Principal Architect - Austin

oconnellrobertson; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

O’Connell Robertson is seeking a Principal Architect in Austin, TX to lead and manage complex architectural projects from concept through construction. The candidate will oversee project teams, maintain client relationships, and ensure design excellence while balancing budget and schedule.

The role requires a Registered Architect with ~15+ years of experience, strong leadership, and advanced knowledge of architectural practices, contracts, codes, and BIM tools.

Qualifications

• Registered Architect (RA) license required; Texas preferred.
• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• Approximately 15+ years of progressive architectural experience with leadership of complex building projects.
• Strong knowledge of project financial controls, schedule development, and resource planning.
• Experience with educational projects; healthcare/commercial/institutional experience is a plus.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of sustainability standards and BIM tools (Revit, Bluebeam, Newforma) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide architectural leadership throughout all phases of project delivery, acting as Principal-in-Charge.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and foster relationships with consultants, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high-quality services with design excellence and on-time performance.
• Assist in creating and developing design solutions across project phases.
• Review project documentation to ensure compliance with codes, regulations, and standards.
• Negotiate and finalize contracts with clients, consultants, and partners.
• Support multiple projects achieving exceptional client service and performance.
• Mentor architects, designers, and staff to promote excellence in design and service.
• Contribute to strategic planning and business development to support growth.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client relationships

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

Bluebeam

Newforma

Office Suite

Job description

PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT

LOCATION | Austin, TX

JOIN OUR TEAM!

We’re looking for more than an ‘employee’. We’re looking for high impact individuals in the Austin region who are passionate about architectural leadership. Our team is made up of individuals who believe in strong, collaborative relationships and share our conviction that everyone on a project should be inspired by the mission. We want someone who can get behind that vision, who celebrates a team approach and is motivated by design that positively impacts our communities. If that describes you, and you’re ready to join a dynamic company with 75 years of excellence, an exciting career awaits you here.

WHAT WE’RE AFTER…

Dynamic, legacy Texas architecture & engineering design firm is looking for a Principal Architect to influence the direction of a growing practice while creating exceptional outcomes for clients, communities, and your team. The candidate should have the demonstrated ability of Project Architect and Project Manager, and a diversified knowledge of architectural principles and practices.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT AT O'CONNELL ROBERTSON….

• Provide architectural leadership throughout all phases of project delivery, from early planning through construction completion, serving as Principal-in-Charge.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients while fostering strong relationships with consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high-quality architectural services while ensuring design excellence, financial performance and schedule objectives.
• Assist in the creation and continued development of design solutions through all project phases.
• Assist in the review of project documentation to ensure compliance with applicable building codes, regulations, and quality standards.
• Negotiate and finalize contract negotiations with clients, consultants and other project partners.
• Support the successful execution of multiple projects while maintaining exceptional client service and project performance.
• Mentor architects, designers, and technical staff, supporting professional development and promoting excellence in design and service.
• Contribute to strategic planning, operational improvements, and business development initiatives that support continued organizational growth.

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR NEW ROLE…

• Registered Architect (RA) license required,State of Texas is preferred. Candidates with related or similar professional experience will be considered.
• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program/school
• Approximately 15 or more years of progressive architectural experience, including leadership of complex building projects.
• Strong, comprehensive knowledge of architectural practices, including project financial controls, schedule development, and resource planning.
• Working knowledge of contracts, building codes, standards, and building structures.
• Demonstrated success managing project teams while mentoring developing professionals.
• Experience and proficiency with educational projects highly preferred. Healthcare / Commercial / Institutional market experience is a plus.
• Strong understanding and history of successful project planning, construction documentation, construction administration, and consultant coordination.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge and experience with sustainability standards, Revit, Bluebeam, Newforma and Office Suite is preferred.
• Ability to balance professional service, technical excellence and impactful client relationship management, ensuring a positive client experience.
• Ensure comprehensive project success.

WHY US?

That’s easy. O’Connell Robertson is an acclaimed, dynamic, highly regarded employer with established clients across Texas. Offices in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas, engage locally with a regional reach. We believe in inspiring workspaces, excellent compensation and benefits, and a team culture that enthusiastically supports personal and career development, as well as diversity in the workplace.

EEO SATEMENT:

O’Connell Robertson hires quality candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by applicable law.