Principal Architect

DACON Corporation is seeking an accomplished Principal Architect to lead and advance our architecture practice, PDA Associates, providing strategic, creative, technical, and business leadership. The ideal candidate brings a strong balance of design vision, technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership capability, with a comprehensive understanding of how an architectural practice operates within a broader design-build organization. The Principal Architect will play a pivotal role in developing talent, mentoring and inspiring team members, strengthening client partnerships, identifying new opportunities, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team. This is an opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to shape the direction, growth, and long-term success of PDA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sales & Marketing:

- Attend client sales meetings and presentations.

- Attend internal strategy meetings to develop creative strategies & schedules to meet clients’ needs.

- Proficient in site plan development and design for Industrial, manufacturing and distribution markets.

- Mentors staff in Sales presentation and process to build client relationship skills.

Design Leadership:

- Knowledgeable about principles of design, construction, engineering and building regulations.

- Establishes key design concepts, strategies and design positioning for PDA.

- Promote new and innovative methods of design and creative execution.

- Establishes written standards for design and trains all employees on standards.

- Motivate and influence teams to constantly strive for excellence in performance and quality.

- Convey and develop overall interactive team design vision.

- Manage design processes to ensure timely delivery of designs.

- Provide influencing ideas to enhance department productivity.

- Works with team to develop project programs and schematic drawings to meet the client’s needs.

- Provides design goals/concepts to project leader and reviews the work to ensure design goals/concepts are being met in the final product.

- Architect in charge; seals all permit drawings and project certifications.

- Assist Sales team by providing strategy input, attending site reviews and feasibility studies.

- Seek education and training for current best practices in construction technology.

- Performs review of all projects for technical quality, application of construction technology, energy conservation, and building code compliance.

- Supervises preparation of all correspondence with building and fire code officials.

- Evaluates risks and liabilities and makes appropriate recommendations.

- Mentor staff working towards architectural licensure.

- Attends periodic construction site visits at multiple stages of project to oversee project quality and code compliance.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

Professional Experience: Registered Architect in All New England states with minimum 25 years’ experience.

Business Skills:

- Strong client presentation and communication

- Strategic thinker to be able to connect clients’ needs with building requirements.

- Must be passionate and determined about architecture and have the ability to teach the team both technical detailing and constructability.

Leadership:

- Encourages innovative ideas that are cost effective, client focused and of proven quality.

- Creates a work environment of integrity, efficiency, and professionalism.

- Guides, motivates and teaches staff regarding design.

Personal Character:

- Possessing the highest moral and ethical standards as well as a strong work ethic.

- Must be compassionate and objective with others. Have the ability to build open and honest relationships.

Corporate Awareness:

- Embodies corporate values