Senior Architect / Principal Architect

American Institute of Architects Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP participation

Executive leadership growth path

Long-term wealth creation opportunity

Job summary

American Institute of Architects Minnesota seeks a Senior Architect who will transition from project execution to executive leadership within a financially strong practice. Based in Minneapolis, the role offers a path to Principal Architect and future CEO, with mentorship from the founder and ownership potential.

The work spans industrial, commercial, healthcare, and multifamily projects, with emphasis on client relationships, business development, and team leadership.

Qualifications

• Licensed RA with ~20+ years of architectural experience.
• Proven leadership in teams and project delivery.
• Strong business development and client management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations and guide strategic growth of the architecture division.
• Mentor architects, PMs, and technical staff.
• Oversee staffing, workflows, and project delivery processes.
• Manage client relationships and expand market opportunities.

Skills

Licensed Architect (RA)

Leadership

Business development

Client relationship management

Job description

Senior Architect / Principal Architect

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota (position will be located outside the Minneapolis area). This role offers a rare opportunity for a licensed architect to transition from project execution to executive leadership within a well-established, financially strong architecture practice.

Description

For over 35 years, our firm has built an exceptional reputation throughout the commercial and industrial markets, earning nearly all of our work through long‑standing relationships and word‑of‑mouth referrals. After being acquired by a large, financially strong international engineering organization, we are entering an exciting new chapter. Due to growth and expansion, we are seeking a Senior Architect who will become the next leader of the practice and ultimately assume the role of Principal Architect and future CEO. This is not simply another senior architect position; it is an opportunity to inherit and grow an established architectural practice with significant resources, expanded capabilities, and long‑term ownership potential.

Future Executive Leadership

• 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

Backed by a Larger Organization

• 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

• 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

The practice is highly technical 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

Why Join Us?

Opportunities like this rarely come to market. You will inherit an established reputation, a loyal client base, an experienced team, and the backing of a large, well‑capitalized organization, all while being personally mentored by the firm’s founder during the transition. If you’ve ever wanted to lead a firm rather than simply work for one, this may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Contact

Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]