serve as a collaborative partner, bringing innovative thinking to projects, the studio, and market delivery, and promoting design research that advances market strategy.
• Be a leading voice with clients, both regionally and within the firm.
• Champion diversity, inclusion, and respect for all perspectives, fostering solutions that are resilient, improve the human condition, and strengthen communities.
• Act as a client advocate and manage client support and relationship responsibilities.
• Grow and develop a team of direct reports, including supervision, coaching, communication, accountability, and growth planning.
• Provide project leadership and oversight to ensure quality, efficient delivery, profitable project performance, and innovative, responsive design.
• Support project management by monitoring project performance and technical quality, and assist with contract and scope/fee negotiations with strategic partners.

Business Development

• Establish annual business goals, strategies, and tactics that align with the national P+I business plan, including actionable items.
• Work closely with business development staff to nurture client relationships, develop new business, and secure new clients.
• Represent the firm as a thought leader in your market, attending industry events, and participating in writing and speaking opportunities.
• Lead responses to RFPs and solicitations, including building strategic teaming relationships, evaluating opportunities, and collaborating with marketing and project personnel.
• Achieve annual growth and profitability targets.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Architecture and/or Interior Design; a Master’s in Architecture or Bachelor of Architecture is preferred.
• Professional registration required.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in design and leadership of related projects.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong project portfolio and subject matter expertise in one or more of the following: governmental, civic & community projects, historic/adaptive reuse, workplace, recreation, library, museum, learning, and higher education.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to coordinate across multiple locations.
• Extensive knowledge of fee proposals, negotiations, and contract/subcontract administration.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, supervise, and coordinate technical work, prioritize and delegate assignments, and foster team cooperation.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical skills and business acumen.
• Creativity, foresight, and sound judgment in solving complex problems, determining program objectives, and developing strategies for market sector projects.

Preferred Qualifications / Skillsets

• Active participation in social, civic, trade, or professional organizations that support the public and institutional sector and promote the firm’s brand.
• Excellent client management, customer service, writing, and presentation skills, with a proven track record of securing and delivering on A/E contracts.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and professionally charismatic.

This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to shape the future of public and institutional design within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

The studio operates on a flexible hybrid schedule with three days in their collaborative office environment and two days working remotely, offering an ideal balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility.

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