May 5, 2026

Client Lead

Hollis + Miller Architects Kansas City, Missouri

CLIENT LEADER

We are seeking a Client Leader with at least 10 years of architecture and/or interiors experience who can contribute to the strategic direction of Hollis + Miller to foster, maintain, and strengthen long-term relationships with clients through an integrated architectural approach. Our ideal candidate has experience in business development, master planning, and concept design for complex K-12 and Higher Education projects.

This role requires strong communication, planning, and technical leadership to help translate client needs from ideation to execution. In addition to the below, consideration focus will prioritize applicants with the following experience: Business Development, K-12 and/or Higher Education Programming and Visioning, Design Narrative and Storytelling, and Stakeholder Engagement and Consensus Building.

Our Vision and Values

The core values of Hollis + Miller are at the heart of everything that we do. As a Hollis + Miller team member, you live our core values through your day-to-day efforts as we work together to Design the Future.

We are purpose driven, making a difference by impacting the lives of others through our work.We are people centric, empowering those around us to learn and grow within our dynamic culture.We believe in the power of we, supporting diversity of thought and recognizing that good ideas can come from anywhere.

Basic Qualifications

A 4- or 6-year accredited professional degree in Architecture preferred.A minimum of 10 years of professional experience preferred, including experience in all phases of projects.Architecture license preferred.Possesses technical knowledge of all aspects of building design and construction.Possesses a deep knowledge of the Higher Education and/or K-12 market sectors. Recognized as a knowledge leader by industry experts in a specific market sector or institution type and understands the nuances of the Higher Educational and/or K-12 funding models, the intricacies of project teams, and the overall series of steps which support project success.Inspires clients, advocating for their end users’ best interests by delivering living and learning environments that align with student, faculty, and community success.Actively participates in the community and industry associations (AIA, USGBC, etc.).You have documentation that allows you to work in the United States of America without company sponsorship.You have met required background check standards.

Desired Traits

Exemplifies the qualities of creativity, accountability, and thoroughness.Possesses excellent communication and relational skills, able to express ideas and concepts in both written and verbal methods to ensure message intent, as well as a positive attitude.Solves problems independently and can multi-task while managing time well.Displays thorough drive, commitment, and a results-oriented mindset.Proactively identifies potential conflict and takes timely and appropriate action to find equitable resolution.Aspires to be a lifelong learner, continuing to develop knowledge and skills through a growth mindset.

Role Responsibilities

A member of the Client & Community Relations pillar.Reports to Partner of Client Leadership to implement and support Firm’s overall strategies and goals for business development, philanthropy, Client Leader practices, and risk management practices.Collaborates with Partner in Charge (PIC) of projects, contributing to an integrated architectural practice.

Business Development - Existing Clients

Leads and leverages existing client relationships to cultivate potential revenue, including supporting the Partner in Charge in their proposal and interview strategies with Marketing & Business Development Team.Once a project is under contract the Client Leader coordinates revenue pipeline with Partner in Charge and is accountable for revenue pipeline data upkeep and accuracy in Deltek Vantagepoint.

Business Development - New Clients

With the Partner in Charge, supports Business Development Leader efforts in cultivating new client relationships for potential revenue, including the Partner in Charge’s proposal and interview strategies with Marketing & Business Development Team.The Business Development Leader is accountable for revenue pipeline accuracy in Deltek Vantagepoint.Attends conferences and networking events as a Firm representative.Establishes and maintains effective partnerships with client’s key community groups.

Client Relations

Leads multiple clients as the client advocate with the design team, the client’s go-to design resource, and successful projects, while coordinating with the Partner in Charge for overall client profitability and management.Main point of contact for client throughout the project, accountable for establishing and discussing client expectations, budget, scope, program, schedule, design standards, and desired changes with the Partner in Charge, Project Lead and Project Team.Supports Project Lead in client stakeholder meetings.Leads client advocacy, sharing their story and providing perspective of the client and their community to the Project Lead and Project Team.Leads capital and bond planning efforts including master and/or long-range planning process.Engages in projects at a high level, collaborates with the Project Lead and delegates specific project leadership responsibilities accordingly.Shares leadership and accountability with Partner in Charge to avoid damage to client relationships and Firm exposure to potential liability.

Project Management

Supports the Partner in Charge in creating and executing the Owner/Architect contract, including establishment of professional fees, basic services, supplemental services, additional services, and consultants.Leads efforts in identifying consultants with prior work experience and/or those preferred by the Client including the creation and execution of consultant contracts integrating establishment of professional fees and services.Responsible for the client’s overall satisfaction with the process and outcome of each project. The Client Leader is responsible for supporting the Project Lead in their efforts of project and team management.Project Briefs, Debriefs, Plans, Financials, and ProfitabilityLeads co-creation of the Project Initiation Brief with input from the Partner in Charge. Is responsible for ensuring the critical knowns and unknowns about the project are recorded in Deltek Vantagepoint.Leads co-creation of the Project Brief with the Project Lead to identify project strategies to inform the project plan.Collaborating with the Finance Team and Project Lead, accountable for the creation and maintenance of the Deltek Vantagepoint Plan. Ensures the Deltek Vantagepoint plan is reflective of the Project Lead’s Project Plan.Monthly review and coordination with Finance Team on, but not limited to, the following: planned project revenue, billing analysis, profitability, invoices, aged accounts receivable, etc.Reviews draft monthly Office Earnings Report, shares findings and recommended course corrections for profitability with the Partner in Charge, Studio Director, and Project Lead.Accountable for individual project profitability, coordinating with Partner in Charge who is accountable for overall client profitability.Supports Project Lead coordination with Marketing Communications team on project information updates in Deltek Vantagepoint Client Relations Manager.

Teamwork & Team Development

Mentors the Project Lead and team beyond the project scope, including how to make the right decisions in a proactive manner, make course corrections when necessary, and guide the team to success.Provides input on team member performance to inform recognition and/or improvement planning.Rewards and recognizes team members’ successes.

Other Requirements

Travel, including overnight and multi-day, may be required.Maintain reliable transportation.Adhere to safety regulations as prescribed by contractor protocol as applicable.Sit or stand for long periods of time.Exchange information in person, online, and on the phone.Frequently use a computer, mouse, and keyboard.Read, prepare, and proofread documents.The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

We may alter any or all the above from time to time to further our desire to make you, the Firm, and our clients great!

Hollis + Miller is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Create a free account to keep reading — and to apply.

Create My Free Account

TheCreativeLoft is a better way to find jobs. Find out more:

You're just 60 seconds away from your new Creativeloft account.

Get jobs like this by email

New Architecture jobs in Kansas City, sent to your inbox.

Email Me New Jobs

Looking For Similar Jobs?