Director of Architecture

Location: Indianapolis

Director of Architecture

Position Overview

The Director of Architecture is a senior leadership role responsible for guiding the strategic direction, growth, and operational effectiveness of the architecture practice. This individual serves as a key link between executive leadership and the architectural teams, ensuring alignment between firm strategy and day-to-day project execution.

This role balances strategic leadership, client development, and team management while also serving as Principal in Charge (PIC) for select clients and initiatives. The Director of Architecture leads a group of seasoned team leaders and supports the growth of a multidisciplinary architecture and interiors staff of approximately 45 professionals.

The ideal candidate is both visionary and operational, capable of identifying new opportunities, strengthening client relationships, and advancing the firm's presence in emerging markets while ensuring teams are properly resourced and positioned for success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to the firm's executive and operational leadership groups to help shape the strategic direction of the architecture practice.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for growth, including new markets, technologies, and client sectors.
• Provide thought leadership on industry trends and help position the firm for future opportunities.
• Support long-term planning and strategic initiatives that advance the architecture practice.

Client Development & Business Growth

• Serve as Principal in Charge (PIC) for select clients and projects.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and identify opportunities for additional services or new engagements.
• Assess potential project opportunities and provide recommendations to executive leadership.
• Lead or contribute to pursuit strategies, capture plans, and responses to RFPs and client proposals.
• Support the expansion of work across multiple sectors including healthcare, multifamily/mixed use, science & technology, and federal projects.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Directly supervise 4-5 senior architectural team leaders responsible for project delivery and production teams.
• Mentor team leaders and guide professional development planning for their teams.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback to support career growth.
• Lead hiring efforts for assigned teams and participate in recruiting top architectural talent.
• Provide recommendations regarding staffing levels, compensation adjustments, and promotions.

Resource Allocation & Operational Oversight

• Analyze staffing needs across projects and allocate resources to ensure project teams are properly supported.
• Work with project managers and team leaders to ensure workloads are balanced and aligned with firm priorities.
• Monitor team utilization, project progress, and operational performance metrics.
• Implement staff development plans and training initiatives that strengthen technical and leadership capabilities.

Project & Practice Leadership

• Provide senior-level guidance on project challenges and client relationships.
• Support project teams as needed in a Principal in Charge or advisory capacity.
• Ensure high standards of quality, design excellence, and client service across the architecture practice.

Professional Development

• Establish annual professional development and training plans for both self and assigned staff.
• Encourage and support continuing education, professional licensure, and leadership development within the team.
• Promote a culture of learning, mentorship, and professional growth across the architecture practice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• Licensed Architect required.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in architectural practice leadership, project management, or firm leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and managing complex architectural projects.
• Experience serving as Principal in Charge, Project Executive, or similar leadership role.
• Strong understanding of staffing, project delivery, and practice management within an architecture firm.
• Ability to lead strategic initiatives while supporting day-to-day operational execution.

Skills & Leadership Qualities

• Visionary leadership with the ability to identify emerging opportunities and guide practice growth.
• Strong team leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Excellent relationship-building and client development skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and operational management abilities.
• Experience managing multiple initiatives and teams simultaneously.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of professionalism and discretion with confidential information.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving capabilities and a proactive leadership style.