Principal Architect - Transit

HNTB; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 110,384 - 215,816; Full time

Job summary

A leading design firm in Seattle is seeking a Principal Architect with a passion for sustainable design. In this role, you will lead technical aspects of large projects, mentor younger designers, and integrate advanced tools into the design process. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, 10 years of experience, and expertise in Autodesk Revit, along with strong leadership and communication skills. This position offers competitive pay within the Greater Seattle area and is integral to shaping a collaborative design culture.

Qualifications

• 10 years of relevant experience in architecture.
• Registered Architect (RA).

Responsibilities

• Develop and present lead technical viewpoint on assigned projects.
• Coordinate with sub-consultants for quality assurance checks.
• Implement BIM and design technology standards.
• Mentor earlier to mid-career staff.

Skills

Proficient in Project delivery methods (Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, IPD, etc.)

Advanced working knowledge of Autodesk Revit

Skills in computational design

Demonstrated technical ability and leadership skills

Clear communication skills

Knowledgeable in current and emerging tools including Autodesk Revit

Knowledgeable in current accessibility and sustainability codes

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Tools

Tally or other LCA tool

Rhino

Enscape

Adobe suite

Job description

What We're Looking For

We are a growing Transit + TOD design studio in Seattle seeking a Principal Architect who is passionate about shaping a strong, inclusive design culture. Our team is currently leading work on a major Sound Transit project and expanding our portfolio with agencies and jurisdictions across the region.

This role is ideal for someone who brings both design vision and a collaborative spirit—someone who elevates the work of others, mentors emerging designers, and cultivates an environment where interdisciplinary teams thrive. We’re looking for a leader who is excited about integrating tools like Life Cycle Assessment into the design process and who sees sustainability not as an add‑on, but as a core design value.

Our work is fast‑paced, civic‑minded, and rooted in delivering exceptional transit experiences for the public. If you’re energized by complex urban challenges, committed to advancing sustainable design practices, and eager to help shape a studio culture built on curiosity, rigor, and shared growth, we’d love to connect.

This opportunity entails being responsible for participation in all phases of project development including full technical support of the architecture as well as incorporation of all disciplines involved with the design. Serves as a resource to the designer and project manager as the design is developed. The role includes serving as the lead technical architect on large sized projects.

What You'll Do

• Develops and presents lead technical viewpoint on assigned projects. Ensures that a technical solution, consistent with the program and design is properly developed and produced.
• Works closely with the project designer and manager in planning and implementing all work processes. Develops and implements internal controls for all team members assigned to a project. Monitors and supervises development of contract documents.
• Promotes the implementation and enforcement of BIM and design technology standards, best practices, and project team workflows.
• Has overall responsibility for coordination with sub-consultants in implementation of quality assurance and quality control checks. Responsible for all project work planning and scheduling.
• Serves as subject matter expert on architectural projects of the largest size.
• Promotes firm culture within and outside the practice.
• Assists in the development and implementation of practice‑wide technical and delivery standards.
• Participates in market sector leadership initiatives.
• Nurtures existing client relationships.
• Attends industry‑based conferences and events to promote the firm.
• May mentor earlier to mid‑career staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and 10 years of relevant experience.
• RA

What You'll Bring

• Advanced working knowledge of Autodesk Revit.
• Skills in computational design, or other emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated technical ability and leadership skills.
• Clear communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Patience and ability to mentor and develop others.
• Proficient in: Project delivery methods (Design‑Bid‑Build, Design‑Build, IPD, etc.).
• Architectural products and systems.
• Building codes.
• Knowledgeable in current and emerging tools including Autodesk Revit, cloud filesharing/collaboration, complex 3D modeling, visualization.
• Knowledgeable in current accessibility and sustainability codes and standards.

What We Prefer

• Advanced working knowledge of Tally or other LCA tool, Rhino, Enscape and the Adobe suite.
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams, transit systems, and transit‑oriented design.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Locations: Seattle, WA (Downtown)

The approximate pay range for the Greater Seattle, WA Metro Area is $126,942.61 - $198,551.24. The approximate nation wide pay range for this position is $110,384.86 - $215,816.57. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.