Design Principal, Architecture & Interiors

Our DC Office is hiring a Design Principal, Architecture and Interiors to join our dynamic McKissack & McKissack team!

We are seeking a senior design leader who can translate bold client vision into compelling architectural and interior design solutions. This role is for a registered Architect with a strong design voice, deep client trust, and the ability to lead concept through execution with clarity and confidence.

This individual will be a visible design leader for the firm, working directly with clients at the earliest stages of a project. They will set the design direction, produce high level conceptual sketches, and guide internal design teams as concepts are developed into fully realized projects.

McKissack & McKissack offers opportunities to grow your career while working on transformative projects in program and construction management, architecture, and interior design. We combine technical expertise and creative vision to deliver exceptional results. Our culture values diversity, professional development, and performance. We seek team players who are humble, hungry, and smart, with strong academic or professional experience, integrity, and a client-focused mindset. Join a team that invests in your success and rewards ambition, integrity, and collaboration.

Responsibilities:

Design Leadership

Lead design vision from early concept through design development


Create high level conceptual sketches and narratives that translate client goals into clear architectural ideas


Serve as the primary design voice in client meetings, interviews, and presentations


Set the overall design direction and guide teams through refinement and execution

Client Engagement

Partner directly with clients to understand mission, culture, and functional needs


Build trust with senior stakeholders through strong listening, clarity of thought, and design confidence


Act as a creative advisor who helps clients make informed design decisions

Project and Team Collaboration

Work closely with architects, interior designers, and technical staff to develop concepts into coordinated design solutions


Provide design guidance and mentorship to project teams throughout the design process


Collaborate with outside design partners and specialty consultants as needed

Market Focus

Corporate real estate including commercial office, hospitality, and government funded housing


Cultural facilities including landmarks, arenas, convention centers, libraries, museums, and cultural centers


Institutional work including healthcare, civic, government, and public safety facilities

Requirements:

Registered Architect in good standing


20 or more years of professional architectural experience


Recognized design leader with a strong portfolio of built work


Proven ability to lead conceptual design and early project vision


Strong freehand or digital sketching ability


Experience working directly with clients in public and private sector environments


Ability to inspire, guide, and elevate design teams


Strong communication and presentation skills

Compensation:

Salary range: $185,000 - $225,000/yearly (dependent on years of experience, competency, travel requirements)

Employee Benefits:

Medical Insurance


Dental Insurance


Vision Insurance


Flexible Spending Account (FSA)


Health Savings Account (HSA)


Dependent Care


Commuter Benefits


Tuition Assistance


Adoption Assistance


Matching 401k Plan


Company-paid holidays


Paid-Time-Off (PTO)


Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


Life Insurance


Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance


Marketplace Perks-at-Work

McKissack& McKissack is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and access be provided in the employment and advancement of all persons. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity for all persons, without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religion, religious practices and observances; national origin, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; genetic information; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability, in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.