Principal Architect - Federal

Stantec’s Buildings team is on a mission to become the world’s leading integrated design practice. Our architects, engineers, interior designers, consultants, sustainability specialists, and technologists are passionate about the power of design. Our collaborative culture and our innovative, sustainable approach to projects help us create buildings that matter to our world.

Together, we are enhancing the quality of life globally through design.

Join us and design your place with Stantec.

Stantec Buildings is on a mission to become the world’s leading integrated design practice. Our architects, engineers, interior designers, sustainability specialists, and technologists are passionate about the power of design. We take an innovative, collaborative approach to projects, sharing a common belief that sustainable design for the built environment can make the world a better place for future generations. Join us and design your place with Stantec.

Our Federal Buildings sector group is seeking qualified candidates to support our growing practice. Stantec is #1 of the Top 100 Architecture Engineering Firms (BD&C 2025) and #1 of the Top 20 West Top Design Firms by Market Sector – Architecture (ENR West 2025) and a Top 10 global design firm in our Federal Buildings practice that provides Architecture, Buildings Engineering, Urban, and Interior Design services with a long history and deep commitment to clients that include NAVFAC, USACE, USCG, NGB, GSA, and more.

We are seeking a successful Principal Architect combining executive leadership, business development, operational management, and technical excellence to join and grow the architectural practice in the Seattle region; being recognized by clients and industry peers as a trusted advisor, consistently generate new business opportunities, leading successful project delivery teams, developing future leaders, and contributing directly to the growth and profitability of the architectural practice.

Position Title:

Principal Architect

Experience:

Minimum 25 years of architectural experience

Licensure:
Registered Architect (RA) in the State of Washington; NCARB certification preferred

Leadership

Experience:

Minimum 5 years serving in a Principal Architect, Practice Leader, Office Leader, or equivalent senior leadership role

Reports To:

Regional Business Leader / Sector Leader / Practice Leader

Work Location:

Seattle, WA;
Hybrid, minimum 3 days in the office.

The Principal Architect is a senior leader responsible for driving business growth, leading architectural operations, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex projects. This role functions as a seller-doer, balancing client development, strategic leadership, project oversight, and technical excellence. The Principal Architect serves as a trusted advisor to clients, develops high-performing teams, oversees project execution, and contributes to the overall profitability and growth of the practice.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in architectural design, project delivery, staff leadership, business development, and operational management while maintaining strong client relationships and industry visibility.

• Along with Regional Grow & Capture leaders, develop and execute market growth strategies aligned with business objectives.

• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities.

• Lead client engagement activities and maintain executive-level client relationships.

• Expand existing client accounts through repeat work and cross-selling of services.

• Develop teaming strategies with consultants, contractors, and strategic partners.

• Lead Go/No-Go decision-making and pursuit planning activities.

• Lead major pursuits, interviews, and presentations.

• Develop winning strategies for RFQs, RFPs, IDIQs, MATOCs, MACCs, and task order opportunities.

• Participate in contract negotiations and fee development.