Principal Architect/Director of Architectural Strategy and Services

IMEG • Madison, WI

2d • $195,000 - $250,000

About The Position

Studio 483 is seeking a Principal Architect/Director of Architectural Strategy and Services to lead our architectural team in Rock Island, Illinois, with additional opportunities across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. This strategic leadership role blends design excellence with business management, overseeing project delivery, financial performance, and team development to ensure the firm consistently delivers high-quality architectural solutions. As a culture-setter and people leader, you will drive innovation, foster collaboration, and support the long-term sustainability of our architectural practice. Advance your career by shaping the future of architecture with a national leader in design and innovation. Our name is inspired by Mississippi River Mile Marker 483—the point along the river where our studio stands today. It’s a symbol of connection, movement, and place—values that continue to shape how we work and what we design. From this foundation, Studio 483 has grown into a forward-thinking design practice with a diverse portfolio spanning civic, education, workplace, healthcare, cultural, and community-focused environments. While our roots run deep, our perspective is firmly future-oriented—embracing innovation, creative problem-solving, and architecture that responds thoughtfully to context. At the core of our practice is collaboration. We believe the strongest designs come from meaningful partnerships—with clients, consultants, and stakeholders—guided by a clear understanding of program needs and long-term goals. Every project is a unique opportunity to listen, explore, and design with intention—balancing functionality, aesthetics, and lasting value. At the core of our practice is collaboration. We believe the strongest designs come from meaningful partnerships—with clients, consultants, and stakeholders—guided by a clear understanding of program needs and long-term goals. Every project is a unique opportunity to listen, explore, and design with intention—balancing functionality, aesthetics, and lasting value. IMEG, an employee-owned corporation, is committed to investing in employees’ futures through professional development programs and opportunities for career advancement. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, flexible schedule, and assistance with tuition reimbursement. Additionally, employees are eligible to enroll in health, dental, vision, and life insurance on their first day of employment. Want to learn more about IMEG and our other amazing career opportunities? Please visit https://www.imegcorp.com/careers/. IMEG is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), gender, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), parental status (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation), ethnic origin, hair type (including hairstyle or hair texture), citizenship status, marital status, military service, veteran’s status, political affiliation, non-merit-based factors, or any other characteristic protected by law. In accordance with antidiscrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to put into effect these principles and mandates. IMEG prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. IMEG conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. All applicants have the right to request access, correction, and deletion of their personal information from our system. In order to make a request, please email [email protected]. As a people-centered engineering firm we know IMEG’s brand is centered around the technical skills of our people. We are 100% employee-owned and we value the collective abilities, expertise, and continuity of our team members. We understand the importance of an engaged culture and the power of teamwork. We believe in investing in our people and their professional futures through continuous training, community involvement, and the ability to develop a niche specialty. We also believe in committing to the same sustainability ideals we encourage for our clients – a practice of reduce, reuse, and recycle. We are IMEG. Important Notice: Protect Yourself from Recruitment Scams IMEG has become aware of unauthorized individuals falsely representing themselves as IMEG Talent Acquisition Specialists. These individuals may contact candidates regarding interviews or job offers. Please be assured that all legitimate communications from IMEG will originate from an official @imegcorp.com email address. If you receive any communication that seems suspicious or you are uncertain about its authenticity, contact us immediately at [email protected]. For the most current information about our open positions, please visit our official careers page at www.imegcorp.com/careers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture; Registered/Licensed Architect.
• 10+ years of experience in architecture, design, engineering, or related professional services operations.
• Willing to achieve ownership level in company within first year of hire.
• Strong understanding of architectural design, building codes, regulations, and construction processes.
• Demonstrated experience in business operations, financial management, or firm leadership.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain client relationships and win new business
• Strong operational leadership skills, with the ability to unify teams, reinforce consistent project management standards, and build structure and systems in a growing firm.
• Ability to effectively identify, introduce, and drive identified change-management.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; able to build strong relationships and influence without micromanaging.
• High business acumen, including comfort with financial metrics, forecasting, and project performance data.
• Deep understanding of project-based workflows of architecture and interior design, capacity planning, and project delivery best practices.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions independently.
• Excellent communication, leadership, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to influence, coach, and elevate teams in a small-firm environment.
• Proficiency with major architectural software (e.g., Revit, Enscape, AutoCAD, SketchUp) and project management tools.
• Ability to leverage AI-assisted tools to improve design exploration, coordination, documentation quality and project efficiency.
• Travel 10-15%.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the firm’s strategic direction, growth initiatives, and market positioning.
• Identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and emerging trends within the architecture and design industry.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and firm profitability.
• Manage operational systems, resource planning, and workflow processes to support efficient project delivery.
• Lead risk management, contracts, insurance, and regulatory compliance.
• Establish and monitor performance metrics to ensure operational excellence.
• Provide design direction, technical guidance, and quality assurance across all architectural projects.
• Oversee project timelines, staffing, schedules, and deliverables to ensure successful outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and community partners.
• Lead business development activities including proposal responses, presentations, and networking.
• Ensure client satisfaction and resolve escalated issues or project challenges.
• Provide performance feedback, career development support, and recognition to team members.

Benefits

• Other rewards may include stock ownership options.
• Studio 483. provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO).
• comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, flexible schedule, and assistance with tuition reimbursement.
• employees are eligible to enroll in health, dental, vision, and life insurance on their first day of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director