Architecture Manager & Business Development Lead
About The Position
GHD's US West Design Studio is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Project Director- Architect to play a key role in advancing the growth of its architecture practice across all building sectors. This role, based in Southern California (Tustin, Irvine, San Diego, or Long Beach), will function as a Lead Architect, Project Manager, and Seller-Doer, focusing on winning work, project delivery, and team leadership. The position combines high-impact business development with hands-on project involvement, suitable for an entrepreneurial design professional skilled in client cultivation, securing work, and leading delivery teams. It is a pivotal role for a motivated architect who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment and is energized by shaping the built environment across a diverse project portfolio.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture.
- Architectural licensure in the U.S. (required) or active progress toward licensure.
- 12-20 years of architectural experience, including project involvement in multiple building types.
- Demonstrated success in leading teams, delivery excellence and business development.
- Strong presentation, communication, and relationship‑building abilities.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams.
- Competency with Revit, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and design communication tools.
Responsibilities
- Build, maintain, and grow client relationships across target markets (civic, education, commercial, industrial, transportation, infrastructure-related facilities) and strategically deepen GHD’s presence in Hospitality and Entertainment.
- Lead opportunity identification, positioning, and pursuit strategy for new and existing clients.
- Partner closely with US West Design Studio leadership to drive growth, revenue targets, and key account development.
- Collaborate with market sector leaders across GHD to coordinate integrated, multidisciplinary offerings.
- Represent the Architecture Design studio and the broader GHD brand at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations.
- Support proposal development, interview strategy, and client presentations.
- Serve as project architect, design lead, or technical advisor for select projects across a broad range of building types.
- Lead conceptual design workshops, visioning sessions, and planning discussions with clients and stakeholders.
- Integrate architectural solutions with engineering, interiors, landscape architecture, and environmental teams for a seamless, multidisciplinary approach.
- Ensure high standards of design quality, documentation, and project execution from concept through construction.
- Mentor emerging design talent and contribute to a collaborative, high-performance studio culture.
- Serve as the responsible lead for managing project financial health from contract execution to close out with work plans and instructions to guide and support the team through delivery.
- Act as subject matter expert in an area of technology, policy, regulation, or operational management for the team.
- Maintain external accreditations and in-depth understanding of current and emerging external regulation and industry best practices through continuing professional development, attending industry events, and reading specialist media.
- Ensure quality service and profitable business growth by managing a portfolio of complex customer relationships and/or a small team of account managers, executing on a plan for strategic win management, developing a personal network to represent the organization at business sector events to promote the organization, and enhance its reputation.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
