Principal of Single Family / Townhomes Studio
WHY JOIN US?
We are a top-tier group of passionate, motivated people. With bold ideas, we are dedicated to bringing transformational change to the architectural environment. Our culture allows people to do their best work by fostering cross-collaboration and continuous ideation. Success is created and celebrated by our teams and stakeholders in an environment where no one faces a challenge alone.
WHO WE ARE
Lessard Design is an International Architecture and Planning firm. We primarily specialize in the residential industry. We have brought amazing neighborhoods throughout the mid-Atlantic all the way up in CT, NY, NJ, DMV Area and down all the way to ATL. Designing thoughtfully planned communities, mixed-use development, transit-oriented development, commercial, residential, including single family homes, townhomes, multi-family, military and student housing, senior living with structural framing systems including concrete, steel, and wood, Lessard excels.
POSITION SUMMARY
LDI’s SF/TH studio is growing which means we are looking for a Principal to grow with it. We are in search of a Principal or Associate Principal to join our Single Family/TH studio to be partnered and responsible for operations, staff performance, financial profitability, staff development and growth of his/her group, consistent with LDI’s polices and approved business plan. Oversee Designers and Project Managers and assure technical and financial performance of all projects to meet Quality & Cost Assurance standards. Oversee the Group’s organizational staff development and administer LDI’s policies and programs.
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Demonstrates leadership skills with ability and willingness to face challenges, solve problems, and motivate others, while maintaining effective relationships with customers by meeting or exceeding their requirements and expectations.
- Develop and implement the Group’s business plan
- Develop strong ties with clients (as Client Sponsors) and professional organizations
- Increase LDI’s competitive position
- Review and approve all group bids and proposals for thoroughness and accuracy
- Negotiate bid price, work scope and proposed terms (consistent with LDI’s policy)
- Recruit, train and supervise all of group personnel. Select, train and develop understudies for all key positions
- Administer career development plans, quarterly Intern Development Program and annual evaluations for each direct report
- Administer Group personnel, including hire, termination, performance and salary evaluations, promotions, demotions, achievement recognition, etc.
- Conduct Programming, Feasibility Studies
- Assist in the design, production and construction administration
- Produce top quality designs that meet Clients’ expectations without impacting profit
- Write contracts and Proposal Agreements with the Project Managers to develop appropriate fees, achievable schedules, and accurate contractual terms
- As licensed architect, it is expected that you will stamp and seal your drawings. You will obtain, with Lessard’s assistance, additional licenses as necessary
- Develop all work scope, prepare budget, provide Quality Assurance and approve all work scope and budget for projects
- When appropriate, review, assist in development and approval of all Project Management Plans of the assigned group.
- Approve all group’s billings, variances and recommend write-off and other credits to Chief Financial Officer
- Mentor Group management in all areas of management and executive: technical, administrative, financial and marketing management and executive. Function as “Senior Resource” to LDI staff-at-large
- Negotiate Group’s contracts and budgets
- Develop new business to replace completed projects in conformance to the approved business plan. Develop new clients and maintaining assigned clients
- Maintain the group’s target labor utilization and coordinate with other Principals, Associate principals and Project Managers
- Attain “Key Performance Indicators”, as negotiated for the Group and self
- Support collection efforts, as required
- Must have a thorough understanding of state/local codes and accessibility requirements meeting state and federal standards
- Strong knowledge of building materials, detailing, construction techniques, related engineering principles, and building codes
- Ability to travel. Position will require up to 50% travel
QUALITIES
- Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on complex topics to employees, clients, top management and/or public groups
- Good judgment and reasoning ability, enabling problem solving with the constant shifting of priorities and daily tasks
- Self-motivated personality to take on projects and assignments without the need for the micromanagement of a supervisor
- Experience in negotiation and dispute resolution
- Ability to manage time, deadline oriented, and takes initiative (self-starter)
- Proficient in spoken/written English
- Keen observation and detail-oriented skills
- Decision-making and documents checking abilities
- Must possess intellect, integrity, and influencing skills required to build strong professional relationships at all organization levels
- Strong organizational skills and disciplined accuracy are required
- The proven ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment
- Track record in successful single-family projects
- Strong aesthetic sense and interest in the arts
- Knowledge of professional ethics, as applied to architecture
EDUCATION AND PRIOR EXPERIENCES
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS), in Architecture, or related field
- Architectural License: Required license in all states where projects are located
- Experience: 15+ year’s exp. in Single Family Residential
- Software Proficiency: AutoCAD 2014 (desirable), REVIT a plus, Word, Excel, Microsoft Project, Photoshop and InDesign
- Building Type: Single Family / Towns Residential
BENEFITS & PERKS
- Medical, Dental, Vision & Prescription Health Plans
- Flexible Spending Accounts & Dependent Care FSA
- Paid Time Off
- Free Parking/Metro Accessible
- 401K Retirement Plan
- Bi-annual Bonus Program
- Professional Development Program
- Design Competitions
- Mentorship Program
- Professional Licensure Assistance (Lessard ARE Study Group which includes NCARB – approved Black Spectacles Access, Lunch & Learns)
- Social Events & Team Building (Happy Hours, Holiday Party, Potlucks)