Principal

I'm recruiting on behalf of a long-established, design-led architecture firm with a significant legacy delivering civic and public sector projects across California. The firm is looking to appoint a Principal Architect to lead and grow its Civic practice in Los Angeles.

The studio delivers a wide range of public projects including civic centers, courthouses, libraries, state facilities, and public safety buildings, working closely with municipalities, government agencies, and institutional clients.

This role will lead the Civic studio from both a market and operational perspective, responsible for driving growth, strengthening client relationships, and overseeing the successful delivery of major civic projects.

The Role

• Lead the Civic studio and set the strategic direction for the sector

• Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies and public sector clients

• Drive business development, pursuits, and positioning for new civic opportunities

• Serve as Principal-in-Charge on major civic and public sector projects

• Oversee project teams, studio staffing, and resource planning

• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the highest design standards

• Collaborate with firm leadership on long-term growth strategy

• Support recruitment and development of the civic studio team

• Excellent base salary, bonus & full range of top level executive benefits.

Requirements

• Licensed Architect with extensive experience delivering civic or public sector projects

• Proven track record winning and delivering government or institutional work

• Strong relationships with public agencies or civic clients preferred

• Experience leading large teams and complex architectural projects

• Strong leadership capability across both project delivery and studio management

• Comfortable operating at a senior leadership level within a design practice

This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone looking to lead and expand a respected civic practice within one of California's most established architecture firms.