Principal Architect

Lathan McKee Architects; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Lathan McKee Architects in Birmingham, AL seeks a Principal Architect to lead design quality, client relationships, and successful delivery of projects. The role sets direction across the portfolio, guides teams, and ensures performance from pursuit through construction administration.

You will mentor staff, manage budgets, oversee BD efforts, coordinate with the Managing Partner, and represent the firm at industry events.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) from a NAAB-accredited program.
• Active architectural license in Alabama or ability to obtain via NCARB reciprocity within 6 months; NCARB Certificate preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of professional architectural experience, with at least 5 years in leadership or principal roles.
• Proven track record in developing client relationships and winning new business; Alabama/Gulf Coast network preferred.
• Experience managing project budgets, contracts, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of building codes (IBC), ADA, and state/local codes.
• Proficiency in Revit and/or AutoCAD; knowledge of Bluebeam and Deltek Vantagepoint preferred.
• LEED AP or similar sustainability credential preferred.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, written/verbal, and presentation skills.
• Experience in a multi-office firm environment preferred.
• Ability to travel to project sites and client meetings.

Responsibilities

• Set design vision for projects and portfolio; lead design reviews at milestones.
• Serve as Principal-in-Charge with final accountability for design, scope, schedule, and budget.
• Act as primary client contact and build long-term relationships.
• Lead business development: identify opportunities, proposals, fees, and client interviews.
• Oversee project teams; set priorities and ensure adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.
• Review and approve project fees, staffing, and work plans; monitor financial performance.
• Manage construction documents and ensure compliance with codes, accessibility, and life safety.
• Provide oversight during construction administration, including site visits.
• Mentor architects and staff; participate in hiring and performance reviews.
• Represent the firm at industry events and professional organizations.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Project management

Budgeting

Communication

Mentoring

Travel readiness

Education

NAAB-accredited degree (B.Arch/M.Arch)

Alabama architectural license

NCARB reciprocity

LEED AP (preferred)

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

Deltek Vantagepoint

Job description

The Principal Architect is a senior leader of the firm, responsible for the design quality, client relationships, and successful delivery of the firm's projects. This role sets design direction across the project portfolio, leads business development and client pursuits, and holds ultimate accountability for assigned projects from pursuit through construction administration. Working closely with the Managing Partner, the Principal Architect helps shape firm strategy, oversees project teams and financial performance, and mentors staff at every level. The Principal Architect represents Lathan McKee Architects and the L&M Group in the professional and business community and plays a central role in the long-term growth of the practice.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Set the design vision for assigned projects and the firm's portfolio, leading design reviews at key milestones and ensuring work meets the firm's quality standards.
• Serve as Principal-in-Charge on assigned projects, holding final accountability for design, scope, schedule, budget, and client satisfaction.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for key clients, building and growing long-term client relationships.
• Lead business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, preparing proposals, negotiating fees and contracts, and leading client interviews and presentations.
• Oversee project teams, including project architects, project managers, and design staff, setting priorities and ensuring adherence to project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Review and approve project fees, staffing plans, and work plans; monitor project financial performance, billing, and contract status in Deltek Vantagepoint.
• Take responsible charge of construction documents and other deliverables under professional licensure, ensuring compliance with applicable building codes, zoning, accessibility (ADA), and life safety requirements.
• Resolve escalated client, consultant, and contractor issues, and manage contractual risk in coordination with the Managing Partner.
• Provide oversight during construction administration, including site visits, as needed.
• Contribute to firm strategic planning, growth goals, and operational decisions in partnership with the Managing Partner, and collaborate with other L&M Group offices on shared pursuits and resources.
• Mentor and develop architects, designers, and emerging professionals, including those pursuing licensure, and provide input on hiring, performance reviews, and staff development.
• Represent the firm at industry events, professional organizations, public hearings, and community functions.
• Champion firm-wide quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), risk management, design standards, and sustainable design practices.
• Maintain required professional licensure and continuing education, and stay current on building codes, accessibility requirements, and industry best practices.

Requirements:

• Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) from a NAAB-accredited program required.
• Active architectural license in Alabama required, or the ability to obtain Alabama licensure through NCARB reciprocity within 6 months of hire; NCARB Certificate preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of professional architectural experience, with at least 5 years in a project leadership or principal-level role.
• Proven record of developing client relationships and winning new business; established client network in Alabama and the Gulf Coast region preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, fees, contracts, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong working knowledge of building codes (IBC), accessibility standards (ADA), and applicable state and local codes.
• Proficiency in Revit and/or AutoCAD required; working knowledge of Bluebeam and Deltek Vantagepoint strongly preferred.
• LEED AP or similar sustainability credential preferred.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Experience in a multi-office firm environment preferred.
• Ability to travel to project sites, client meetings, and other L&M Group offices, and to walk active construction sites with required safety equipment.