Senior Architect / Principal Architect

AIA Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Executive leadership growth path

Long-term wealth creation

Direct succession planning

Job summary

AIA Minnesota in Minnesota seeks an experienced licensed architect to assume a principal leadership role in the architecture division. You will guide strategic growth, lead client relations, and shape the office's direction while helping the parent organization expand its national and international reach.

This position emphasizes leadership over administration, with mentorship from the founder and ESOP opportunities.

Qualifications

• Licensed Architect (RA) with 20+ years in architecture.
• Strong leadership, communication and client-management skills.
• Experience guiding business development and project delivery.
• Ability to mentor staff and build trusted relationships.
• Willingness to transition into executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture division and guide strategic growth.
• Develop and expand client relationships and new markets.
• Mentor architects and project teams; oversee delivery.
• Ensure high-quality technical leadership from concept to completion.

Skills

Licensed Architect

Leadership

Business development

Client relationships

Project delivery

Communication

Job description

Southeast Minnesota (Northfield, Owatonna, Rochester, etc.).

Why This Opportunity Stands Apart

• Clearly defined plan into a Principal Architect and CEO position
• Direct mentorship and transition support from the firm’s founder
• Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of the practice for years to come
• Part of a growing multidisciplinary organization with hundreds of engineers and technical professionals
• Access to established client relationships and opportunities across multiple states
• Strong financial backing and significant growth potential

Focus on Leadership – Not Administration

Responsibilities

Unlike many leadership roles in architecture, you will not be burdened with administrative tasks such as HR, accounting, back‑office functions, or corporate infrastructure responsibilities. The parent organization handles these functions, allowing you to focus on:

• Client relationships
• Business development
• Team leadership
• Project delivery
• Strategic growth initiatives

Employee Ownership Opportunities

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Opportunity to participate in the long‑term value creation of the business

About The Work

• Industrial and manufacturing facilities
• Warehousing and distribution centers
• Commercial office developments
• Tenant improvement projects
• Retail developments
• Healthcare facilities
• Multifamily and investment‑grade housing projects
• Feasibility studies and facility management services

This is a highly technical practice with an emphasis on practical, buildable solutions rather than highly conceptual design work.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the Operations:
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and project stakeholders
  • Guide the strategic growth of the architecture division
  • Eventually assume responsibility for leading the entire office
• Business Development:
  • Expand relationships with existing clients
  • Pursue new opportunities and markets
  • Leverage the parent company’s national and international relationships
• Lead the Team:
  • Mentor and develop architects, project managers, and technical staff
  • Oversee project production and quality
  • Manage staffing, workflows, and project delivery processes
• Oversee Projects:
  • Provide technical leadership and architectural oversight
  • Ensure projects are delivered successfully from concept through construction
  • Maintain exceptional client service and long‑term relationships

What We’re Looking For

• Licensed Architect (RA)
• Approximately 20+ years of architectural experience
• Strong technical architectural background
• Experience managing teams and project delivery
• Business development, client management, or project pursuit experience
• Strong communication and leadership abilities
• Ability to lead meetings and build trusted client relationships
• Proficiency overseeing technical drawing production and mentoring staff
• Desire to transition into executive leadership

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $130,000 – $170,000+, depending on experience
• Executive leadership growth path
• ESOP participation
• Long‑term wealth creation opportunity
• Financially stable and growing organization
• Significant autonomy and influence
• Direct succession planning into firm leadership