Architect Higher Education Leader

Our client is seeking a visionary Architecture Higher Education Leader to lead and expand our Maryland architecture practice. This Direct Hire/Permanent senior leadership role requires a licensed architect with proven expertise in design leadership, business development, and team growth. The ideal candidate will have a track record of managing large-scale higher education projects ($10M$50M) while fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing studio culture.

Leadership & Business Development

• Drive growth in the Maryland region by identifying new opportunities and cultivating strong client relationships.
• Lead project pursuits in coordination with Higher Education leadership.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow market share and strengthen the firms positioning.
• Mentor and inspire a talented team of architects, guiding design excellence, project delivery, and professional development.
• Strengthen partnerships with clients, consultants, and community stakeholders to reinforce the firms reputation and influence.

Project & Design Leadership

• Oversee large-scale architectural projects ($10M$50M), ensuring high-quality design and successful execution.
• Provide design leadership, including conceptual design, graphic modeling, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative, sustainable, and client-focused solutions.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory standards.

Team & Office Growth

• Foster a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and continuous improvement within the Hunt Valley office and across other studios.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent to strengthen capabilities and broaden the portfolio.
• Align team strengths with strategic growth initiatives to optimize performance and impact.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire diverse teams.
• A collaborative mindset with a passion for helping others grow and succeed.
• Ability to engage confidently with community stakeholders, business leaders, and industry partners.
• Proven ability to balance visionary leadership with hands-on project involvement.

Required Experience

• Architectural license (NCARB preferred) with 18+ years of experience in higher education design and leadership.
• Licensure in additional states (Southeast / Mid-Atlantic region preferred).
• LEED AP Accreditation and active SCUP membership.
• Demonstrated business development success, with a record of securing new clients and projects.
• Expertise in design and graphic modeling (Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, etc. preferred).
• Proven experience managing $10M$50M projects from concept through completion.