Design Lead

Life at PE
Perkins Eastman is a global architectural design practice with expertise in all aspects of the built environment, working at all scales, and at every level of detail. With studios in 24 locations worldwide, we design for people, to leave a lasting and positive impact on the human experience and the world we inhabit. This is captured in our ethos "human by design".

We believe design is a collaborative art and we are structured as an integrated practice of passionate professionals committed to delivering the best design for our clients. Our team of diverse and complementary talents work together in studios, that can draw from relevant expertise and points of view from across the whole practice to analyze and solve the specific design challenges they are working on. Within the firm we have 18 practice areas, cores of expertise, that focus as centers of knowledge and analysis, that are both an essential foundation and fuel for the creative design work. Sustainability is intrinsic to our design approach. It is an essential ingredient for the design teams throughout the process, adding valuable insights, ideas, and research to the process. For us all good design is sustainable.

Our Boston Studio:

Our Boston studio has established a strong reputation for excellence in educational projects, particularly in K-12 and higher education. We are actively expanding our portfolio into other key practice areas while maintaining our commitment to educational design excellence.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a design leader to join our team located in our Boston Studio. The ideal candidate will work with the Managing Principals to strengthen the design culture within the Boston studio while connecting into the firmwide design leadership. The role will involve mentoring talent, identifying and hiring design staff, leading design efforts and presentations to clients while collaborating with senior team members to deliver exceptional design for clients.

Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years' experience as a senior designer/leader on multiple complex projects. They must be passionate about design, be a licensed architect, and have a recognized sustainability accreditation. Their portfolio should clearly demonstrate team leadership as well as excellent technical, communication/presentation, and design management skills. Evidence of award-winning design work recognized by professional organizations is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate an aptitude for design business development.

This individual will report directly to the Co-Managing Principals of the Boston studio. The role will be based in Boston, MA but will also collaborate with design leaders across the firm on firmwide design initiatives that elevate design awareness.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Hold a design leadership role on a range of projects and across all phases of a project from master planning through construction
• Lead and participate in marketing efforts including proposal development, interviews, and design competitions
• Collaborate with office leadership to build a culture of design excellence across the studio
• Recruit talented design professionals and graduates to the firm and cultivate that talent
• Serve as a mentor and provide learning opportunities for intermediate and junior designers in the studio
• Connect to firm-wide design leaders and contribute to enterprise-wide design initiatives
• Curate design excellence within the studio, serving as an editor and reviewer of projects
• Shape collateral and content for design award submissions
• Champion sustainability practices and innovative design solutions
• Represent the firm at industry events and with clients

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture is required
• Must be a registered/licensed architect
• Recognized industry leader or have the potential to become an industry leader
• Minimum 15 years of relevant architectural experience
• Must demonstrate design leadership in at least one of the firm's core practice areas – preferably K-12/higher education, multi-family residential, senior living, commercial/mixed-use, or healthcare
• Proficiency in industry-standard design software including Revit, AutoCAD, and 3D visualization tools
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
• Passion for and fundamental understanding of sustainable design.
• CPHD, LEED and/or WELL accreditations, progress toward licensure (NCIDQ) are pluses.
• Occasional travel to client sites, other studio locations, and industry events (approximately 10-15%)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Award-winning design portfolio
• Experience with sustainable design strategies and rating systems beyond LEED
• History of successful client relationship management
• Experience with business development and winning new work
• Knowledge of construction methods and materials
• Public speaking and presentation experience

What we offer you:

• Robust medical, dental and vision coverage
• 401k Options
• PTO
• Company Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Professional Development
• Competitive salary

PE has a hybrid policy that allows flexibility for our employees in managing their working days and hours to cater to their diverse needs.

Compensation may vary based on the job level and your geographic work location.

Salary Range: $140,000-$170,000

Perkins Eastman is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and a participant in the U.S. Federal E-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.