Principal, Architecture & Interior Design

Interior Talent; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Interior Talent is pleased to present a confidential opportunity for a Principal of Architecture & Interior Design in Denver, CO. You will define vision for a growing integrated practice and lead executive initiatives across design, operations, and business development.

Reporting to the President and serving on the executive team, you will shape strategy, build high-performing teams, and position the firm as a trusted partner from concept through delivery.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of executive leadership experience within architecture, design-build, integrated project delivery, commercial development, construction, interior design, or related industries.
• Experience serving as a Principal, Practice Leader, Studio Director, Managing Principal, Executive Director, or similar senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams, organizational growth, and complex client-facing initiatives.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance strategic vision and operational execution.
• Experience developing or scaling departments, practices, business units, or service offerings.
• Exceptional executive presence with outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to lead through growth, change, and organizational transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the long-term vision for the Architecture & Interior Design practice and drive strategic growth.
• Position the organization as a trusted partner from concept through delivery on major projects.
• Participate in executive planning, client strategy sessions, and major pursuits.
• Expand service offerings and revenue through design, consulting, planning, and advisory services.
• Support growth through strategic market positioning and innovation.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Entrepreneurial mindset

Business development

Job description

Location: Denver, CO (ability to travel needed with this opportunity)

Our Executive Search team is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Principal of Architecture & Interior Design on behalf of an established, nationally recognized organization entering its next phase of strategic growth.

This is a rare opportunity for an executive leader who is passionate about building high-performing teams, shaping business strategy, and creating a scalable architecture and design practice within a growing integrated project delivery organization. Rather than inheriting a mature department, you'll have the opportunity to define the vision, influence executive decision-making, strengthen organizational alignment, and help position the company as an early strategic partner for clients from concept through project execution.

Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the executive leadership team, you'll work across business development, operations, engineering, project delivery, and marketing to establish a best-in-class Architecture & Interior Design practice that creates long-term value for both clients and the organization.

Why This Opportunity: This is more than a leadership position; it is an opportunity to build something meaningful.

You’ll play a defining role in the evolution of a successful organization by developing new capabilities, influencing company strategy, expanding market presence, and creating scalable systems that will shape the business for years to come. If you’re energized by transformation, collaboration, executive leadership, and leaving a lasting impact, this opportunity offers the platform to do exactly that.

What You’ll Lead

• Develop and execute the long-term vision for an Architecture & Interior Design practice.
• Help position the organization as a trusted strategic partner capable of influencing projects from concept through delivery.
• Participate in executive planning, client strategy sessions, and major project pursuits.
• Identify opportunities to expand service offerings and generate new revenue streams through design, consulting, planning, and advisory services.
• Support long-term business growth through strategic market positioning and innovation.

Organizational Leadership

• Evaluate current organizational capabilities and establish scalable structures for future growth.
• Create efficient workflows that improve collaboration across design, operations, engineering, project management, and business development.
• Build accountability, communication standards, and operational excellence throughout the organization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on design strategy, organizational development, and project delivery.

Business Development & Market Growth

• Partner with executive leadership to support strategic client pursuits and business development initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with developers, owners, architects, consultants, and industry partners.
• Represent the organization during executive presentations, industry events, and key client engagements.
• Help expand the firm's market presence while creating repeatable, scalable solutions for clients.

Leadership & Team Development

• Mentor, inspire, and develop multidisciplinary design professionals.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-accountability culture.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships that eliminate organizational silos and improve project execution.
• Lead through influence, credibility, and strategic vision.
• Provide executive guidance on complex projects and strategic pursuits.
• Align design vision with operational goals, constructability, and execution.
• Partner with clients and project stakeholders to elevate the overall project experience.
• Support integrated project delivery from early planning through implementation.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of executive leadership experience within architecture, design-build, integrated project delivery, commercial development, construction, interior design, or related industries.
• Experience serving as a Principal, Practice Leader, Studio Director, Managing Principal, Executive Director, or similar senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams, organizational growth, and complex client-facing initiatives.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance strategic vision and operational execution.
• Experience developing or scaling departments, practices, business units, or service offerings.
• Exceptional executive presence with outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to lead through growth, change, and organizational transformation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Architect strongly preferred.
• Experience with integrated project delivery or design-build environments.
• Experience leading architecture and design organizations serving commercial, hospitality, experiential, mixed-use, retail, entertainment, workplace, institutional, or public-sector clients.
• Familiarity with modern design technologies, BIM platforms, visualization tools, and collaborative project delivery software.

Leadership Profile: We're seeking an executive who combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership. Someone who naturally builds trust, creates organizational alignment, develops people, and sees opportunities where others see complexity. You'll thrive in this role if you enjoy building organizations, influencing business strategy, mentoring future leaders, and creating lasting impact across both people and projects.

Confidential Executive Search

This search is being conducted on a confidential basis by our Executive Search team. Qualified candidates will receive additional information regarding the organization, leadership team, and long-term strategic vision during the interview process.