Associate Principal or Principal Architect– Education
About The Position
Lionakis is seeking an Associate Principal or Principal to lead and grow its Education practice in Sacramento. This strategic leadership role combines executive leadership, business development, client engagement, and project oversight, with the opportunity to contribute to firmwide strategy and build long-term client partnerships in the Education market. The role serves as a regional leader for the Education market, developing client relationships throughout Northern California and working with Market and Firm leadership on long-term strategies. It provides leadership for planning, programming, design, and project management across complex education projects; drives business development and market growth; and provides project, quality, and financial oversight. The position also mentors and develops talent and collaborates across studios, markets, and disciplines. The position is based in Sacramento and offers hybrid work flexibility. Lionakis describes its culture as collaborative and design-forward, with an emphasis on creativity, mentorship, shared success, and equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or interior design, or equivalent.
- At least 16 years of relevant professional experience.
- Established West Coast professional network within the K-12, Community College, and/or Higher Education market.
- Proven ability to navigate the DSA process.
- Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- California Licensed Architect.
Nice To Haves
- LEED accreditation.
Responsibilities
- Lead or help lead and grow the Education practice and serve as the regional Education market leader in Northern California.
- Build and sustain strong client relationships throughout Northern California.
- Collaborate with Market and Firm leadership to develop and execute long-term market and practice strategies.
- Provide leadership for planning, programming, design, and project management across a portfolio of complex education projects.
- Participate in firmwide leadership initiatives, strategic planning efforts, and management committees.
- Lead or help drive marketing and business development aligned with the Firm’s strategic plan.
- Identify and pursue market opportunities, including team formation, proposal development, and interview participation.
- Represent the Firm at industry events and in professional and client networks.
- Meet or exceed performance metrics for business development, contracts secured, and client satisfaction.
- Serve as Principal-in-Charge for assigned projects, overseeing quality, profitability, staffing, and revenue performance.
- Review and develop fee proposals, service scopes, and staffing plans.
- Support project managers with contract negotiations, additional services, and financial performance monitoring.
- Lead Quality Control/Quality Assurance efforts and champion Firm standards and lessons learned.
- Foster a collaborative, respectful, and high-performing work environment.
- Mentor and coach staff, supporting professional growth, leadership development, and succession planning.
- Collaborate across studios, markets, and disciplines to support Firm-wide initiatives and shared goals.
Benefits
- Bonus plan.
- 401(k) with match.
- Health insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off.
- Hybrid work flexibility.
- Every-other-Friday-off options.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
