Practice Leader - Government Architecture - Life and Work Places

Gresham Smith•Nashville, TN

44d

About The Position

Lead and grow our Government Architecture Practice, with a focus on architecture and interior design services for city, county, state, and select federal clients. This role combines strategic vision, hands-on capture leadership, and people development to expand our client base, elevate our brand, and deliver outstanding public sector projects. The Practice Area Leader will drive market strategy, build and mentor a high-performing team with relevant subject matter expertise, and collaborate across the firm to create integrated solutions for public clients.

Requirements

Professional degree in Architecture or Interior Design required (B.Arch, M.Arch, or CIDA-accredited program).
Licensed Architect required (or NCARB certification with ability to obtain reciprocation); NCIDQ certification preferred for interior design leaders.
15+ years delivering architecture and/or interior design services for public sector clients (municipal, county, state, and/or federal), including leadership of complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
Proven track record in winning public sector work and leading major pursuits, including SF 330s/SOQs, shortlist interviews, and negotiations.
Demonstrated experience building and leading high-performing teams and developing subject matter expertise.
Deep understanding of government/agency capital planning, budget cycles, project definition, and procurement methods (e.g., Design-Bid-Build, CMAR, Design-Build, IDIQ/Task Order, Job Order Contracting).
Strong knowledge of applicable codes and standards (e.g., IBC, ADA/Accessibility, NFPA, energy codes) and public-sector compliance requirements.
Relationships with potential consultant partners and awareness of the public-sector teaming ecosystem.
Exceptional communication, storytelling, and presentation skills; able to convey complex ideas concisely to diverse audiences.
Strategic thinker with strong financial acumen and the ability to translate strategy into measurable results.
Proficient with CRM/pursuit tracking tools and comfortable coordinating with Marketing/Communications on thought leadership and PR.
Ability to travel as needed for client development, pursuits, and project oversight.

Nice To Haves

LEED AP, WELL AP, or similar credentials preferred.

Responsibilities

Market Strategy and Growth Define and execute a growth strategy for municipal, county, state, and federal clients, including market segmentation, positioning, and targeted pursuits.
Lead capture planning: market intelligence, go/no-go decisions, teaming strategies, win themes, and pre-RFP positioning.
Partner with Marketing/Communications on proposals, SF 330s and SOQs, interviews, and content that differentiates the practice.
Client Development and Capture Build and maintain executive-level relationships with public agencies, key decision-makers, and influencers.
Lead high-priority pursuits from qualification through interview, ensuring strong storylines and a compelling value proposition.
Establish account plans, client feedback loops, and client satisfaction measures; convert positive delivery outcomes into repeat work.
Practice Leadership and People Development Recruit, develop, and mentor a team of architects, interior designers, planners, and allied specialists with government-sector expertise.
Set technical and design excellence goals; establish training, knowledge-sharing, and best practices for public work.
Align staffing to pursuits and projects; balance utilization, development opportunities, and delivery needs.
Project and Delivery Oversight Provide executive oversight for select projects from programming and planning through design and delivery, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance.
Champion project definition methodologies, risk management, and QA/QC for public sector work.
Guide scope, schedule, budget alignment, and change management in partnership with Project Managers and Discipline Leaders.
Thought Leadership and Brand Elevation Create and manage a thought leadership and publicity strategy: conference speaking, publications, awards, case studies, and digital presence.
Collaborate with Communications on media opportunities and content that showcases outcomes, innovation, equity, sustainability, and resilience in the public realm.
Position the practice as a trusted advisor on topics such as capital planning, procurement, and delivery methods.
Collaboration Across Markets Partner with other markets within the firm to develop integrated client strategies and cross-sell services (e.g., planning, transportation, water, facilities engineering, technology, sustainability).
Build strategic teaming relationships with consultant partners (engineering, planning, cost, PM/CM, commissioning, specialty consultants) to strengthen pursuit competitiveness and delivery.
Operations and Performance Set and manage annual goals for pipeline, hit rate, backlog, revenue growth, and profitability for the practice.
Forecast and report on market trends, opportunities, and performance metrics; use CRM and pursuit tracking tools effectively.
Promote compliance with public procurement requirements, small and diverse business participation goals, and ethical standards.