Senior Design Principal, Architecture & Interiors

McKissack McKissack LLC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 185,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Tuition Assistance

Adoption Assistance

Matching 401k Plan

Company-paid holidays

Paid-Time-Off (PTO)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Life Insurance

Short and Long-Term Disability

Job summary

McKissack & McKissack in Washington, DC seeks a Design Principal for Architecture and Interiors to translate bold client vision into compelling design solutions. This senior role requires a registered architect with a strong design voice, deep client trust, and the ability to lead concepts through execution.

The role is client-facing, guides internal teams, and sets design direction across projects in commercial office, hospitality, and institutional sectors.

Qualifications

• Registered Architect in good standing.
• 20+ years of professional architectural experience.
• Recognized design leader with a strong portfolio of built work.
• Proven ability to lead conceptual design and early project vision.
• Strong freehand or digital sketching ability.
• Experience working directly with clients in public and private sector environments.
• Ability to inspire, guide, and elevate design teams.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design vision from early concept through design development.
• Create high level conceptual sketches and narratives translating client goals into clear architectural ideas.
• Serve as the primary design voice in client meetings, interviews, and presentations.
• Set the overall design direction and guide teams through refinement and execution.
• Partner directly with clients to understand mission, culture, and functional needs.
• Build trust with senior stakeholders through listening, clear thinking, and design confidence.
• Act as a creative advisor who helps clients make informed design decisions.
• Work closely with architects, interior designers, and technical staff to develop concepts into coordinated design solutions.

Skills

Registered Architect

20+ years experience

Design leadership

Client engagement

Conceptual design

Freehand sketching

Job description

McKissack & McKissack in Washington, DC seeks a Design Principal for Architecture and Interiors to translate bold client vision into compelling design solutions. This senior role requires a registered architect with a strong design voice, deep client trust, and the ability to lead concepts through execution.

The role is client-facing, guides internal teams, and sets design direction across projects in commercial office, hospitality, and institutional sectors.