Principal Architect

DMC Recruitment; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

DMC Recruitment seeks a Principal Architect for Colorado, leading strategy, client relationships, and design excellence across hospitality and destination projects.

The role focuses on senior leadership, mentorship of teams, and overseeing complex programs while balancing budget, schedule, and quality in a renowned, growth-oriented practice.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture (accredited).
• Licensed Architect (AIA preferred), Colorado-registered or eligible.
• 12+ years of progressive experience with senior leadership responsibilities.
• Proven leadership on resort/hospitality, mountain, environmentally sensitive, or destination-community projects.
• Strong client development and ability to grow business.
• Solid command of contracts, financials, delivery, codes/entitlements, and construction.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and growth by building a pipeline across resort, hospitality, mixed-use, and destination-work.
• Own client relationships and guide projects from vision through construction.
• Drive design excellence with senior leadership on context-sensitive projects.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams across architecture, master planning, landscape, and interiors.
• Mentor future leaders and develop architects within a collaborative studio.
• Oversee project performance including scope, risk, profitability, and quality.

Skills

Senior leadership

Licensed Architect

Resort/hospitality experience

Client development

Contracts & codes

Education

Professional Architecture degree

Job description

PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT

COLORADO

Compensation: $150,000-$180,000 + Performance Bonus

Join an established, multidisciplinary architecture & design firm known for award-winning resorts, hospitality destinations, residential communities, and recreation-focused environments—grounded in landscape, culture, and a true sense of place. This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership position and help shape both the design direction and business growth of the practice.

What You’ll Do

• Lead strategy + growth: Build and expand a pipeline across resort, hospitality, mixed-use, multifamily, and destination-community work.
• Own client relationships: Act as trusted advisor for key accounts; guide projects from vision through construction.
• Drive design excellence: Provide senior design leadership on complex, context-sensitive projects—balancing creativity with budget, schedule, constructability, and sustainability.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams: Partner with architecture, master planning, landscape architecture, and interiors to create cohesive, memorable destinations.
• Mentor future leaders: Lead, coach, and develop architects in a collaborative studio culture.
• Oversee project performance: Support teams with executive-level oversight around scope, risk, profitability, and quality.

What We’re Looking For

• Professional degree in Architecture (accredited)
• Licensed Architect (AIA preferred), ideally Colorado-registered or eligible
• 12+ years of progressive experience with senior leadership responsibilities
• Proven leadership on resort/hospitality, mountain, environmentally sensitive, or destination-community projects
• Strong track record in client development and securing/expanding work
• Solid command of contracts, financials, delivery, codes/entitlements, and construction
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Take real ownership of strategy, client pursuits, and design leadership in a respected international practice
• Work in a culture built on collaboration, contextual design, and exceptional quality
• Create destinations that feel authentic to Colorado’s—and the world’s—landscape