Principal 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 In Design 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 employee2 weeks vacation2 weeks sick pay401 with contributions.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Seattle, WA.

Application Deadline

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

The company is an equal opportunity employer

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices. com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lay detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment.

An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates.

AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team.

By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

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