Design Principal, Architecture & Interiors - Washington, DC

February 23, 2026

Design Principal, Architecture & Interiors - Washington, DC





Washington, DC - Corporate Office






Lead architectural excellence at McKissack & McKissack in D.C.! Drive growth, client relations, and studio success.



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.