Air Intelligence Agency (AIA), Architectural Services, Budgeting, Building Codes, Building Systems, Business Development, Business Growth, Civil Engineering, Compensation and Benefits, Construction, Construction Administration, Customer Relations, Documentation, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Mentoring, Operational Improvement, Operational Strategy, Performance Analysis, Performance Metrics, Process Improvement, Profit & Loss, Project Design, Project Tracking, Quality Assurance Methodology, Quality Control, Quality Metrics, Recreation, Resource Management, Retirement Plan, Sales Presentation, Strategic Planning, Succession Planning, Surveying, Team Player, Technical/Engineering Design, Willing to Travel
Director of Architecture – Virginia
Lead Virginia's Architectural Practice. Build Communities. Build Your Future.
Thompson & Litton is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Director of Architecture to lead, manage, and expand our established Virginia architecture practice from our Radford, VA
office.
Founded in 1956, Thompson & Litton is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) multidisciplinary firm with eight offices across Virginia, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Architecture, you will provide strategic leadership for project delivery, design quality, team mentorship, and business growth, while collaborating with our integrated engineering, surveying, and planning divisions.
Why Thompson & Litton?
- Retirement and Ownership: As a 100% employee-owned firm, you will earn direct equity through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and retirement benefits.
- Stable Legacy: For nearly 70 years, we have delivered engineering, architecture, and planning solutions that strengthen regional communities.
- Multidisciplinary Scope: Work alongside in-house civil engineers, surveyors, and planners to deliver comprehensive project solutions.
Benefits and Compensation
- Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401(k) with company match
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
- Continuing education, professional development, and licensure support
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary work environment
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Practice Management
- Provide strategic and operational direction for the Virginia architecture practice.
- Lead, mentor, and recruit architects, designers, and technical staff.
- Manage staffing, workload scheduling, resource allocation, and succession planning.
- Partner with executive leadership to drive operational improvements and regional growth.
Project Delivery & Design Excellence
- Oversee architectural projects from programming through construction administration.
- Monitor project performance metrics, budgets, schedules, and profitability.
- Direct the QA/QC process, ensuring strict code compliance and technical accuracy.
- Champion practical, sustainable, and high-quality design standards.
Client Relations & Business Development
- Maintain and grow long-term client relationships across Virginia.
- Coordinate with engineering and surveying divisions to pursue integrated project opportunities.
- Lead client presentations, proposals, and business development initiatives.
- Represent the firm at industry events and within local communities.
Required Qualifications
- Education:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an NAAB-accredited program.
- Experience:
10+ years of progressive architectural experience, including direct oversight of teams, budgets, and practice operations.
- Licensure:
Active Virginia Licensed Architect credential (or eligibility through reciprocity) and current NCARB Certificate (AIA membership preferred).
- Technical Proficiency: Strong expertise in building systems, construction materials, building codes, and full-phase documentation.
Working in Radford, VA (The New River Valley)
Based in our Radford office, this role offers an exceptional quality of life in Southwest Virginia:
- Cost of Living: Affordable housing options, minimal commute times, and local university amenities (Virginia Tech and Radford University).
- Recreation:
Proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking trails, and paddling on the historic New River.
- Proximity:
Enjoy a mountain lifestyle while remaining driving distance from Roanoke, Richmond, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C.
- Note: Occasional regional travel is required for client meetings and site visits.
Apply Today
Join an established, employee-owned firm where you can build a lasting legacy. Submit your resume to apply for the Director of Architecture position in Radford, VA.
Thompson & Litton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.