Managing Principal

Pfluger Architects•Houston, TX

10h

About The Position

The Managing Principal champions client relationships, drives business development, and ensures high quality standards across projects. This strategic leadership role combines expertise in architectural craft, client satisfaction, and financial performance. The Managing Principal oversees project performance, fosters operational excellence, and ensures alignment with Pfluger Architects’ strategic vision and core values. Although the role does not directly manage large teams, it sets standards for leadership, creativity, quality, and profitability while serving as a trusted advisor to clients and internal stakeholders.

Requirements

Align with Pfluger’s purpose of inspiring people to create a more meaningful human experience, with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Proven leadership in delivering high-quality craft and products and driving business development.
Demonstrated ability to navigate complex challenges, serve as the client’s primary escalation contact, and ensure timely, effective resolution that strengthens relationships.
Advocate for innovative design, exceeding client expectations, and embodying core values in decision-making.
High integrity, accountability, and exceptional communication skills.
Expertise in designing learning environments.
General knowledge of REVIT and enthusiasm for generative design.
Professional degree in Architecture.
Licensed or registered architect.
Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

ERP system knowledge, or a strong systems-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

Serve as the Client Executive for assigned clients and act as their trusted advisor and primary point of contact throughout all phases of engagement.
Build and sustain long-term client relationships based on trust, transparency, and exceptional service.
Prioritize client satisfaction, responsiveness, and continuous improvement in service, design, and project delivery.
Foster firmwide collaboration so projects benefit from Pfluger’s expertise and resources.
Oversee client-level financial performance, including invoicing accuracy, project profitability, and resource alignment.
Champion learning, design excellence, and innovation to ensure client outcomes reflect Pfluger’s purpose and values.
Evaluate success through client satisfaction surveys, repeat work, and share of bond program opportunities, positioning Pfluger as a top-performing firm within key districts and markets.
Partner with discipline leads and directors to identify staff resources needed to secure work.
Oversee project-level activities of project management staff.
Lead assigned business development initiatives, including prospect prioritization, client acquisition, and identifying growth opportunities in target markets.
Maintain and strengthen strategic client relationships, overseeing proposals, contracts, and negotiations.
Conduct client interviews, strategic planning sessions, and visioning discussions, facilitating solution-based conversations that align client goals with Pfluger’s expertise.
Use the firm’s CRM systems to monitor pipeline value, client engagement stages, and strategic relationship development.
Collaborate with leadership and firm executives to identify, pursue, and execute opportunities that support strategic growth and profitability.
Embody Pfluger’s core values: Do What’s Right, Build Synergy, Make a Difference, and Never Settle.
Represent the firm’s purpose, thought leadership, and strategic vision as a brand ambassador.
Promote the firm at industry conferences, award submissions, and public engagements.
Lead by example to foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing culture across project teams.
Proactively identify and mitigate risks at the project and client levels.
Partner with other offices and business units to leverage firm resources and expertise and ensure high-quality solutions.