Principal Architect - Data Centers

Colliers Engineering & Design•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

MG2, an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design, is seeking a Principal Architect to join its Client Programs Market team in San Francisco, California. The role supports global and national building programs, with an emphasis on project and client leadership throughout design and delivery. The Principal Architect leads studio business operations and oversees team growth, financial performance, and overall health. The position contributes to annual business planning, leads collaborative cross-market strategic initiatives, oversees regional practice integration, and works with market leadership on business development and client relationships. The Principal serves as a subject-matter expert and firm-wide resource while ensuring quality deliverables, excellent client service, and sound financial performance across regional offices and studio groups.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture or a related field.
15 or more years of experience in a professional architecture or design firm.
Demonstrated success leading large-scale business operations and studio-wide financial management.
Proven ability to lead diverse studio groups and implement tactical and strategic planning.
Experience leading the development and implementation of large-scale strategic initiatives.
Experience leading business development efforts, pursuing growth opportunities, and contributing to project proposals, RFP responses, and statements of qualifications.
Effective communication skills and demonstrated ability to foster collaborative team environments.
Ability to manage staffing resources across internal markets and multiple teams, including teams in different physical locations.
Ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships.
Previous involvement in future-state organizational planning.
Ability to navigate conflict successfully while managing through change.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a licensed professional.

Responsibilities

Oversee staffing assignments and build project teams that can successfully execute project work, delivering excellence in design, technical expertise, and project management.
Bring in new clients and annual revenue against an assigned top-line revenue target.
Maintain responsibility for project team performance, including design and delivery of contracted work and management of internal and external resources.
Collaborate with market leaders to set the strategic direction of the design practice studio in alignment with firm-wide goals and annual business plans.
Oversee development and implementation of a consistent studio Rhythm-of-Business, including guidelines for project execution and client services.
Meet regularly with market leadership and Senior Project Managers to ensure design work aligns with project budgets and client goals.
Lead development and implementation of firm-wide strategic initiatives, including annual business planning.
Oversee cross-market collaboration, regional design practice growth, and project team integration.
Review internal and external risks and lead implementation of risk-mitigation strategies aligned with the firm's interests.
Lead development of project proposals, RFP responses, and other business development initiatives.
Develop and manage the annual studio operational budget in collaboration with other studio leaders.
Manage the health and viability of new and existing client relationships through direct interaction and identification of growth opportunities.
Collaborate with market leadership on acceptance of new work and strategic pursuits.
Participate in recruiting, hiring, and onboarding.
Meet regularly with studio leadership and people managers to review individual performance and provide constructive feedback and guidance.
Oversee annual goal setting and performance reviews.
Collaborate with firm leaders and strategic partners to support continuous improvement.
Provide guidance and constructive feedback to internal team members.
Oversee regional practice integration and facilitate cross-market collaboration.
Serve as a subject-matter expert and firm-wide resource with a specialized or uniquely relevant skill set.
Oversee tactical execution strategies aligned with annual business plans and firm-wide goals.
Navigate conflict, implement change, and facilitate difficult conversations focused on outcomes.
Engage in developing and implementing internal Learning and Development resources.
Accept accountability for deliverable quality, client service, and financial performance across regional offices and studio groups.
Make strategic decisions concerning staffing, business operations, and resource management.
Prioritize internal initiatives and billable work while balancing the needs of teams and studio groups.
Work with project leaders and people managers to support a safe, comfortable, and equitable work environment.
Engage in external community activities and philanthropic events beyond the pursuit of work.
Contribute to decisions about staffing changes, employee promotions, and strategic team building.
Invest time and resources in the growth and professional development of individuals and project teams.

Benefits

Employer-provided employee healthcare plan and reduced-cost premium plans.
Life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Paid time off.
Seven paid holidays and three floating holidays.
Employer-sponsored Family Planning Program.
Employer-paid parental leave.
Learning and career development opportunities.
Employee Wellness and Employee Assistance Program.
Participation in a 401(k) program with an eligible company match after a waiting period.