Head of Architecture and Design

Description

The Head of Architecture and Design is a leader of leaders; providing exceptional practice-based leadership, management, and accountability to an integrated cross-functional delivery process that is unique to Blue Heron while creating a positive environment of empowerment and accountability.

The Head of Architecture and Design will oversee the strategy of the department including design direction, operations workflow, labor resources, and implementation of processes of the entire design team. This individual will mentor and support their direct reports who manage the various design disciplines and projects.

The Head of Architecture and Design will collaborate with the highest level of leadership in Design, Construction, Project Operations, Estimating, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing, and Accounting to ensure adherence to internal processes, quality standards, and ensure best-in-class project delivery, on schedule and on budget.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, lead, and direct the department’s long- and short-term performance and growth strategies, making major decisions affecting the organizational resources and structure, aimed at increasing efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and sustainability.
• Ensure tools, processes and standards are in place. 
• Support Blue Heron’s Growth & Vision through the development and implementation of strategies aimed at increasing efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability. 
• Create a positive environment of empowerment and accountability, hire and retain the very best talent, set the overall Vision, and direct ‘change management’ and growth strategies. 
• Creativity, foresight, and mature architectural judgment in anticipating and solving problems, both design and technical in nature, from conception through to completion.
• Collaborate with Executive Leadership on company strategy and implementation.
• Manage the cross divisional relationship by providing departmental resources to other divisions within Blue Heron.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders in Operations, Sales, Marketing, Construction, Estimating, and Accounting to ensure adherence to internal processes, quality standards, and ensure best-in-class project delivery, on schedule and on budget.
• Establish Blue Heron as a “Partner of Choice” amongst Architectural and Engineering consultants. Develop new and existing collaborative partnerships with consulting partners.

Requirements

Essential Qualifications:

• 15+ years residential and/or hospitality architectural experience in an architecture or hands-on homebuilding/construction organization with significant time in leadership roles.
• Professional Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree from an accredited Architecture program.
• Nevada Architectural Registration required, with the ability to obtain reciprocity in other states as needed.
• Experience working cross-functionally with interdisciplinary teams including Construction, Operations, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing, and Accounting
• Proven ability to contribute to strategic growth.
• Experience collaborating with other executives on firm operations.
• Experience in resource planning, staffing decisions, and coaching.
• Understanding of high-level business concepts, including but not limited to, budgets, contracts, fee structures, and P&L.
• Experience creating and implementing processes, work plans, and schedules.
• Experience aligning design teams with business goals, long-term corporate vision, and company branding.
• Excellent decision-making skills that affect design, budget, schedule, and team performance.
• Experience developing and motivating staff, managing teams, and cultivating a positive, collaborative culture while holding teams accountable.
• Excellent communication skills for dealing with clients, stakeholders, and public agencies.
• Ability to lead and critique high-level design concepts; deep understanding of architectural principles and building systems.
• Experience managing large-scale and complex projects from concept through construction.
• Strong understanding of building codes, zoning, construction detailing, and construction documentation.
• High level construction knowledge to understand construction process, terminology, and ability to effectively communicate with Construction Managers.
• Ability to work well with engineers, consultants, contractors, and other disciplines.
• High-level familiarity with tools like Revit, AutoCAD, and visualization software (Enscape, Lumion, etc.).
• Understanding of project management software (MS Project, Smartsheet, etc.) and collaborative platforms.