Principal Architect - Practice Lead

Job Description

Job Description

About Stratus

Stratus® is an integrated, multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, interior design, and consulting firm. Consistently ranking among the Top 500 Design Firms in Engineering News-Record, the firm offers a deep bench of industry experts through a highly collaborative approach, delivering innovative solutions across the full project lifecycle. Operating coast to coast, Stratus® serves clients nationwide while maintaining a strategic commitment to supporting high-growth economies and building vibrant communities that foster the professional growth of its team. Serving public- and private-sector clients, the firm is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality service wherever projects take shape. Across the Civic, Commercial, Industrial, Transportation, Education, Water Resources, and Government sectors, we bring precision, insight, and purpose to every project, from targeted renovations to large-scale infrastructure. Stratus® designs spaces, systems, and solutions that perform, endure, and make an impact, delivering on our promise of Better Plans. Better Places.

The Role

The Principal Architect - Practice Lead serves as a critical operations leader responsible for supporting the overall performance, coordination, and growth of the Federal market. This role ensures the efficient and high-quality execution of work across teams while also contributing to strategic initiatives, client relationship management, and staff development. The Principal Architect plays a hands-on role in day-to-day operations, including oversight of project execution, resource management, financial metrics, and market-specific initiatives that align with organizational priorities. 

Responsibilities

• Support the Federal Market Leader in executing strategic and operational initiatives across the assigned market.
• Oversee the daily operations of the market, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to scope and quality expectations.
• Lead resource planning and workforce management efforts, matching talent to market and client needs effectively.
• Manage and monitor key financial metrics, including revenue forecasts, backlog, utilization, and project profitability.
• Support business development activities through proposal preparation, pursuit strategy, and existing client relationship management.
• Collaborate with project managers to monitor project performance and ensure alignment with contractual and regulatory obligations.
• Partner with HR and market leadership to support employee development, career planning, and performance management within the market.
• Drive operational consistency and continuous improvement by implementing best practices and contributing to process optimization.
• Act as a culture ambassador by promoting an inclusive, collaborative, and performance-oriented environment across offices and disciplines.
• Contribute to annual planning and budgeting processes, identifying opportunities for growth, efficiencies, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as a liaison between project teams and executive leadership, escalating issues and communicating market needs as appropriate.
• Oversee compliance with health, safety, and quality assurance standards.
• Represent the market in internal forums, town halls, and leadership meetings when needed, acting as a proxy for the VP. 

Qualifications

  Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations, project management, or market leadership in the A/E/C or professional services industry
• Demonstrated experience managing teams, budgets, and project portfolios
• Proficient in tools and platforms used for project and financial management (e.g., Deltek, ERP systems, CRM platforms)
• Comprehensive understanding of market-specific trends, client expectations, and competitive positioning
• Knowledge of project management processes, including scope, schedule, and budget control
• Familiarity with A/E/C industry regulations, contracting methods, and delivery models
• Understanding of organizational development practices, including performance reviews and succession planning

Preferred

• Master’s degree or advanced certification in operations, management, or a related field
• Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and distributed offices or remote teams
• Prior experience with profit center or market P&L responsibility (direct or support role)
• Architectural Licensure

Why you’ll love Stratus

• A team-oriented environment that values transparency, creativity, and shared success
• Meaningful career paths, leadership opportunities, and space to specialize
• Learning & Development – Education and Professional Licensing
• We support hybrid work and balance because your well-being matters
• Excellent Health Care Programs – Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance options for employees, spouses, and dependents
• 401k Retirement Plan with employer match
• Paid Holidays & Competitive PTO plans

Interested in learning more about Stratus, please visit  

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team’s management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.