Design Principal

Description

• Facilitate design charrettes, critiques, and team pin-ups
• Resolve issues involving team members or consultants
• Lead documentation efforts including 3D modeling, physical models, and material research in collaboration with the Project Manager
• Attend industry conferences, networking events, and community gatherings
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance-enhancing feedback to assigned team members, focusing on technical proficiency
• Collaborate with studio leaders to foster unified and supportive leadership
• Ensure design decisions, materials, and systems meet firm and client standards while staying within budget
• Assist in developing written and visual materials for project pursuits and interviews
• Help secure work aligned with practice and studio goals
• Drive accountability across the studio for adherence to HMC’s technical protocols and standards
• Establish strong working relationships with practice leaders, clients, consultants, and regulatory agencies
• Research and explore alternative systems, materials, and innovative approaches
• Represent HMC through public speaking at client, industry, and community events
• Lead Schematic Design and Design Development for projects of all sizes
• Oversee and resolve design issues during construction for all assigned projects
• Develop training materials to support staff design development
• Develop and maintain a strong network of clients and industry partners
• Direct and coordinate project work with internal teams and consultants
• Contribute articles to professional architecture and construction publications
• Establish standards for documenting the design process
• Deliver assignments to support staff, consultants, and vendors clearly and professionally
• Procure and manage approximately $1M in gross project revenue per year and secure a minimum of $500K in new contracts annually through repeat or new clients
• Model and promote HMC’s values, culture, and mission; serve as an advocate for staff, clients, and the community
• Develop work plans and schedules for technical components in coordination with project managers and other Principals
• Ensure design documents comply with client standards and HMC protocols
• Ensure project design outcomes align with HMC’s design vision
• Promote design excellence and serve as a design leader and mentor
• Monitor employee performance and provide timely and constructive feedback
• Maintain and strengthen long-term client relationships
• Elevate client concerns appropriately to the PIC as needed
• Participate in fee and contract negotiations with clients and consultants
• Serve as a visible leader in the community or within HMC’s market segments
• Direct the preparation of design communication materials such as renderings, diagrams, presentations, and material boards
• Oversee multiple clients and projects simultaneously across all phases
• Maintain design integrity from early concept through construction
• Engage with existing clients to identify opportunities for additional work
• Lead coordination of design intent through construction documents and construction administration
• Participate in marketing interviews and proposal efforts
• Review cost models, estimates, and plans; lead design-related value analysis
• Review documents to ensure quality, coordination, and compliance with deliverable and client standards
• Promote HMC Design across the industry and within the community
• Ensure consistency and integration of technical resources across project teams from pursuit through completion
• Contribute to the development and refinement of HMC’s firmwide design goals and philosophy

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of building systems, materials, and appropriate technologies
• Strong verbal and written communication skills across varied audiences
• Comprehensive understanding of applicable building codes
• Proficiency with software and multimedia tools used in design, documentation, and presentation
• Ability to be on-site in an HMC studio at least three days per week
• Minimum 2 years in a senior leadership role guiding teams and clients through technical project aspects
• Thorough understanding of HMC’s design process and deliverables
• Licensed Architect (state of practice preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions with sound judgment, transparency, and alignment with design intent
• Minimum 12 years of experience producing and coordinating architectural documents across all phases, including project management
• Ability to set goals, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively
• Minimum 5 years of experience in healthcare, education, or civic projects, with strong technical expertise and knowledge of DSA, HCAI, or other regulatory agencies

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance