An Associate Principal for Ruhnau Clarke Architects will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the concerns of one or more of the firm’s clients including overseeing a major project or projects through all phases of development. Where applicable, gives direction to assigned staff and leads as the main day to day point of contact for the client relationship and coordinates with other Studio leaders in the process of assigning appropriate staff to the projects they oversee.

As an Associate Principal, you will establish and maintain your project budgets, schedules, and verify adherence of the terms of contract expectations. You have the direct responsibility for client contact and overall project design quality with authority to direct, control, and monitor all project activities. Must have the strong ability to multi-task, prioritize and adjust to various project and business concerns daily as needed. An Associate Principal must oversee several groups performing work or supporting studio workload. An Associate Principal for Ruhnau Clarke Architects must be responsible for becoming a known presence in both the community and market segments that they serve (both current and strategic).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Professional degree in Architecture from an accredited university and/ or equivalent demonstrated proficiency.

Experience: Minimum of thirteen to fifteen (13-15) years’ experience in production and coordination of documents in all phases of architectural practice and in management of projects.

Software: Revit, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite Products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, etc.) or demonstrated equivalent and proficiency

License: License to practice architecture in the state of California required.

EXPECTATIONS:

  • Establish productive working relationships, and deal effectively and cooperatively with clients, team members, consultants, and government agencies.
  • Display willingness to make decisions; exhibit sound and accurate judgment; support and explain reasoning for decisions; include appropriate people in decision-making process; make timely decisions.
  • Resolve issues related to client concerns, team members, and consultants in a timely manner.
  • Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance-enhancing feedback to assigned team members.
  • Provide and direct the overall verbal and graphic communication of complex project concepts to clients, public agencies, and project team members, and be primary point of contact for all client issues.
  • Resolve project financial issues, including staffing adjustments, review of contractual obligations, and scope of service.
  • Promote the mission, values, guiding principles, and culture of the firm in a positive manner.
  • Collaborate with Firm Executive Leadership, Design, Project Management, Technical, and Marketing Leaders to help communicate and execute the firms desired strategic mission and vision.
  • Listen and communicate effectively and professionally in a wide variety of settings inside and outside the firm.
  • Coordinate and provide assignments to office support and technical project staff, consultants, and vendors clearly, effectively, and professionally.
  • Monitor employee performance and take appropriate action to provide feedback both positive and constructive performance.
  • Supervise and manage clients and project managers for all phases of projects; including the ability to supervise several groups.
  • Ability to lead and inspire others with integrity, commitment, and dedication to accomplish client, project, and firm objectives.
  • Self-motivated and ability to work as part of a team or independently, depending upon the situation.
  • Ability to travel as needed.
  • Prepare an annual business plan identifying future practice area trends and potential clients; cultivate future clients; attend important industry-wide events and conferences and submit session ideas to conference organizers for consideration at future conferences.
  • Become a “trusted advisor” to your clients.

MANAGEMENT:

  • Demonstrate motivation in seeking new responsibilities and challenges.
  • Set goals, prioritize, and plan work activities for self-management and use time efficiently.
  • Estimate project schedule and project phase hours for assigned tasks and finish tasks within agreed upon budget hours for said task(s).
  • Manage projects, budgets, schedules, staffing, and coordinate billing as requested.
  • Collaborate with design and production staff, construction administrator, and consultants.
  • Work to keep projects within designed work plans; contribute to firm profits and revenues and use resources effectively.
  • Understand contractual liabilities as they relate to projects including fee calculations,
  • Assist in the preparation of plans of action with their supervisor for resolving project related problems.
  • Ensure that project conforms to contractual agreement with client, meeting all set budgets, goals, and work assignments for their project team that clearly defines project expectations.
  • Have a complete understanding and be proficient with all Ruhnau Clarke Architects’ office & project practices; provide input on ways to improve processes and practices.
  • Participate in project design charrettes.
  • Support the design team and ensure Ruhnau Clarke Architects’ design philosophy is followed through all phases of theproject.
  • Integrate design principles with project design team and maintain design integrity through all phases of the project.
  • Promote design quality and design collaboration.
  • Collaborate with project design team lead during the programming, planning, and feasibility analysis phase of the project as requested.
  • Coordinate with government agencies, utility companies, and resolve plan check and approval issues with all governing agencies that have jurisdictional authority over the project.
  • Review documents to ensure the clients’ and Ruhnau Clarke Architects’ minimum standard of quality, coordination, and compliance with the requirements of deliverables in all phases of a project.
  • Guide and direct project team and consultants for appropriate materials and systems.
  • Review documents for code compliance in all phases and issue code interpretations.
  • Review cost estimates and conduct value analysis.
  • Review and approve changes in collaboration with the project design team and client.
  • Supervise and resolve issues in preparation of construction documents.
  • Demonstrate capabilities to support Construction Manager during the Construction Administration phase of the project.
  • Responsible for the coordination and completeness of the construction drawings and specifications.
  • Manage multiple clients, including those outside the community.
  • Supervises and/or reviews the technical work of Designer I through Senior Project Manager.

SKILLS:

  • Strong graphic presentation skills.
  • Strong design skills.
  • Proficient with current building codes.
  • Proficient with agency review process and DSA/HCAI procedures
  • Computer skill set including Revit, AutoCAD, Photoshop, SketchUP, Adobe Creative Suite, Lumion.
  • Ability to lead/delegate team in the documentation of project design with engaging presentations utilizing tools such as BIM/Revit modeling, and product or material research.
  • Ability to effectively lead/delegate team in schematic design and design development of projects and make client presentations.
  • Ability to use creativity and original thinking in design issues with a keen eye for detail and exemplary taste in design and architecture.
  • Ability to effectively participate in office design charettes, team design critiques and pin-ups.
  • Ability to use basic design communication skills via sketching and hand drawings.
  • Ability to follow the design intent of graphic and verbal direction.
  • Ability to participate in the development of 3D modeling of projects. Prepare various design communication and presentation materials including sketches, rendered 2D & 3D drawings, rendered perspectives, slide shows and material selection boards.
  • Ability to collaborate and participate in team environments.
  • Proficient in sustainable design techniques/Green Building Code
  • Lead/delegate in selection and research of building materials and exterior finishes.
  • Ability to design and delegate project specific details.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all the physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a minimum of 50% of the time.
  • Must be able to efficiently use the keyboard and computer mouse.
  • Must be able to thoroughly communicate clearly with others.
  • Must have visual acuity of 20 inches or closer.
  • Must have reliable transportation.

Pay: $150,000.00 – $165,000.00 per year