Principal Architect

Job Title: Principal Architect Job Description
We are seeking an experienced architectural leader to provide executive oversight of major projects while supporting the continued growth of the practice. This individual will partner with design, technical, project management, and operational leadership to drive project success, client satisfaction, financial performance, and business development.
Responsibilities
- Provide executive leadership and oversight of large, complex architectural projects from planning through completion.
- Partner with design, technical, and project management leadership to establish project strategy and ensure successful delivery.
- Lead and maintain high-level client relationships, including presentations, negotiations, issue resolution, and ongoing account development.
- Support business development efforts by cultivating client and partner relationships, participating in pursuits, and identifying opportunities for growth.
- Oversee project financial performance, including budgets, profitability, scope management, invoicing, and resource planning.
- Guide staffing strategy and coordinate internal and external resources to meet project needs.
- Monitor project schedules, consultant performance, quality, and overall delivery.
- Identify and mitigate project, contractual, and financial risks.
- Lead, mentor, and develop project teams while fostering collaboration and accountability.
- Partner with operational and financial leadership to improve project performance and achieve broader business objectives.
- Represent the organization within the local AEC community and support industry engagement.
Essential Skills
- 15+ years of architecture, design, or related AEC experience
- Significant experience leading large and/or complex projects and multidisciplinary teams
- Proven client relationship management and business development experience
- Strong understanding of project financials, contracts, staffing, and resource planning
- Experience providing senior-level oversight across multiple projects or client accounts
- Professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field
- Architectural licensure strongly preferred
- Healthcare experience preferred but not required
- Experience within complex institutional, commercial, higher education, science & technology, civic, or similar project environments is highly transferable
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Executive Project Leadership
- Client & Business Development
- Financial & Operational Management
Work Environment
The work environment is hybrid, allowing for a balance between remote work and in-office collaboration. The role involves interacting with various technologies and equipment pertinent to architectural practice. The setting is professional, requiring business attire to maintain a conducive atmosphere for client engagement and team collaboration.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Seattle, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $175000.00 - $250000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Medical, dental & vision insurance
401(k) with employer match
Paid time off & holidays
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability
Life insurance
Professional development opportunities
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Seattle, WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Seattle,WA. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
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