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 field
Architectural 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 region
LEED AP Accreditation
SCUP 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