Principal Architect

Dacon; Natick (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Dacon Corporation invites a seasoned Principal Architect to lead PDA Associates, shaping design, strategy, and project delivery. The role requires licensure in New England, 25+ years of experience, and a proven ability to mentor teams and win client trust.

You will drive design excellence, oversee technical quality, and advance the firm's design-build capabilities while partnering with clients and leadership to grow the practice.

Qualifications

• Licensed Architect with 25+ years of experience in New England.
• Experience leading design teams in a design-build environment.
• Strong ability to engage clients and translate needs into architectural solutions.

Responsibilities

• Attend client sales meetings and presentations.
• Mentor staff in sales presentation and client relationship skills.
• Establishes key design concepts and positioning for PDA.
• Promote new and innovative methods of design and execution.
• Oversee design processes to ensure timely delivery and quality.

Skills

Client presentation

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Architect licensure (New England)

Job description

DACON Corporation is seeking an accomplished Principal Architect to lead and advance our architecture practice, PDA Associates, providing strategic, creative, technical, and business leadership. The ideal candidate brings a strong balance of design vision, technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership capability, with a comprehensive understanding of how an architectural practice operates within a broader design-build organization. The Principal Architect will play a pivotal role in developing talent, mentoring and inspiring team members, strengthening client partnerships, identifying new opportunities, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team. This is an opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to shape the direction, growth, and long-term success of PDA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sales & Marketing:

• Attend client sales meetings and presentations.
• Attend internal strategy meetings to develop creative strategies & schedules to meet clients’ needs.
• Proficient in site plan development and design for Industrial, manufacturing and distribution markets.
• Mentors staff in Sales presentation and process to build client relationship skills.

Design Leadership:

• Knowledgeable about principles of design, construction, engineering and building regulations.
• Establishes key design concepts, strategies and design positioning for PDA.
• Promote new and innovative methods of design and creative execution.
• Establishes written standards for design and trains all employees on standards.
• Motivate and influence teams to constantly strive for excellence in performance and quality.
• Convey and develop overall interactive team design vision.
• Manage design processes to ensure timely delivery of designs.
• Provide influencing ideas to enhance department productivity.
  
• Works with team to develop project programs and schematic drawings to meet the client’s needs.
• Provides design goals/concepts to project leader and reviews the work to ensure design goals/concepts are being met in the final product.
• Architect in charge; seals all permit drawings and project certifications.
• Assist Sales team by providing strategy input, attending site reviews and feasibility studies.
• Seek education and training for current best practices in construction technology.
• Performs review of all projects for technical quality, application of construction technology, energy conservation, and building code compliance.
  
• Supervises preparation of all correspondence with building and fire code officials.
  
• Evaluates risks and liabilities and makes appropriate recommendations.
  
• Mentor staff working towards architectural licensure.
  
• Attends periodic construction site visits at multiple stages of project to oversee project quality and code compliance.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

Professional Experience: Registered Architect in All New England states with minimum 25 years’ experience.

Business Skills:

• Strong client presentation and communication
• Strategic thinker to be able to connect clients’ needs with building requirements.
• Must be passionate and determined about architecture and have the ability to teach the team both technical detailing and constructability.

Leadership:

• Encourages innovative ideas that are cost effective, client focused and of proven quality.
• Creates a work environment of integrity, efficiency, and professionalism.
• Guides, motivates and teaches staff regarding design.

Personal Character:

• Possessing the highest moral and ethical standards as well as a strong work ethic.
• Must be compassionate and objective with others. Have the ability to build open and honest relationships.

Corporate Awareness:

• Embodies corporate values