Principal Architect - Federal

Stantec Buildings is on a mission to become the world’s leading integrated design practice. Our architects, engineers, interior designers, sustainability specialists, and technologists are passionate about the power of design. We take an innovative, collaborative approach to projects, sharing a common belief that sustainable design for the built environment can make the world a better place for future generations. Join us and design your place with Stantec.

Your Opportunity

Our Federal Buildings sector group is seeking qualified candidates to support our growing practice. Stantec is #1 of the Top 100 Architecture Engineering Firms (BD&C 2025) and #1 of the Top 20 West Top Design Firms by Market Sector – Architecture (ENR West 2025) and a Top 10 global design firm in our Federal Buildings practice that provides Architecture, Buildings Engineering, Urban, and Interior Design services with a long history and deep commitment to clients that include NAVFAC, USACE, USCG, NGB, GSA, and more. 

We are seeking a successful Principal Architect combining executive leadership, business development, operational management, and technical excellence to join and grow the architectural practice in the Seattle region; being recognized by clients and industry peers as a trusted advisor, consistently generate new business opportunities, leading successful project delivery teams, developing future leaders, and contributing directly to the growth and profitability of the architectural practice.

Principal Architect (Seller-Doer)

Position Title: Principal Architect
Experience: Minimum 25 years of architectural experience
Licensure: Registered Architect (RA) in the State of Washington; NCARB certification preferred
Leadership Experience: Minimum 5 years serving in a Principal Architect, Practice Leader, Office Leader, or equivalent senior leadership role
Reports To: Regional Business Leader / Sector Leader / Practice Leader

Work Location: Seattle, WA; Hybrid, minimum 3 days in the office.

Position Summary

The Principal Architect is a senior leader responsible for driving business growth, leading architectural operations, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex projects. This role functions as a seller-doer, balancing client development, strategic leadership, project oversight, and technical excellence. The Principal Architect serves as a trusted advisor to clients, develops high-performing teams, oversees project execution, and contributes to the overall profitability and growth of the practice.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in architectural design, project delivery, staff leadership, business development, and operational management while maintaining strong client relationships and industry visibility.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development and Client Leadership ("Seller")

Strategic Growth (This is the immediate focus and priority of this position)

• Along with Regional Grow & Capture leaders, develop and execute market growth strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities.
• Lead client engagement activities and maintain executive-level client relationships.
• Expand existing client accounts through repeat work and cross-selling of services.
• Develop teaming strategies with consultants, contractors, and strategic partners.
• Lead Go/No-Go decision-making and pursuit planning activities.

Proposal and Pursuit Leadership

• Lead major pursuits, interviews, and presentations.
• Develop winning strategies for RFQs, RFPs, IDIQs, MATOCs, MACCs, and task order opportunities.
• Participate in contract negotiations and fee development.
• Support capture planning and pipeline management.

Industry Leadership

• Represent the firm in industry associations, conferences, and professional organizations.
• Serve as a thought leader on industry trends, emerging technologies, and market conditions.
• Enhance firm visibility through speaking engagements, publications, and client outreach.

Project Leadership and Delivery ("Doer")

Project Oversight

• Provide executive oversight for architectural and multidisciplinary projects.
• Ensure projects meet client expectations for scope, budget, schedule, quality, and performance.
• Serve as Principal-in-Charge, Executive Sponsor, or Senior Technical Advisor.
• Provide strategic guidance during programming, planning, design, construction documentation, procurement, and construction administration phases.

Technical Excellence

• Ensure design solutions meet applicable codes, standards, and client requirements.
• Maintain design quality and technical integrity across projects.
• Review critical project deliverables and milestones.
• Provide guidance on project delivery methods including: 
  • Design-Bid-Build
  • Design-Build
  • CMAR
  • Progressive Design-Build

Risk Management

• Oversee project contractual compliance and risk mitigation.
• Identify and resolve project challenges before they impact successful delivery.
• Support claims avoidance and dispute resolution efforts.
• Promote quality assurance and quality control programs.

Architectural Operations Leadership

Operational Management

• Support management of the architecture practice for the Seattle region business center.
• Develop operational plans to improve efficiency, profitability, and project performance.
• Monitor utilization, backlog, forecasting, and financial performance.
• Participate in annual business planning and budgeting activities.

Financial Performance

• Manage revenue growth and profitability objectives.
• Support fee development, contract negotiations, and financial forecasting.
• Monitor project financial metrics including: 
  • Net revenue
  • Profitability
  • Utilization
  • Multipliers
  • Backlog
  • Accounts receivable

Resource Management

• Collaborate with leadership to forecast staffing requirements.
• Support recruiting, hiring, and succession planning initiatives.
• Optimize allocation of staff resources across projects and pursuits.