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HMC Architects

Design Principal

HMC Architects, Sacramento, California, United States, 95828

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HMC Architects is an employee-owned design firm with an inherent desire to make a difference in our communities. As a purpose-driven brand based on values, our mission to “design for good” drives everything we do. And our ownership culture creates alignment and increased commitment to that mission, keeping us on track to being successful.

What We Do Founded with the purpose of anticipating community needs, HMC aims to create designs that have a positive impact, now and into the future. We focus primarily on opportunities to have the most direct contribution to communities–through healthcare, education, and civic spaces.

Job Summary We are looking for a Design Principal who will provide strategic leadership and creative direction for our practice, office, or studio. This individual will oversee the design process for major projects across all phases, ensure design excellence, and maintain strong alignment with client goals and contractual requirements. The ideal candidate is an inspiring design leader with a proven ability to guide teams, elevate project outcomes, support business development efforts, and mentor design talent.

The position is located in Sacramento, California. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement with flexible hours, requiring three days in the office and the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.

Responsibilities Leadership

Model and promote HMC’s values, culture, and mission; serve as an advocate for staff, clients, and the community

Drive accountability across the studio for adherence to HMC’s technical protocols and standards

Oversee multiple clients and projects simultaneously across all phases

Direct and coordinate project work with internal teams and consultants

Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance‑enhancing feedback to assigned team members, focusing on technical proficiency

Monitor employee performance and provide timely and constructive feedback

Establish strong working relationships with practice leaders, clients, consultants, and regulatory agencies

Deliver assignments to support staff, consultants, and vendors clearly and professionally

Resolve issues involving team members or consultants

Collaborate with studio leaders to foster unified and supportive leadership

Ensure consistency and integration of technical resources across project teams from pursuit through completion

Develop work plans and schedules for technical components in coordination with project managers and other Principals

Design / Technical

Contribute to the development and refinement of HMC’s firmwide design goals and philosophy

Ensure project design outcomes align with HMC’s design vision

Lead Schematic Design and Design Development for projects of all sizes

Maintain design integrity from early concept through construction

Research and explore alternative systems, materials, and innovative approaches

Lead documentation efforts including 3D modeling, physical models, and material research in collaboration with the Project Manager

Direct the preparation of design communication materials such as renderings, diagrams, presentations, and material boards

Facilitate design charrettes, critiques, and team pin‑ups

Promote design excellence and serve as a design leader and mentor

Review cost models, estimates, and plans; lead design‑related value analysis

Ensure design decisions, materials, and systems meet firm and client standards while staying within budget

Lead coordination of design intent through construction documents and construction administration

Review documents to ensure quality, coordination, and compliance with deliverable and client standards

Oversee and resolve design issues during construction for all assigned projects

Establish standards for documenting the design process

Ensure design documents comply with client standards and HMC protocols

Develop training materials to support staff design development

Business Development / Client Engagement

Procure and manage approximately $1M in gross project revenue per year and secure a minimum of $500K in new contracts annually through repeat or new clients

Engage with existing clients to identify opportunities for additional work

Maintain and strengthen long‑term client relationships

Elevate client concerns appropriately to the PIC as needed

Represent HMC through public speaking at client, industry, and community events

Assist in developing written and visual materials for project pursuits and interviews

Participate in marketing interviews and proposal efforts

Attend industry conferences, networking events, and community gatherings

Develop and maintain a strong network of clients and industry partners

Promote HMC Design across the industry and within the community

Help secure work aligned with practice and studio goals

Serve as a visible leader in the community or within HMC’s market segments

Participate in fee and contract negotiations with clients and consultants

Contribute articles to professional architecture and construction publications

Minimum 12 years of experience producing and coordinating architectural documents across all phases, including project management

Minimum 5 years of experience in healthcare, education, or civic projects, with strong technical expertise and knowledge of DSA, HCAI, or other regulatory agencies

Minimum 2 years in a senior leadership role guiding teams and clients through technical project aspects

Licensed Architect (state of practice preferred)

Demonstrated ability to make decisions with sound judgment, transparency, and alignment with design intent

Strong verbal and written communication skills across varied audiences

Ability to set goals, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively

Broad creativity and a commitment to design excellence

Strong knowledge of building systems, materials, and appropriate technologies

Proficiency with software and multimedia tools used in design, documentation, and presentation

Comprehensive understanding of applicable building codes

Thorough understanding of HMC’s design process and deliverables

Ability to be on‑site in an HMC studio at least three days per week

The salary range for this position is $121,582 - $181,923.

The actual salary offered for this position will vary depending on multiple factors including the candidate’s qualification, education, position knowledge, work experience, skills, ability, work location, and internal incumbent compensation for similar roles. We do not anticipate individuals hired into this position will start at or near the top half of the range listed; the decision will be based on each individual case. The salary range listed above does not include other compensation elements such as discretionary bonus opportunities, employee stock ownership grants, paid time off, medical insurance, and other wage and benefit opportunities.

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