Design Principal

Who We Are

HMC Architects is an employee‑owned design firm with an inherent desire to make a difference in our communities. As a purpose‑driven brand based on values, our mission to “design for good” drives everything we do. And our ownership culture creates alignment and increased commitment to that mission, keeping us on track to being successful.

Founded with the purpose of anticipating community needs, HMC aims to create designs that have a positive impact, now and into the future. We focus primarily on opportunities to have the most direct contribution to communities—through healthcare, education, and civic spaces.

We are looking for a Design Principal who will provide strategic leadership and creative direction for our practice, office, or studio. This individual will oversee the design process for major projects across all phases, ensure design excellence, and maintain strong alignment with client goals and contractual requirements. The ideal candidate is an inspiring design leader with a proven ability to guide teams, elevate project outcomes, support business development efforts, and mentor design talent.

The position is located in Sacramento, California. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement with flexible hours, requiring three days in the office and the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.

• Model and promote HMC’s values, culture, and mission; serve as an advocate for staff, clients, and the community
• Drive accountability across the studio for adherence to HMC’s technical protocols and standards
• Oversee multiple clients and projects simultaneously across all phases
• Direct and coordinate project work with internal teams and consultants
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance‑enhancing feedback to assigned team members, focusing on technical proficiency
• Monitor employee performance and provide timely and constructive feedback
• Establish strong working relationships with practice leaders, clients, consultants, and regulatory agencies
• Deliver assignments to support staff, consultants, and vendors clearly and professionally
• Resolve issues involving team members or consultants
• Collaborate with studio leaders to foster unified and supportive leadership
• Ensure consistency and integration of technical resources across project teams from pursuit through completion
• Develop work plans and schedules for technical components in coordination with project managers and other Principals

• Contribute to the development and refinement of HMC’s firmwide design goals and philosophy
• Ensure project design outcomes align with HMC’s design vision
• Lead Schematic Design and Design Development for projects of all sizes
• Maintain design integrity from early concept through construction
• Research and explore alternative systems, materials, and innovative approaches
• Lead documentation efforts including 3D modeling, physical models, and material research in collaboration with the Project Manager
• Direct the preparation of design communication materials such as renderings, diagrams, presentations, and material boards
• Facilitate design charrettes, critiques, and team pin‑ups
• Promote design excellence and serve as a design leader and mentor
• Review cost models, estimates, and plans; lead design‑related value analysis
• Ensure design decisions, materials, and systems meet firm and client standards while staying within budget
• Lead coordination of design intent through construction documents and construction administration
• Review documents to ensure quality, coordination, and compliance with deliverable and client standards
• Oversee and resolve design issues during construction for all assigned projects
• Establish standards for documenting the design process
• Ensure design documents comply with client standards and HMC protocols
• Develop training materials to support staff design development

• 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
• Engage with existing clients to identify opportunities for additional work
• Maintain and…