Architectural Principal

WHAT WE DO:

We are architects specializing in TK-12 and higher educational facilities, public use projects, medical facilities, and retail projects.

WHY WE DO IT:

A Principal for Ruhnau Clarke Architects will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the concerns of one or more of the firm’s clients, including overseeing a major project or projects through all phases of development. Where applicable, gives direction to assigned staff and leads as the main day to day point of contact for the client relationship and coordinates with other Studio leaders in the process of assigning appropriate staff to the projects they oversee.

As a Principal, you will establish and maintain your project budgets, schedules, and monitor adherence of the terms of contract expectations. You have the direct responsibility for client contact and authority to direct, control, and monitor all project activities. A Principal must have the strong ability to multi-task, prioritize and adjust to various project and business concerns daily as needed. A Principal must oversee several groups performing work or supporting studio workload while having the responsibility for ongoing marketing and business development and maintaining a consistent backlog of work. A Principal for Ruhnau Clarke Architects must be responsible for becoming a known presence in community that they serve and the markets segments (both current and strategic) they serve.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• License: License to practice architecture in the state of California REQUIRED.
• Education: Architectural degree from an accredited university or equivalent demonstrated proficiency.
• Experience: Minimum of ten to fifteen (10 -15) years of experience in production and coordination of documents in all phases of architectural practice and in management of projects desired; business development and client relationship building skills.
• Software : Bluebeam and Microsoft Office Suite Products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, etc.) or demonstrated equivalent and proficiency.

GENERAL:

• Establish productive working relationships, and deal effectively and cooperatively with clients, team members, consultants, and government agencies.
• Display willingness to make decisions; exhibit sound and accurate judgment; support and explain reasoning for decisions; include appropriate people in decision-making process; make timely decisions.
• Resolve issues related to client concerns, team members, and consultants in a timely manner.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance-enhancing feedback to assigned team members.
• Provide and direct the overall verbal and graphic communication of complex project concepts to clients, public agencies, and project team members, and be primary point of contact for all client issues.
• Resolve project financial issues, including staffing adjustments, review of contractual obligations, and scope of service.
• Promote the mission, values, guiding principles, and culture of the firm in a positive manner.
• Collaborate with Firm Executive Leadership, Design, Project Management, Technical, and Marketing Leaders to help communicate and execute the firm’s desired strategic mission and vision.
• Listen and communicate effectively and professionally in a wide variety of settings inside and outside the firm.
• Coordinate and provide assignments to office support and technical project staff, consultants, and vendors clearly, effectively, and professionally.
• Monitor employee performance and take appropriate action to provide feedback both positive and constructive performance.
• Supervise and manage multiple clients and project managers for all phases of projects; including the ability to supervise several groups.
• Ability to lead and inspire others with integrity, commitment, and dedication to accomplish client, project, and firm objectives.
• Self-motivated and ability to work as part of a team or independently, depending upon the situation.
• Write responses to client requested RFQ’s/RFP’S and negotiate contracts and fees with clients and consultants.
• Understands all aspects of project implementation.
• Ensure that the documents meet the client standards and Ruhnau Clarke Architects’ minimum standard of care.
• Write articles for professional publications.
• Write training material for staff development as directed by Executive Leadership.
• Ability to travel as needed.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:

• Write and develop project marketing interview materials; participate and lead in project marketing interviews.
• Primary proponent for project pursuit.
• Ability to market project capability through public presentations and professional publications.
• Attend conferences, events, and other networking opportunities.
• Ability to develop new client contacts while also developing a network of current, past clients and industry partners.
• Develop relationships with governing and other agency leaders.
• Represent Ruhnau Clarke Architects’ culture, values, and ethics in the industry and in the community at large.
• Coordinate with Executive Leadership to maintain an appropriate backlog of work for the firm.
• Acquire work that is in line with Ruhnau Clarke Architects’ goals and expectations.
• Possess a strong client/customer service orientation.

MANAGEMENT:

• Must demonstrate motivation in seeking new responsibilities and challenges.
• Able to set goals, prioritize, and plan work activities for self-management and use time efficiently.
• Review and assist project staff in setting budgets, goals, and preparing work plans that clearly define their expectations, and take appropriate action when they are met and when they are not met.
• Encourage professional and beneficial multi-level network relationships with various consultants that are alignment with project/client expectations.
• Monitor and adjust staffing plans to projected workloads to meet expected project timelines and project budgets.
• Coordinate with Executive Leadership on the adjustment of staffing when needed.
• Resolve collection of aged accounts and any financial issues with clients.
• Responsible for ensuring that all Ruhnau Clarke Architects practices, procedures, standards, and policies are followed.
• Identify and manage risk as directed by Executive Leadership.
• Champion as the lead for Marketing Go/No Go decisions of project pursuits.
• Serve as an example of Ruhnau Clarke Architects’ leadership that strives to achieve the firm’s strategic and business goals.
• Provide support and leadership to the Executive Leadership, studios, and project groups.
• Ensure that project managers support design and follow design intent and quality on all projects.
• Ensure that project design supports the firm’s design goals.
• Ensure that documents are reviewed for quality, coordination, and compliance with the requirements of deliverables and client standards and Ruhnau Clarke Architects minimum standard of care in all phases.
• Review cost estimates and conduct value analysis as required on projects.
• Resolve plan check and approval issues with the agencies and client on projects.
• Ensure that materials and systems meet client standards and Ruhnau Clarke Architects’ minimum standard of care and are within budget.
• Oversee and resolve issues during construction phase of all work under their supervision.
• Supervises and/or reviews the technical work of Designer I through Associate Principal.

SKILLS:

• Strong graphic presentation skills.
• Strong design skills.
• Proficient with current building codes.
• Proficient with agency review process and DSA/HCAI procedures.
• Computer skill set including Revit, AutoCAD, Photoshop, SketchUP, Adobe Creative Suite, Lumion.
• Ability to lead/delegate team in the documentation of project design with engaging presentations utilizing tools such as BIM/Revit modeling, and product or material research.
• Ability to effectively lead/delegate team in schematic design and design development of projects and make client presentations.
• Ability to use creativity and original thinking in design issues with a keen eye for detail and exemplary taste in design and architecture.
• Ability to effectively participate in office design charettes, team design critiques and pin-ups.
• Ability to use basic design communication skills via sketching and hand drawings.
• Ability to follow the design intent of graphic and verbal direction.
• Ability to participate in the development of 3D modeling of projects. Prepare various design communication and presentation materials including sketches, rendered 2D & 3D drawings, rendered perspectives, slide shows and material selection boards.
• Ability to collaborate and participate in team environments.
• Proficient in sustainable design techniques/Green Building Code.
• Lead/delegate in selection and research of building materials and exterior finishes.
• Ability to design and delegate project specific details.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all the physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a minimum of 50% of the time.
• Must be able to efficiently use the keyboard and computer mouse.
• Must be able to thoroughly communicate clearly with others.
• Must have visual acuity of 20 inches or closer.
• Must have reliable transportation.

SALARY IS NEGOTIABLE DEPENDING ON TK-12 EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package:

• Profit sharing

Ability to Commute:

• Sacramento, CA 95814 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Sacramento, CA 95814: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person