Senior Architect / Principal Architect

AEC Resources, Inc.; Minnesota; On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Ownership potential

Job summary

AEC Resources is seeking a licensed architect with two decades of experience to lead our architectural practice and advance to Principal Architect and CEO. You will shape the firm’s strategic direction, nurture key client relationships, and drive growth within a substantial, well-backed organization.

This leadership role focuses on executive responsibilities beyond project execution, with ownership potential through our ESOP program and long-term ownership prospects across multiple states.

Qualifications

• Licensed Architect (RA) with 20+ years of architectural experience.
• Proven leadership and team-management skills.
• Experience in business development, client management, or project pursuit.
• Desire to transition into executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the practice and guide strategic growth of the architecture division.
• Drive business development and expand client relationships.
• Lead the team, mentor architects and project managers, oversee staffing and delivery.
• Oversee projects from concept through construction ensuring client satisfaction.

Skills

Licensed Architect

Leadership & mentorship

Business development

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Strategic growth

Communication & presentation

Job description

Job Description

A rare opportunity is now available for a licensed architect who is ready to move beyond project execution and into executive leadership.

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. Today, we are entering an exciting new chapter following our acquisition by a large, financially strong international engineering organization.

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.

Why This Opportunity Stands Apart 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

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

Our projects primarily include:

• 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 Practice

• 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

Drive 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