Principal Architect - Data Centers

MG2 Design; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Parental Leave

Career development

Wellbeing program

401K match

Job summary

MG2 Design seeks a Principal Architect - Data Centers in San Francisco to lead design leadership and studio operations. You will drive staffing, client relationships, and cross-market collaboration while guiding strategic initiatives and business development efforts.

The role emphasizes risk management, financial performance, and ensuring high-quality delivery across complex programs for national and global clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in a professional architecture or design firm.
• Licensed professional certification preferred.
• Experience leading large-scale studio operations and financial management.
• Proven ability to lead diverse studio groups and strategic initiatives.
• Experience with business development, proposals, and client relations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee staffing and build project teams to deliver design excellence and project management.
• Meet revenue targets and contribute to annual business planning.
• Manage project team performance and resource allocation.
• Set strategic direction for the design practice studio in alignment with firm goals.
• Develop and implement a Rhythm-of-Business for the studio and project execution.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client relationships

Strategic planning

Staffing management

Financial management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture

Job description

Overview

MG2, an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design, is currently looking for a Principal Architect - Data Centers to join our Client Programs Market team in San Francisco, CA! You will be working in our Client Programs (CP) Market, where you will have the unique opportunity to work on global and national building programs with a focus on project and client leadership through all phases of design and delivery. Our new Principal Architect is responsible for leading studio business operations and overseeing the growth, financial performance, and overall health of their teams. Individuals in this role contribute to annual business planning and often lead collaborative cross-market efforts to develop and implement strategic initiatives aligned with firm-wide goals. Principals oversee regional practice integration and collaborate with market leadership to lead business development pursuits while cultivating strong client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee staffing assignments and build project teams that can successfully execute project work, and deliver excellence in design, technical expertise, and project management.
• Responsible for bringing in new clients and new revenue annually and will be provided with a top line revenue target.
• Maintain overall responsibility for project team performance, including design and delivery of contracted work and management of internal and external resources.
• Collaborate with market leaders to set strategic direction for their respective design practice studio in alignment with firm-wide goals and annual business plans.
• Oversee development and implementation of a consistent Rhythm-of-Business within the studio, including prescriptive guidelines for project execution and client services.
• Meet regularly with market leadership and Senior Project Managers to ensure design work is continuously executed in alignment with project budgets and client goals.
• Lead the development and implementation of firm-wide strategic initiatives including annual business planning.
• Oversee cross-market collaboration efforts including the continued growth of all regional design practices and successful project team integration.
• Continuously review all internal and external risks; lead successful implementation of risk mitigation strategies in alignment with the firm's interests.
• Lead the development of project proposals, RFP responses, and various business development initiatives.
• Develop and manage annual studio operational budget, in collaboration with other studio leaders
• Manage health and viability of both new and existing client relationships through direct client interaction and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Collaborate with market leadership regarding acceptance of new work and strategic pursuits.
• Actively participate in recruiting, hiring, and onboarding.
• Meet regularly with studio leadership and people managers to proactively review performance of individual team members; provide constructive feedback and guidance as required.
• Oversee annual goal setting and performance reviews.
• Engages and collaborates with leaders and strategic partners across the firm with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Provides appropriate guidance and constructive feedback to all internal team members.
• Oversees regional practice integration and facilitates cross-market collaboration.
• Functions as a subject-matter-expert and firm-wide resource with a highly specialized or uniquely relevant skill set.
• Oversees implementation of all tactical execution strategies in alignment with annual business plans and firm-wide goals.
• Displays ability to successfully navigate conflict, effectively implement change, and facilitate difficult conversations focused on achieving specific outcomes.
• Engages in the development and implementation of internal Learning and Development resources.
• Accepts accountability for consistent deliverable quality, exceptional client services, and overall financial performance across regional offices and studio groups.
• Confidently makes strategic decisions with sound judgement related to staffing, business operations, and resource management.
• Appropriately prioritizes internal initiatives and billable work while balancing the needs of various teams and studio groups.
• Consistently engages with project leaders and people managers to ensure a safe, comfortable, and equitable work environment for all staff.
• Seeks out and actively engages in external community activities and philanthropic events beyond the pursuit of work.
• Contributes to intentional and thoughtful decision-making regarding staffing changes, employee promotions, and strategic team building.
• Invests time and dedicated resources to the growth and professional development of individuals and project teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in a professional architecture or design firm.
• Certification as a licensed professional preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale business operations and studio wide financial management.
• Proven ability to effectively lead diverse studio groups while implementing both tactical and strategic planning.
• Previous experience leading the development and implementation of large-scale strategic initiatives.
• Proven experience leading business development efforts including pursuing growth opportunities, as well as contributing to the creation of project proposals, RFP responses, and statements of qualifications.
• Effective communication skills and a demonstrated ability to foster collaborative team environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage staffing resources across internal markets and multiple teams including those in different physical locations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships.
• Previous involvement in future state organizational planning.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully navigate conflict while managing through change.

Compensation: $125,000 to $200,000 per year (depending on qualifications)

What We Offer

At MG2, an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design, we value our employees with great benefits and worthwhile programs. We are proud of the many initiatives at MG2 such as our focus on Sustainability and Inclusion & Belonging. We promote MG2 culture firmwide and within each of our offices through monthly recognition, happy hours, summer events, and an end of year Holiday Party to celebrate our accomplishments. People make the place at MG2 - Join our growing firm today!

Benefits

• Employer provided employee healthcare plan and reduced cost premium plans, life insurance, and short and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Time Off, 7 paid Holidays, and an additional 3 Floating Holidays.
• Employer sponsored Family Planning Program and employer Paid Parental Leave.
• Learning & Career Development opportunities.
• Employee Wellness and Employee Assistance Program.
• Participation in a 401K program including eligible company match percentage, after waiting period.