Principal Architect

Actalent; United States; Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off & holidays

Paid parental leave

Short- and long-term disability

Life insurance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Actalent in Seattle is seeking a Principal Architect to provide executive oversight of major projects, partnering with design, technical, project management, and operations leadership to drive delivery, client satisfaction, and business growth.

You will lead strategy, manage budgets, nurture client relationships, mentor teams, and contribute to pursuits. A professional architecture degree and licensure are preferred for this senior role in a hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of architecture, design, or related AEC experience.
• Experience leading large and/or complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven client relationship management and business development experience.
• Strong understanding of project financials, contracts, staffing, and resource planning.
• Professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field; licensure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and oversight of large, complex architectural projects from planning through completion.
• Partner with design, technical, and project management leadership to establish project strategy and ensure successful delivery.
• Lead and maintain high-level client relationships, including presentations, negotiations, issue resolution, and ongoing account development.
• Support business development efforts by cultivating client and partner relationships, participating in pursuits, and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Oversee project financial performance, including budgets, profitability, scope management, invoicing, and resource planning.
• Guide staffing strategy and coordinate internal and external resources to meet project needs.
• Monitor project schedules, consultant performance, quality, and overall delivery.
• Identify and mitigate project, contractual, and financial risks.
• Lead, mentor, and develop project teams while fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Partner with operational and financial leadership to improve project performance and achieve broader business objectives.
• Represent the organization within the local AEC community and support industry engagement.

Skills

Executive leadership

Client relationship management

Project financials

Staffing & resource planning

Multidisciplinary teams

Architectural licensure (preferred)

Education

Professional degree in Architecture

Architectural licensure

Job description

Job Title: Principal Architect

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced architectural leader to provide executive oversight of major projects while supporting the continued growth of the practice. This individual will partner with design, technical, project management, and operational leadership to drive project success, client satisfaction, financial performance, and business development.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and oversight of large, complex architectural projects from planning through completion.
• Partner with design, technical, and project management leadership to establish project strategy and ensure successful delivery.
• Lead and maintain high-level client relationships, including presentations, negotiations, issue resolution, and ongoing account development.
• Support business development efforts by cultivating client and partner relationships, participating in pursuits, and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Oversee project financial performance, including budgets, profitability, scope management, invoicing, and resource planning.
• Guide staffing strategy and coordinate internal and external resources to meet project needs.
• Monitor project schedules, consultant performance, quality, and overall delivery.
• Identify and mitigate project, contractual, and financial risks.
• Lead, mentor, and develop project teams while fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Partner with operational and financial leadership to improve project performance and achieve broader business objectives.
• Represent the organization within the local AEC community and support industry engagement.

Essential Skills

• 15+ years of architecture, design, or related AEC experience
• Significant experience leading large and/or complex projects and multidisciplinary teams
• Proven client relationship management and business development experience
• Strong understanding of project financials, contracts, staffing, and resource planning
• Experience providing senior-level oversight across multiple projects or client accounts
• Professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field
• Architectural licensure strongly preferred
• Healthcare experience preferred but not required
• Experience within complex institutional, commercial, higher education, science & technology, civic, or similar project environments is highly transferable

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Executive Project Leadership
• Client & Business Development
• Financial & Operational Management

Work Environment

The work environment is hybrid, allowing for a balance between remote work and in-office collaboration. The role involves interacting with various technologies and equipment pertinent to architectural practice. The setting is professional, requiring business attire to maintain a conducive atmosphere for client engagement and team collaboration.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $175000.00 - $250000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical, dental & vision insurance401(k) with employer matchPaid time off & holidaysPaid parental leaveShort- and long-term disabilityLife insuranceProfessional development opportunities

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Seattle,WA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.