Design Principal, Architecture & Interiors - Washington, DC

Job description

Design Principal, Architecture & Interiors - Washington, DC

Lead architectural excellence at McKissack & McKissack in D.C.! Drive growth, client relations, and studio success.

Our DC Office is hiring a Design Principal, Architecture and Interiors to join our dynamic McKissack & McKissack team!

We are seeking a senior design leader who can translate bold client vision into compelling architectural and interior design solutions. This role is for a registered Architect with a strong design voice, deep client trust, and the ability to lead concept through execution with clarity and confidence.

This individual will be a visible design leader for the firm, working directly with clients at the earliest stages of a project. They will set the design direction, produce high level conceptual sketches, and guide internal design teams as concepts are developed into fully realized projects.

McKissack & McKissack offers opportunities to grow your career while working on transformative projects in program and construction management, architecture, and interior design. We combine technical expertise and creative vision to deliver exceptional results. Our culture values diversity, professional development, and performance. We seek team players who are humble, hungry, and smart, with strong academic or professional experience, integrity, and a client-focused mindset. Join a team that invests in your success and rewards ambition, integrity, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

Lead design vision from early concept through design development

Create high level conceptual sketches and narratives that translate client goals into clear architectural ideas

Serve as the primary design voice in client meetings, interviews, and presentations

Set the overall design direction and guide teams through refinement and execution

Client Engagement

Partner directly with clients to understand mission, culture, and functional needs

Build trust with senior stakeholders through strong listening, clarity of thought, and design confidence

Act as a creative advisor who helps clients make informed design decisions

Project and Team Collaboration

Work closely with architects, interior designers, and technical staff to develop concepts into coordinated design solutions

Provide design guidance and mentorship to project teams throughout the design process

Collaborate with outside design partners and specialty consultants as needed

Market Focus

Corporate real estate including commercial office, hospitality, and government funded housing

Cultural facilities including landmarks, arenas, convention centers, libraries, museums, and cultural centers

Institutional work including healthcare, civic, government, and public safety facilities

Requirements

Registered Architect in good standing

20 or more years of professional architectural experience

Recognized design leader with a strong portfolio of built work

Proven ability to lead conceptual design and early project vision

Strong freehand or digital sketching ability

Experience working directly with clients in public and private sector environments

Ability to inspire, guide, and elevate design teams

Strong communication and presentation skills

Compensation

Salary range: $185,000 - $225,000/yearly (dependent on years of experience, competency, travel requirements)

Employee Benefits

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Tuition Assistance

Adoption Assistance

Matching 401k Plan

Company-paid holidays

Paid-Time-Off (PTO)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Life Insurance

Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance

McKissack& McKissack is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and access be provided in the employment and advancement of all persons. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity for all persons, without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religion, religious practices and observances; national origin, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; genetic information; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability, in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.

1050 K Street, NW

Suite 300

Washington, DC 20001

145 W. Ostend Street

Suite 600

Baltimore, MD 21230

227 S. Hamilton Drive

Unit 112

Beverly Hills, CA 90211

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Worksite address

washington, DC, 20022, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.