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Select Leadership Opportunities

API Partners represents a broad range of clients and leadership opportunities across the built environment professions. The roles below reflect a curated selection of our active searches. Confidentially submit your resume for a role that aligns with your goals, or share your information with us to discuss additional leadership opportunities.

Managing Partner

This established, multi-disciplinary design firm is seeking a Washington, DC–based Managing Partner to lead the office, drive client relationships, oversee complex projects, and foster a culture of design excellence and collaboration.
Washington, DC
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Director of Business Planning & Administration

Our client, a globally renowned academic healthcare institution, is seeking a Director of Business Planning & Administration to support executive Facilities leadership, drive strategic initiatives, and oversee communications, operations, and administrative functions across a complex, system-wide facilities organization.
Baltimore, MD
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Chief Operating Officer (COO)

A national, award-winning architecture and design firm is seeking a strategic Chief Operating Officer to build the operational infrastructure that supports design excellence, strengthens financial performance, and guides the firm through a generational leadership transition.
Kansas City, MO
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Director of Interior Design

A high-impact leadership opportunity to guide the creative direction and growth of an established, design-driven architecture and interiors practice.
New York, NY
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Managing Director

Our client is a nationally celebrated design practice and leader in immersive workplace, hospitality, retail, and experiential environments, who are seeking a Managing Director to drive the continued growth and evolution of their New York studio.
New York, NY
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Principal, Mixed-Use

A principal-level leadership opportunity to build and lead a mixed-use development practice within a nationally recognized design firm’s Los Angeles office.
Los Angeles, CA
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Managing Partner

Washington, DC
Employment Type

Full-time

This established, multi-disciplinary design firm is seeking a Washington, DC–based Managing Partner to lead the office, drive client relationships, oversee complex projects, and foster a culture of design excellence and collaboration.

Overview

This award-winning and holistic architecture, interiors, urban design, landscape, and engineering firm has an extensive portfolio encompassing multi-family residential, student housing, mixed-use, and hospitality projects as well as corporate and government. With five offices across the U.S. and Asia, the firm’s dynamic, design team structure promotes collaboration and innovation, while investing in the talent and expertise of all professional staff and incorporating the latest technology throughout the organization. They are committed to surpassing their clients’ expectations with technology-based, innovative, and culturally significant design solutions that reflect and respect the unique social and built environment fabric of communities. Given the firm’s continued growth, they are seeking a Managing Partner for their Washington, DC Office with demonstrated practice and client leadership, and expertise in multi-family, mixed-use, and/or commercial projects.

Responsibilities

The Managing Partner is an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader, highly skilled in the design and/or leadership of large complex multi-family, mixed-use, and/or commercial projects while remaining focused on client engagement and mentoring. They will work closely and collaborate with Project Managers, Directors, and the CEO in the development of concepts and strategies that respond to program, client and project requirements while striving for design excellence. The firm’s strengths lie in the integration of architecture, interiors, landscape architecture, and engineering, and the Managing Partner, as a project, client, and office leader, will work closely across disciplines, collaborating in the development of exemplary projects.

 

The Managing Partner provides leadership internally and externally, setting the vision for the office, and fostering a culture of design excellence, collaboration, innovation, and mentorship. With exceptional skills at building long-term relationships, they will lead marketing efforts with the CEO, Managing Partners, business development, and design colleagues to attract new clients and maintain existing clients in the Washington Metro Area and New York to Florida. The Managing Partner will manage the full scope of projects including design management, project delivery, and project performance/profitability. Adept with the big picture and the smallest details, the Managing Partner will have proven design and client leadership experience. They will communicate clearly with clients for any required decisions that impact the firm’s design goals, schedule, and delivery of documents.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage the Washington, DC Office in tandem with the VP of Operations.
  • Lead large complex multi-family, mixed-use and hospitality projects while building a culture of design across the office.
  • Lead marketing efforts with the business development staff, management staff and the design staff to attract new clients and to maintain existing clients.
  • Oversee project document process for issuance, to meet the client’s development program and budget. Implement design and production processes and policies in line with the project fee budget, goals and professional standards.
  • Lead the design team in overviewing the plan layouts process for the projects; includes the determination of functional and spatial requirements and prepares information regarding design, specifications, materials, color and equipment.
  • Market and coordinate the integration of the firm’s “holistic multi-disciplinary approach” in a unified design for client review and approval.
  • Maintain appropriate records and files as accessible to the firm’s leadership.
  • Maintain a free flow of communications with the Directors, Project Managers and staff members relative to duties and activities.
  • Perform as client leader for the service and documents production with Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design and Engineering staff and independent consultants.
  • Collaborate with the CEO regarding the Boards’ overall strategy, goals and policies.
  • Overview the design and technical quality review process as part of client “promise” delivery process. Provide internal quality reviews of projects and teams under their direct control.
  • Support, implement, and coordinate office standards and procedures during the project delivery process.
Skills And Requirements
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture and Licensure required, LEED AP preferred.
  • 15-20+ years of design and/or client leadership experience with large complex developer driven projects including multi-family residential, student housing, senior living, mixed-use, or hospitality.
  • Experience with all phases of projects including successful experience navigating and interacting with planning boards and review boards.
  • Collaborative leader with a proven track record of running teams and working closely with clients, sub-consultants and vendors while completing large, complex projects.
  • Active member of AIA, ULI, NMHC, NAA or other industry organizations preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of zoning ordinances, laws and regulations related to design and construction for multi-family residential and/or hospitality projects.
  • Proven ability to present information and respond quickly to inquiries from managers, clients, and the general public.
  • Strong knowledge of Revit, Microsoft Office Suite, and related software systems that are at the forefront of architectural practice.
  • Proven fiscal accountability and responsibility, and an understanding of market forces pertaining to fees, scope and schedule requirements.

Director of Business Planning & Administration

Baltimore, MD
Employment Type

Full-time

This globally renowned academic healthcare institution is seeking a Director of Business Planning & Administration to support executive leadership, drive strategic initiatives, and oversee communications, operations, and administrative functions across a complex facilities organization.

Overview

Our client is a nationally recognized academic healthcare institution seeking a Director of Business Planning & Administration to support the strategic and operational leadership within a large-scale Facilities organization. This highly visible role sits at the intersection of executive communications, facilities planning, project administration, and strategic operations, supporting leadership across both the Health System and affiliated academic entities.

Summary

Working closely with executive Facilities leadership, the Director will play a critical role in shaping how major initiatives, capital projects, and operational priorities are communicated internally and externally. The position serves as both a strategic advisor and execution-oriented leader responsible for developing executive-level presentations, organizing critical reporting structures, managing high-priority initiatives, and driving coordination across multiple stakeholder groups.

 

This role is uniquely suited for an individual with a strong background in the AEC industry, Particularly someone who understands the pace, structure, and presentation demands within this environment. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of operational leadership, graphic communication expertise, and executive presence, with the ability to seamlessly move between strategic oversight and detailed execution.

 

The Director will also oversee a team of Project Administrators supporting Facilities leadership and will help establish greater consistency, organization, and operational rigor across reporting, presentations, and administrative workflows. This is an opportunity to join a mission-driven organization and contribute to the continued evolution of a sophisticated, system-wide facilities department supporting a complex institutional environment.

Executive Communications & Strategic Reporting

• Lead the preparation and coordination of executive-level presentations, reports, and communications for Trustees, senior leadership, and institutional stakeholders

• Develop compelling executive summaries and presentation materials that clearly communicate project progress, strategic initiatives, and facilities priorities

• Manage and maintain presentation standards and templates in alignment with institutional branding requirements

• Coordinate reporting deliverables across multiple facilities groups and affiliate organizations

• Organize and streamline presentation archives, reporting systems, and supporting documentation for greater operational efficiency

• Support leadership in preparing materials for Trustee meetings, donor presentations, committee reviews, and executive briefings

• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to develop polished visual materials, project imagery, and narrative content

Operational Leadership & Project Coordination

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional initiatives that span multiple departments, stakeholder groups, and reporting structures

• Oversee meeting preparation, agenda development, follow-up coordination, and action item tracking for senior leadership meetings

• Support the development and implementation of systems, workflows, and governance processes that improve organizational effectiveness

• Manage multiple concurrent priorities and deadlines within a fast-paced, highly visible environment

• Assist in the preparation of capital planning materials, facilities reporting, and data-driven assessments

• Coordinate with Directors and project teams across the system to consolidate reporting and operational updates

Team Leadership & Administration

• Oversee a team of Project Administrators supporting Facilities leadership across multiple regions and business units

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and oversight to administrative staff to ensure effective operational support and communication

• Establish organizational standards for reporting, presentation development, scheduling coordination, and administrative processes

• Monitor workload distribution, team performance, and prioritization across the administrative support structure

• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented team culture focused on responsiveness, accountability, and operational excellence

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Serve as a liaison between Facilities leadership and internal/external stakeholders throughout the organization

• Build strong working relationships across planning, design, operations, finance, marketing, and executive leadership teams

• Coordinate closely with internal marketing and graphics teams to support project communications and presentation development

• Support leadership in navigating complex institutional structures, timelines, approvals, and reporting requirements

• Participate in executive meetings, planning sessions, and strategic discussions, providing follow-up coordination and implementation support as needed

Skills & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Architecture, Interior Design, or related field

• 10 years of experience within the AEC, healthcare, institutional, or related industries

• Demonstrated experience developing executive presentations, reports, and strategic communications materials for senior leadership or clients

• Strong understanding of project delivery, planning, design, construction, or facilities operations environments

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills

• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a highly collaborative environment

• Strong graphic communication and presentation design skills, including advanced proficiency in InDesign and PowerPoint

• Excellent written and verbal communication with strong executive presence

• Proven ability to lead teams, coordinate stakeholders, and drive initiatives forward

• High level of discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality

• Proficiency in MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and collaboration tools such as Bluebeam and Miro preferred

• Interest in the built environment, healthcare, planning, architecture, or facilities industries strongly preferred

• Ability to work on-site in the Baltimore area a minimum of 4 days per week

• Limited regional travel may be required for meetings and project site visits

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Kansas City, MO
Employment Type

Full-time

A national, award-winning architecture and design firm is seeking a strategic Chief Operating Officer to build the operational infrastructure that supports design excellence, strengthens financial performance, and guides the firm through a generational leadership transition.

Overview

This award-winning national design firm with a 50-year legacy is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to join their leadership team during an exciting period of transformation. With studios across multiple markets, this dynamic, multi-disciplinary practice creates meaningful places through design excellence, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. As an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company owned by the people who design and deliver the work, they have created a unique culture of accountability, collaboration, and shared success. The firm is seeking a strategic operational leader who can build the business infrastructure that powers their creative vision while guiding them through a generational leadership transition.

 

The Chief Operating Officer is an executive partner who brings a powerful combination of operational excellence and appreciation for design culture – someone who sees operations not as a constraint on creativity, but as the engine that enables it to thrive. They will work in close partnership with the National Managing Principal, Managing Principals, and studio leadership to transform financial performance and strengthen operational foundation across all offices.

 

The COO provides strategic leadership internally and externally, translating the firm’s vision into operational reality through clear objectives, metrics, and implementation plans. With exceptional skills at driving organizational change and building cross-functional partnerships, they will lead the implementation of operational improvements while respecting established culture and gaining buy-in. The COO will assume responsibility for firm-wide financial performance, working with the leadership team to establish and achieve revenue and profit goals that support the ESOP structure. They will modernize technology infrastructure, enhance risk management, and create cohesive strategies that improve efficiency, collaboration, and client service.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Strategic Leadership: Translate the firm’s vision into operational reality through clear objectives, metrics, and implementation plans.
  • Financial Stewardship: Assume responsibility for firm-wide financial performance, working with the leadership team to establish and achieve revenue and profit goals that support the ESOP structure.
  • Process Design: Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, standardize best practices, and eliminate inefficiencies across studios and offices.
  • Team Development: Lead and mentor a team of operational leaders in marketing, finance, human resources, technology, and sustainability.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work as a key connector between traditionally siloed functions, ensuring alignment and cooperation.
  • Change Management: Guide the implementation of operational improvements with sensitivity to culture and a focus on gaining buy-in.
  • Problem Resolution: Act as an ombudsman for operational challenges, facilitating communication and implementing solutions.
  • Technology Infrastructure: Modernize technology systems to create cohesive strategies that improve efficiency, collaboration, and client service.
  • Risk Management: Enhance risk management through coordinated approaches to professional liability and business risk, while ensuring seamless operations across all locations.
  • Performance Enhancement: Transform financial performance by driving stronger and more consistent profitability at both project and office levels through enhanced systems, metrics, and accountability.
  • Decision-Making Systems: Elevate decision-making capabilities by implementing meaningful metrics and reporting systems that provide real-time insights.
  • Talent Strategy: Develop strategic approaches to talent resources that improve attraction.
Requirements
  • Proven Operational Leadership: Demonstrated success improving operational performance in a professional services or creative environment.
  • Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of professional service firm economics, project profitability drivers, and financial management.
  • Strategic Vision: Ability to connect operational decisions to long-term business goals and market positioning.
  • Change Management Expertise: Experience implementing new systems and processes while respecting established culture.
  • Leadership Presence: Executive-level communication skills and the ability to influence across organizational boundaries.
  • Design Appreciation: Genuine respect for design excellence and understanding of how operations support rather than constrain creativity.
  • Data-Driven Approach: Comfort with metrics, analytics, and using data to guide decision-making and track performance.
  • Collaborative Style: Capacity to build consensus and partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Cross-Functional Experience: Proven ability to work as a connector between traditionally siloed functions, ensuring alignment and cooperation.
  • Technology Leadership: Experience modernizing technology infrastructure and implementing cohesive strategies for improved efficiency.
  • ESOP Understanding: Knowledge of Employee Stock Ownership Plan structures and their operational implications preferred.
  • Multi-Location Management: Experience managing operations across multiple offices and geographic markets.

 

This is a rare opportunity to join a respected design firm during a transformational period, where you will be instrumental in building the operational foundation that enables creative excellence to flourish. The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of a firm with a rich legacy while creating systems and processes that support both business growth and design innovation. As COO, you will work alongside passionate design leaders who are committed to creating meaningful environments that enhance communities, ensuring that operations serve as the engine that powers their creative vision.

Director of Interior Design

New York, NY
Employment Type

Full-time

A high-impact leadership opportunity to guide the creative direction and growth of an established, design-driven architecture and interiors practice.

Overview

Our client is a nationally recognized architecture and interiors studio celebrated for its refined design sensibility and deeply personalized approach to residential environments. For over two decades, the firm has built an enduring reputation for creating tailored, timeless spaces that merge craft, innovation, and livability. With an expanding portfolio of award-winning private residences across the country, the practice has become known for projects that balance architectural rigor with warmth, comfort, and a keen attention to detail. As the practice continues to evolve, they are seeking a Design Director to lead and elevate their interiors team.

 

This role provides both creative and operational leadership, driving design excellence, ensuring seamless project delivery, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture. The Design Director will report to the firm’s partners and work closely with design and architectural leadership to shape the next evolution of the studio’s interiors practice. This is an opportunity to influence the creative direction of a respected firm while building and mentoring a talented team in a design-driven, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Project Oversight

 

  • Provide creative direction for all single-family residential interiors, guiding projects from concept through installation.
  • Maintain design integrity across all phases, ensuring each project reflects the studio’s aesthetic and quality standards.
  • Partner with architectural and technical teams to develop cohesive, integrated design solutions.
  • Review and refine FF&E documentation.
  • Participate in material reviews, design charrettes, and construction coordination as needed.
    Oversee multiple concurrent projects, balancing creative rigor with operational efficiency and profitability.
  • Attend site visits and client meetings as required.

 

Client Engagement & Relationship Management

 

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, leading design presentations, progress meetings, and on-site reviews.
  • Build and sustain long-term relationships through exceptional service, communication, and design delivery.
  • Manage expectations and maintain alignment between client vision, budget, and design intent.
    Contribute to business development efforts in tandem with Interior Design Principal.

 

Team Leadership & Studio Management

 

  • Lead and mentor a team of designers, project managers, and procurement specialists.
  • Define team structure, assign project roles, and monitor workload distribution and performance.
  • Provide hands-on guidance and professional development opportunities, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
  • Ensure operational excellence through clear processes, documentation standards, and quality control.
  • Partner with firm leadership on staffing, resourcing, and financial planning for the interiors discipline.
Skills & Requirements
  • Professional degree in Interior Design or related field.
  • 12+ years of experience in high-end single-family residential interiors, including at least 4 years in a senior leadership capacity.
  • Proven ability to lead complex, custom residential projects from design through installation.
  • Exceptional design sensibility and aesthetic judgment, with deep knowledge of materials, detailing, and fabrication.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills; confident leading clients and internal teams.
  • Demonstrated experience managing budgets, timelines, and staffing for multiple projects concurrently.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Cloud; Revit experience a plus.
  • Willingness to travel as required for client meetings and site visits.

Managing Director

New York, NY
Employment Type

Full-time

Overview

Our client is a nationally celebrated design practice who are leaders in immersive workplace, hospitality, retail, and experiential environments. They are seeking a Managing Director to lead the continued growth of their New York studio. Well-positioned for its next chapter, the studio is backed by an established client base, a healthy roster of active and upcoming projects, and the full resources of the firm’s integrated national platform. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of the New York office while partnering with a highly collaborative leadership team. The firm’s culture is grounded in people-first values, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the belief that great design builds stronger communities, fosters belonging, and creates meaningful human connections. As the practice continues to grow, there is a clear path toward firmwide, long-term leadership.

The Opportunity

This is a truly multidimensional studio leadership position, offering the opportunity to define the strategic direction, market presence, and long-term growth of the New York studio. While the firm has an established presence across workplace, hospitality, retail, and experiential design, there is meaningful opportunity for this leader to expand into additional market sectors where they bring an existing network and proven ability to generate business. Business development is a significant component of this role. The successful candidate will have demonstrated success winning work within their chosen market, cultivating long-term client relationships, and serving as a trusted advisor throughout the life of those partnerships.

Equally important is a leadership style rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and a genuine passion for design. This person will foster an environment where ideas are encouraged and, teams are empowered, serving as both an inspiring studio leader and a committed mentor. You should possess a strong point of view while remaining an exceptional listener, able to connect design thinking to culture, community, and business outcomes, and inspire those around them to do the same.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Growth

 

  • Lead the continued growth and evolution of the New York studio, leading in defining its long-term vision, market position, and business strategy.
  • Build a sustainable pipeline of new business through existing relationships, industry networking, and strategic market development.
  • Help expand the firm’s visibility throughout the New York design community and increase opportunities to participate in competitive pursuits and RFPs.
  • Partner with firm leadership, with the support of marketing, and creative teams to develop proposals, presentations, and client pitches.
  • Contribute to revenue growth through both new client acquisition and expansion of existing client relationships.
  • Support the financial health of the studio, including forecasting, resource planning, staffing strategy, and overall business performance.
  • Represent the firm externally through industry events, networking, thought leadership, and active participation within New York’s architecture and design community.

 

Project & Design Oversight

 

  • Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders across multiple industries.
  • Guide clients through complex business challenges by aligning design solutions with organizational goals.
  • Provide strategic creative oversight across multiple projects while empowering Design Directors and project teams to lead day-to-day execution.
  • Bring a thoughtful perspective that connects design decisions to business outcomes, culture, community, and human experience.
  • Represent the firm externally through industry events, networking, thought leadership, and active participation within New York’s architecture and design community.

 

Team Leadership & Studio Culture

 

  • Lead, mentor, and inspire multidisciplinary teams, fostering an environment built on collaboration, curiosity, accountability, and design excellence.
  • Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional talent while supporting professional growth across all levels of the studio.
  • Partner closely with firmwide leadership to ensure projects are resourced appropriately and aligned with client expectations.
  • Lead the cultivation of an inclusive environment where new ideas are encouraged and collaboration is prioritized.
  • Serve as a visible and accessible leader who strengthens connections across the firm’s national offices.
Qualifications
  • Established senior leadership experience within interior architecture, workplace, hospitality, retail, experiential design, or closely related disciplines.
  • Backgrounds in architecture, interior design, experiential design, brand environments, or spatial strategy are all welcome. Architectural or interior design licensure/qualification is considered an asset but not required.
  • Demonstrated success generating new business, growing strategic client relationships, and expanding market presence.
  • Strong network and credibility within the New York architecture and design community. Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams while balancing business development, client leadership, and creative oversight.
  • Ability to communicate the value of design beyond aesthetics, articulating how design influences culture, belonging, business performance, and human experience.
  • Naturally curious, collaborative, and an exceptional listener who enjoys building lasting relationships.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build something meaningful from a strong foundation.

 

The base salary range for this position is $200,000-225,000, complemented by a performance-based bonus and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on the successful candidate’s experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.

Principal, Mixed-Use

Los Angeles, CA
Employment Type

Full-time

A principal-level leadership opportunity to build and lead a mixed-use development practice within a nationally recognized design firm’s Los Angeles office.

Overview

Our client is a nationally recognized architecture, planning, and design firm with offices across the country and a significant Los Angeles presence. The firm brings multi-market expertise and resources while maintaining an entrepreneurial, collaborative studio culture that values design excellence and strategic problem-solving.

 

The firm is forward-thinking about the profession’s evolution, moving toward a “master builder” approach that integrates design, construction, and development thinking. They embrace design-build delivery, understand how new technology is transforming practice, and seek leaders who can envision and create the future of architectural practice, not just solve today’s problems.

 

As part of a strategic investment in building Los Angeles office depth, the firm is searching for a principal-level leader, one focused on mixed-use development, demonstrating their commitment to LA as a major market.

The Opportunity

Our client seeks a Principal to lead mixed-use development business development, client relationships, and design excellence for their Los Angeles office. The ideal candidate has deep developer relationships, proven ability to win and deliver complex mixed-use projects, and design credentials that demonstrate sophisticated urban design thinking.

 

This is a unique opportunity to join an established office while having significant autonomy to shape and grow a development-focused practice in one of the nation’s most dynamic real estate markets. While current market conditions are challenging for private development, this positions the firm for long-term growth. The Principal will balance business development with design leadership, with the “master builder” approach, understanding pro-formas, financing, and project feasibility alongside design excellence, being particularly critical for this role.

Responsibilities

Business Development Leadership:

 

  • Lead pursuit strategy for mixed-use development projects throughout Southern California, including residential/retail/office integration, urban infill, adaptive reuse, and transit-oriented development.
  • Build and maintain relationships with developers, real estate investors, institutional owners, and decision-makers in the development community.
  • Understand project feasibility, pro formas, financing structures, and development economics to be a credible partner to developers.
  • Navigate entitlement processes, community engagement, planning department relationships, and political dynamics of urban development.
  • Represent the firm in development community forums, real estate conferences, and strategic networking opportunities.
  • Generate revenue growth through strategic pursuit of transformational mixed-use projects.

Design Leadership & Project Delivery:

 

  • Serve as Principal-in-Charge on multiple concurrent mixed-use development projects, balancing design quality with development economics.
  • Provide design direction and creative vision for urban projects that are both financially viable and architecturally compelling.
  • Understand constructability, value engineering, and phasing strategies that keep projects on budget and on schedule.
  • Manage client relationships with developers who value both design quality and financial performance.
  • Comfortable with design-build delivery, fast-track schedules, and integrated project delivery methods.
  • Coordinate with project teams across multiple offices, including contractor collaboration and consultant coordination.
  • Balance business development with hands-on design involvement as portfolio grows.

 

Market Leadership & Strategic Positioning:

 

  • Represent the firm as a key player in the Los Angeles development community.
  • Build expertise in specific development types (multifamily, mixed-use, adaptive reuse, etc.) where firm can differentiate.
  • Support and mentor Los Angeles office team members.
  • Contribute to firm-wide initiatives related to development sector growth.
Qualifications

Required Experience & Credentials:

 

  • 20+ years of progressive architectural experience with demonstrated leadership on complex mixed-use development projects.
  • Licensed architect required; LEED AP strongly preferred given sustainability requirements in California development.
  • Significant Principal-in-Charge experience managing multiple concurrent projects through fast-paced development cycles.
  • Understanding of development economics, construction costs, and project financing.

 

Southern California Development Market Expertise:

 

  • Deep, established relationships with Los Angeles area developers, real estate investors, institutional owners, and development decision-makers.
  • Known and respected in the California development community with credibility that opens doors to opportunities.
  • Comprehensive understanding of California entitlement processes, CEQA, density bonus provisions, TOD incentives, and local planning dynamics.
  • Track record navigating complex approvals, community opposition, and political challenges.
  • Understanding of market cycles and positioning during challenging conditions.

 

Business Development & Design Excellence:

 

  • Documented success bringing in development projects with portfolio demonstrating ability to win work through developer relationships.
  • Strong design capabilities with portfolio of built mixed-use work that demonstrates both financial performance AND design quality.
  • Ability to speak developers’ language about returns, rents, construction costs, and schedules while championing design excellence.
  • Proven ability to lead design teams, provide creative direction, and balance project economics with design ambitions.
  • Strategic thinker about development opportunities, market positioning, and long-term client relationships.

 

Forward-Thinking & Industry Evolution:

 

  • Understanding of how AI and technology are transforming architectural production and value proposition.
  • Strong comfort with design-build, integrated project delivery, and alternative delivery methods common in development.
  • “Master builder” approach is critical: deep understanding of project feasibility, financing, budgeting, constructability, and economic viability alongside design thinking.
  • Vision for the future of urban development, housing, and mixed-use environments.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset comfortable with development risk and market dynamics.

 

Leadership & Cultural Fit:

 

  • Collaborative, open-minded approach that values diverse perspectives—not ego-driven mentality.
  • Exceptional communication skills with comfort presenting to developers, investors, lenders, and planning commissions.
  • Supportive leadership style that develops others and thrives in team-based environment.
  • Ability to work alongside the public/government principal in complementary rather than competitive manner.
  • Alignment with firm values while understanding development sector’s unique pressures and priorities.

 

This position provides a clear pathway to partnership based on performance, with the unique advantage of joining an established office that has existing market credibility and multi-office firm resources. The role offers significant autonomy to drive business development and design direction for the development practice while focusing on what matters most: winning work and delivering design excellence that is both financially viable and architecturally compelling. Compensation includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience and California market, performance bonus structure tied to business development success and project delivery, partnership track with defined timeline (typically 2-3 years) including profit sharing and equity participation, and comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement plan with firm contribution, and professional development support. The collaborative, non-bureaucratic culture provides opportunities to work alongside the public/government principal in building a diversified LA office, exemplifying the firm’s vision of integrated design/construction/development thinking through the “master builder” approach, while accessing expertise and capacity across offices nationally.

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Our client is a nationally celebrated design practice and leader in immersive workplace, hospitality, retail, and experiential environments, who are seeking a Managing Director to drive the continued growth and evolution of their New York studio.
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