Architecture Higher Education Leader

Job Overview

We are seeking a visionary Architecture Higher Education Leader to lead and grow a Maryland-based architecture practice. This leadership role requires a licensed architect with strong experience in design leadership, business development, and team management within the higher education sector.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience delivering large-scale architectural projects valued between $10M and $50M, while fostering a collaborative studio culture and driving business growth across the Mid-Atlantic region. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategy, mentor architectural teams, and lead innovative design solutions for higher education institutions.

Job Details

Compensation: $161,000 – $200,000

• Hybrid – minimum 3 days onsite Baltimore, Maryland, United States• Industry: Civil Engineering• Job Function: Engineering• Experience Required: 7+ Years (Senior leadership preferred)• Education Level: Bachelors Degree

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Business Development

• Identify and pursue new opportunities within the Maryland higher education architecture market• Develop and execute strategies to expand market presence and secure new projects• Lead proposal efforts and project pursuits with higher education clients• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, and community stakeholders• Mentor and lead architectural teams while fostering a collaborative design culture

Project & Design Leadership

• Lead large-scale architectural projects valued between $10M–$50M• Provide expertise in architectural design, graphic modeling, and technical documentation• Oversee projects from concept through completion ensuring quality, budget, and schedule goals• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering and consulting teams• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and client expectations

Team & Practice Growth

• Recruit, mentor, and develop architectural staff• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and professional growth• Align team capabilities with strategic business goals• Strengthen the firms architectural presence within the Mid-Atlantic region

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Architecture or related fieldArchitectural license (NCARB preferred)18+ years of experience in higher education architectural design and leadership• Experience managing large-scale architectural projects ($10M–$50M)• Professional architecture licenses beyond Maryland within the Southeast or Mid-Atlantic regionLEED AP AccreditationSCUP Membership (Society for College and University Planning)• Proven business development and client relationship management experience• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring abilities

Technical Skills

Candidates should have experience with:

• Architectural design leadership• Higher education campus design and planning• Revit• SketchUp• Adobe Creative Suite• Graphic modeling and visualization tools• Project lifecycle management• Sustainable building design practices (LEED)

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional architectural office environment with a flexible hybrid work structure.

Work may involve:

• Office-based design and project coordination• Client meetings and project presentations• Occasional standing, walking, or light lifting• Collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams