Project Director/Business Development - Architecture

GHD; Tustin (CA); Hybrid; USD 126,000 - 211,000; Full time

Job summary

GHD’s US West Design Studio is seeking a strategic Project Director-Architect to grow our architecture practice across sectors, with focus on Hospitality and Entertainment. The role blends business development with hands-on project leadership.

You will build client relationships, lead pursuit strategies, and mentor delivery teams while collaborating with senior studio leadership to drive growth and deliver high‑quality design across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture.
• Architectural licensure in the US preferred or active progress toward licensure.
• 10–15 years of architectural experience with multi-building type exposure.
• Proven success in business development and client management, with hospitality/entertainment focus.
• Strong presentation and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams.
• Proficiency with Revit, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and design communication tools.

Responsibilities

• Build and grow relationships across target markets in Hospitality and Entertainment.
• Lead opportunity identification and pursuit strategy.
• Collaborate with studio leadership to drive growth and revenue targets.
• Coordinate with market sector leaders for integrated offerings.
• Represent the studio at industry events and professional groups.
• Support proposal development and client presentations.
• Mentor design talent and promote a high-performance culture.

Skills

Client relationships

Business development

Leadership

Communication

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor/Master in Architecture

Architect licensure (US preferred)

Tools

Revit

Bluebeam

Adobe CC

Rhino/SketchUp

Job description

Job Summary

GHD’s US West Design Studio is seeking a strategic, relationship‑driven Project Director‑Architect who will play a key role in advancing the growth of our architecture practice across all building sectors, with a particular emphasis on Hospitality and Entertainment. This role blends high‑impact business development with hands‑on project involvement—ideal for an entrepreneurial design professional who excels at cultivating clients, winning work, and leading delivery teams.

Hybrid Work Model

Three days a week in office, supporting collaboration, connection, and excellence.

Responsibilities

Business Development & Market Leadership

• Build, maintain, and grow client relationships across all target markets—civic, education, commercial, industrial, transportation, infrastructure‑related facilities—while strategically deepening GHD’s presence in Hospitality and Entertainment.
• Lead opportunity identification, positioning, and pursuit strategy for new and existing clients.
• Partner closely with the US West Design Studio leadership to drive growth, revenue targets, and key account development.
• Collaborate with market sector leaders across GHD to coordinate integrated, multidisciplinary offerings.
• Represent the Architecture Design studio and the broader GHD brand at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations.
• Support proposal development, interview strategy, and client presentations.

Project Leadership & Technical Delivery

• Serve as project architect, design lead, or technical advisor for select projects across a broad range of building types.
• Lead conceptual design workshops, visioning sessions, and planning discussions with clients and stakeholders.
• Integrate architectural solutions with engineering, interiors, advisory, and environmental teams for a seamless, multidisciplinary approach.
• Ensure high standards of design quality, documentation, and project execution from concept through construction.
• Mentor emerging design talent and contribute to a collaborative, high‑performance studio culture.

Additional Responsibilities

• Act as subject matter expert in an area of technology, policy, regulation, or operational management for the team.
• Maintain external accreditations and in‑depth understanding of current and emerging external regulation and industry best practices through continuing professional development, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
• Manage key account relationships, ensuring quality service and profitable business growth for a portfolio of complex customer relationships.
• Develop and implement relationship management plans for strategic, complex potential accounts at local and national levels.
• Consult with customer representatives to identify outcomes, clarify medium‑to‑long‑term needs, and develop agreed specifications of customer requirements.
• Build a personal network of senior managers within the business sector to represent the organization at business sector events, obtain market intelligence, and enhance the organization’s reputation.
• Manage ongoing relationships with identified customer segments, providing themes, summary analyses, and recommendations based on customer input.

Education

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture.
• Architectural licensure in the U.S. (preferred) or active progress toward licensure.

Experience

• 10‑15 years of architectural experience, including project involvement in multiple building types.
• Demonstrated success in business development, client management, and work winning.
• Relevant experience in Hospitality and/or Entertainment design—hotels, resorts, restaurants, venues, leisure environments, or themed experiences.
• Strong presentation, communication, and relationship‑building abilities.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams.
• Competency with Revit, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and design communication tools.

EEO Statement

As a multicultural organization, GHD encourages individual achievement and recognizes the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.

Salary Range

$126,000‑$211,000.00 based on experience and location.