Principal Architect; Path To Principal

Position: Principal Architect (Path To Principal)
Job Title:

Project Architect (Path to Principal)

Job Description

This role offers a licensed Project Architect the opportunity to step into a key leadership position with a clear path to ownership and eventual Principal-level responsibility. You will lead projects from schematic design through construction documents, oversee technical quality, and mentor a small, collaborative team. The work focuses on mission-driven projects, including housing, and community-focused developments, within a highly regarded, woman-owned architecture practice based in Seattle.

Responsibilities

+ Lead architectural projects from schematic design through construction documents, ensuring cohesive design and technical excellence at every stage.

+ Oversee quality control and quality assurance for project deliverables, including detailed review of drawings, specifications, and coordination documents.

+ Provide technical oversight on building codes and ADA compliance, ensuring all designs meet applicable regulations and standards.

+ Supervise and collaborate with staff on design and detailing across schematic design, design development, and construction documents.

+ Guide the team in Revit-based production, setting standards for modeling, documentation, and coordination.

+ Participate in construction administration activities, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, and supporting field coordination as needed.

+ Serve as a primary client-facing architect, representing the firm in meetings, presentations, and ongoing project communication.

+ Support pursuit of new clients and business opportunities by contributing to proposals, interviews, and relationship-building efforts.

+ Mentor junior and mid-level staff, providing leadership, feedback, and professional development guidance.

+ Contribute to the firm's mission-driven design approach, particularly in housing, and community-focused projects.

+ Engage in firm-wide leadership activities that support a future transition to ownership and Principal-level responsibilities.

Essential Skills

+ Project Architect responsibilities and a path to ownership.

+ Advanced proficiency in Revit for design, documentation, and coordination.

+ Strong knowledge of building codes and ADA requirements, with demonstrated experience applying them to complex projects.

+ Proven experience leading projects from schematic design through construction documents.

+ Demonstrated capability in QA/QC and technical oversight for architectural projects.

+ Experience in schematic design, design development, and construction administration.

+ Ability to supervise and collaborate effectively with architectural staff on design and detailing.

+ Strong client-facing communication skills, including the ability to lead meetings and present design concepts.

+ Interest in or experience with mission-driven work such as housing, and community-focused projects.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience mentoring and developing junior and mid-level architectural staff.

+ Interest in pursuing new clients and business development opportunities.

+ Familiarity with design tools such as InDesign for presentations and marketing materials.

+ Experience working in small, highly collaborative teams.

+ Interest in or experience with high-performance and sustainable design, including projects achieving advanced sustainability certifications.

+ Desire to grow into a Principal-level role and participate in firm ownership.

Work Environment

You will join a six-person architecture firm known for a highly collaborative, creative team atmosphere and a strong track record of quality design execution. The practice has achieved some of the highest levels of sustainability certification in Washington State and is recognized as a leader in assisted living and special needs housing design. The office is located in Seattle, approximately a 10-minute walk from light rail and a 5-minute walk from bus service, offering convenient transit access.

Staff typically work on-site three days per week, with a standard work schedule of approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 or 6:00 p.m., and a standard workload of around 40 hours per week. Partners are generally expected to commit at least 45 hours per week, reflecting the leadership and ownership responsibilities associated with this path-to-Principal role. The environment emphasizes close collaboration, open communication, and shared ownership of project outcomes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

They pay for Regence Silver Plan Health Insurance for the employee 2 weeks vacation 2 weeks sick pay 401 with contributions.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Seattle,WA.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.

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