Architectural Principal

Principal – (Studio Leader, Residential & Multi-Housing)

About the Role

Designblendz is seeking a Principal – (Associate Studio Leader) to lead our growing Residential & Multi-Housing Studio. This leadership role is ideal for an experienced architect with deep expertise in multifamily, mixed-use residential, affordable housing, or market-rate housing sectors — and who is ready to guide a studio focused on shaping the future of where people live. Preference is put towards any affordable housing experience.

As an Associate Studio Leader, you will oversee a team delivering projects across the residential spectrum, from early feasibility through construction administration. You will provide design direction, mentor staff, maintain quality and efficiency, and support business development in key housing markets. Working closely with senior leadership, you will help expand our residential portfolio, strengthen client relationships, and ensure our studio delivers exceptional and innovative living environments.

About Designblendz

Designblendz is a full-service architecture, visualization, and design firm known for blending creative and technical excellence. Our Residential & Multi-Housing studio is one of our most dynamic practice areas — serving developers, builders, and community partners across diverse housing types. Our culture values collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to elevating the quality of the built environment, especially in the context of modern living.

Key Responsibilities

1. Architectural Leadership & Residential Practice Oversight

• Demonstrate advanced expertise in residential and multifamily building design, unit planning, building systems, zoning considerations, and construction methods.
• Provide technical guidance to ensure code compliance, including IBC, IRC, accessibility, and local zoning requirements common to housing projects.
• Sign and seal drawings for residential and multi-housing projects under your direction.
• Lead design reviews, oversee unit mix studies, building massing, and planning strategies aligned with client and market expectations.
• Maintain consistency with firmwide housing standards, quality control processes, and best practices in multifamily and community design.

2. Strategic Planning & Studio Growth

• Champion the firm’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values within a housing-focused studio.
• Identify growth opportunities in key sectors such as urban infill, mixed-use residential, workforce housing, student living, senior living, and large-scale multifamily.
• Support business strategy development, assisting in market positioning, competitive analysis, and outreach to existing and emerging housing partners.
• Participate in leadership meetings to align studio performance with firmwide financial and cultural goals.
• Ensure adherence to project workflow standards, schedule management, budgeting, and operational efficiency within the residential studio.

3. Team Development & Leadership

• Mentor junior and mid-level designers by providing technical guidance specific to residential and multifamily best practices.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and integration of new team members into the residential studio workflow.
• Foster a learning-oriented studio culture, encouraging practice innovation, continuing education, and knowledge-sharing.
• Guide staff in career development paths tailored to advancement in housing design expertise.
• Contribute performance insights and resource planning to leadership discussions.

4. Project Oversight & Design Excellence

• Oversee the execution of residential and multi-housing projects, ensuring design clarity, zoning compliance, and construction feasibility.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Senior Studio Leaders to deliver projects on schedule, within budget, and aligned with client objectives.
• Ensure quality control across unit plans, amenity design, building envelopes, and construction documentation.
• Provide design direction for concept packages, entitlement submissions, community presentations, and client reviews.

5. Business Development & Industry Engagement

• Support residential business development through networking, proposal development, project pursuit efforts, and fee structuring.
• Represent the firm at industry events and conferences focused on housing, development, and urban growth.
• Cultivate relationships with developers, general contractors, housing agencies, lenders, and municipal partners.
• Participate in client meetings and project kickoff sessions, helping to set the tone for successful long-term partnerships.
• Assist in tracking project financial performance, invoicing, and profitability within the residential studio.

Qualifications

• Licensed Architect strongly preferred; ability to sign/seal drawings required.
• 12+ years of experience in architectural practice, with significant experience in residential and multi-housing sectors.
• Strong knowledge of multifamily codes, residential zoning, wood construction types (III, V), podium construction, and efficient unit planning.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams, clients, and multiple housing projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, client engagement, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in business development within residential markets preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive leadership compensation and performance incentives
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible/hybrid work options
• Licensure and continuing education support
• Leadership development opportunities within a growing firm