Principal Design Lead
Stantec
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Houston • Texas • United States
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Job Level
About the role
- Champion design excellence, creativity, and critical thought across K12 and higher education projects in Houston and potentially throughout Texas
- Establish and communicate a compelling design vision for learning environments that support pedagogy, student well-being, equity, and aligned with the client vision
- Serve as a visible design leader internally and externally, representing the firm’s values around quality, sustainability, resilience, community impact, inclusion, and innovation
- Develop, manage, and grow key client accounts and strategic projects across Texas, with responsibility for design quality, and technical excellence
- Partner with Business Center and Education Sector leadership to shape and execute the Texas education business strategy and growth plan
- Cultivate long-term relationships with Texas school districts, higher education systems, boards, and community partners
- Guide interdisciplinary teams through all phases of design, managing workflow, resources, and schedules
- Evaluate and uphold high standards of design and technical quality across all educational work
Requirements
- Proven ability to lead and inspire high-performing design teams
- Strong conceptual design skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling educational solutions
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interview skills
- Demonstrated experience leading large, complex K12 and/or higher education projects from concept through construction
- Strong judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build trust with clients, stakeholders, and teams
- Deep empathy for educational clients and a clear understanding of Texas-specific educational challenges and opportunities
- Strong working knowledge of codes and standards governing educational facilities in Texas, including IBC, accessibility requirements, life safety, and applicable state and local regulations
- General understanding of building systems, constructability, materials, and industry standards
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Newforma, Sefaira, and emerging design technologies
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
- Professional registration required (Texas licensure preferred)
- Minimum 15 years of experience, with significant leadership experience on K12 and/or higher education projects, preferably in Texas
Benefits
- Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans
- Wellness program
- Health saving accounts
- Flexible spending accounts
- 401(k) plan
- Employee stock purchase program
- Life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
- Short-term/long-term disability plans
- Emergency travel benefits
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional membership fee coverage
- Paid family leave
- Ten paid holidays in each calendar year
- Eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year
- Eligible for paid sick leave
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
conceptual designdesign qualitytechnical excellencebuilding systemsconstructabilitymaterials knowledgecodes and standardsaccessibility requirementslife safetyeducational facility regulations
Soft Skills
leadershipinspirationcommunicationpresentationemotional intelligencetrust buildingempathyjudgmentcollaborationrelationship management
Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in ArchitectureMaster’s degree in ArchitectureTexas licensure