Client Executive/Principal Architect

Overview

National Award-Winning Studio & Winner of Design Firm of the Year is actively seeking a Client Executive/Principal Architect for their Berkeley or Fresno office. With over 19 offices across the U.S., the award-winning architecture + design firm specializes in K-12 through college/university, healthcare, sports, and corporate business sectors across the U.S. The company has won over 500 design awards and is recognized for shaping learning environments for students and the community. It's well-established culture has also led the firm being named to the list of "Best Places to Work." For over forty years, the multidisciplinary studio has created a client base of more than two hundred clients, a list that includes university systems, hospital systems, school districts, and Fortune 500 companies.

The Client Executive will be a senior leader within a dynamic and rapidly growing architectural firm, serving as the primary point of contact for key clients. This individual will regularly engage with top decision-makers at client organizations, ensuring exceptional client experiences, high-performing project teams, and consistent delivery of excellence. A proven relationship builder, the ideal candidate combines strategic insight with an approachable, energetic leadership style.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The Client Executive will be a senior leader within a dynamic and rapidly growing architectural firm, serving as the primary point of contact for key clients. This individual will regularly engage with top decision-makers at client organizations, ensuring exceptional client experiences, high-performing project teams, and consistent delivery of excellence. A proven relationship builder, the ideal candidate combines strategic insight with an approachable, energetic leadership style.

Your Impact:

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with executive leadership to refine, implement, and drive the firm's strategic vision.
• Leverage robust corporate resources and support to achieve client and organizational goals.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain ultimate responsibility for service quality, cultural development, and process execution within assigned offices.
• Oversee all aspects of client relations, ensuring satisfaction and optimal project outcomes from inception through delivery.

Business Development & Marketing

• Proactively build and nurture relationships with both prospective and existing clients.
• Collaborate closely with marketing and business development teams to identify new opportunities and expand client partnerships.

People Management & Talent Development

• Foster a supportive and empowering environment that encourages staff growth and professional excellence.
• Oversee workforce planning and participate directly in the recruitment and selection of new team members.

Leadership Activities

• Participate in or lead:
  
  • Executive and management meetings
  • Board-level and major client presentations
  • Strategic discussions and introductions to key issues
  • Staff management sessions and new-hire interviews
  • Ongoing quality assurance and project oversight
  • Regular, concise check-ins with Production Directors and Project Managers
  • Industry conferences and seminars

Here's What You'll Need:

• Registered Architect in the relevant state.
• Minimum 15 years' experience within the architectural field, with at least 10 years managing project teams and delivery processes.
• Demonstrated experience with K-12 and/or Higher Education sector projects is required.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a proactive and collaborative management style.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a respected architectural firm while advancing both client success and firm growth.

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