Design Leader (Director, Principal, SR. Designer) - DSA, K-12, Education

Design Leader (Director / Principal / Senior Designer) Sector: DSA, K-12, Education Location(s): California – Irvine, San Diego, Los Angeles, or Bay Area Preferred Schedule: Remote (California-Based) | Flexible Hybrid Schedule ABOUT US: BSP is partnered with an established, highly respected architecture and design firm specializing in innovative, impactful educational environments throughout California. Our expertise spans K-12 schools, community colleges, and public-sector facilities, with a strong reputation for design excellence, collaboration, and delivering complex DSA-regulated projects. We offer a creative, forward-thinking culture where experienced design leaders have the autonomy to shape meaningful projects, influence design direction, and contribute to the firm's continued growth and success. THE OPPORTUNITY - DESIGN LEADER (DIRECTOR / PRINCIPAL / SENIOR DESIGNER): We are seeking an accomplished Design Leader to help elevate our architectural design practice across California. This senior-level opportunity is ideal for an experienced Design Director, Design Principal, or Senior Architectural Designer with a strong portfolio of educational projects, exceptional design vision, and the ability to lead teams from conceptual design through project execution. The ideal candidate brings a combination of design leadership, advanced Revit expertise, and extensive experience with DSA, K-12, and community college projects. You'll play an influential role in driving design excellence, mentoring talented professionals, collaborating with clients, and shaping the future of educational architecture. WHAT YOU'LL DO - KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Lead architectural design vision, creative direction, and design excellence across multiple educational projects. Direct conceptual design, design development, and overall architectural design strategies for DSA, K-12 schools, community colleges, and public-sector facilities. Provide hands‑on design leadership, leveraging Revit, BIM workflows, and advanced visualization tools to develop and communicate innovative solutions. Collaborate with project managers, architects, technical teams, and consultants to ensure design intent is maintained throughout project delivery. Lead design presentations, client meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Guide project teams through California educational design requirements, including DSA regulations, accessibility, building codes, and agency coordination. Mentor and develop emerging designers while fostering a collaborative, design-driven studio culture. Partner with firm leadership on strategic design initiatives, project pursuits, and long-term practice development. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR - QUALIFICATIONS 10–15+ years of progressive architectural design experience, including substantial leadership responsibilities. Strong portfolio of DSA-regulated educational projects, particularly K-12 schools and community colleges. Proven experience serving as a Design Director, Design Principal, Senior Designer, or equivalent architectural design leader. Advanced Revit proficiency required, with demonstrated ability to lead design teams using BIM-based workflows. Strong conceptual design capabilities, architectural creativity, technical understanding, and project execution expertise. Comprehensive understanding of California educational architecture, DSA requirements, and applicable building codes. Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor designers, and manage multiple design initiatives. Excellent client-facing communication, presentation, collaboration, and leadership skills. Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or related discipline. California Architectural License preferred, particularly for Director or Principal-level candidates. Must reside in California, preferably Orange County/Irvine, San Diego, Los Angeles, or the San Francisco Bay Area. WHAT WE OFFER - COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Competitive Base Salary: $150,000-$200,000/year (DOE) - Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and leadership level. Performance-Based Bonuses: Additional earning potential based on individual and firm performance. Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance. Generous PTO: Vacation, holidays, sick time, and personal leave. Remote Flexibility: California-based remote work opportunities with a flexible schedule. Leadership & Influence: Opportunity to shape design direction, mentor teams, and influence high-impact educational projects. Professional Growth: Long-term career advancement opportunities, including senior leadership and principal-level growth. Meaningful Projects: Work on innovative K-12 and community college environments that positively impact students, educators, and communities. *Compensation and benefits are subject to confirmation and may vary based on experience, position level, and employment terms.* Equal Opportunity Statement: Bancroft Staffing Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity & are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees & candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Bancroft Staffing Partners (BSP)