What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Principal position at Lessard Design Inc.?
Lessard Design Inc. (LDI) has been shaping the future of architecture for over 35 years. With a $25M Architecture division and a $20M Real Estate Development arm, the firm is renowned for its innovative designs and its commitment to creating vibrant, thriving communities.
LDI’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning projects across the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, ranging from high-rise towers to garden apartments. By blending creative ingenuity with real estate expertise, LDI is redefining what’s possible in the built environment.
Must be a licensed architect and have multifamily / mixed use architecture experience.
Position Overview
Responsible for managing technical and financial aspects of all projects within his / her Group. Function as Client Sponsor for Team Project Managers. Provide client and project backup to the Principals. Play a significant role in developing new business, team and image-building.
Key Responsibilities
Program all team projects, schedule staff and coordinate contract resources to accomplish project schedules as stated in contracts. Deliver projects at or above budgeted profit levels.
Continuously monitor and assure client satisfaction, productivity, progress and budget performance.
As licensed architect / Associate Principal, it is expected that you will stamp and seal your drawings. You will obtain, with Lessard’s assistance, additional licenses as necessary.
In coordination with the Group Principal, direct, review and approve all project work for technical accuracy and adherence to LDI QA / QC program at appropriate intervals, prior to client submittal.
Mentor team members in technical issues and serve as “Senior Resource” to LDI staff-at large. Train the team’s Project Managers and Job Captains in areas of contract administration and project fiscal management.
Function as a team resource in design, production and construction administration issue resolution.
Develop all work scopes, prepare budgets and subcontracts for own projects and all related addendums for approval by Group Principal.
Review, assure Quality Assurance and approve for submittal to Principal work scopes and budgets for projects, subcontracts and all related addendums for Team Project Managers.
Review, participate in development and approve for submittal to Group Principal all Project Management Plans for Team Project Managers prior to project initiation.
Assume responsibility for own project billings and assist Team Project Managers with billings, as required.
Develop new business to replace completed projects in conformance with approved business plan, develop business with assigned clients and lead proposal preparation.
Assure target labor utilization of assigned Project Managers and coordinate the same with Principals, Associate Principals and Project Managers, as required.
Attain “Key Performance Indicators” as negotiated for assigned Project Managers and self.
Administer career development plans, quarterly Intern Development Program and annual evaluations for each direct report.
Prepare and conduct performance and salary reviews for team. Recommend personnel actions to Group Principal, as appropriate.
Review and approve timesheets and expense reports for own Team.
Support collection efforts, as required.
Additional duties as assigned by LDI management.
Qualities
Demonstrates leadership skills with ability and willingness to face challenges, solve problems, and motivate others, while maintaining effective relationships with clients by meeting or exceeding their requirements and expectations
Must have a thorough understanding of state / local codes and accessibility requirements meeting state and federal standards.
Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on complex topics to employees, clients, top management and / or public groups
Good judgment and reasoning ability, enabling problem solving with the constant shifting of priorities and daily tasks
Self-motivated personality to take on projects and assignments without the need for the micromanagement of a supervisor
Ability to manage time, deadline oriented, and takes initiative (self-starter).
Ability to communicate both by oral and written English
Proven record in developing client relationship
Experience in negotiation and dispute resolution
Keen observation and detail-orientation skills
Decision-making and documents checking abilities
Must possess intellect, integrity, and influencing skills required to build strong professional relationships at all organization levels
Strong organizational skills and disciplined accuracy are required.
The proven ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment.
Strong aesthetic sense and interest in the arts
Track record in successful design projects
Knowledge of professional ethics, as applied to architecture
Strong working knowledge of allied design disciplines
Qualifications
Education : Bachelor of Architecture, or equivalent
Experience : 12 years of experience with two years of architectural group management experience
License : License required in all states your projects are located
Software Proficiency : Advanced skills in REVIT, MS Office required, Photoshop and / or InDesign a plus
Building Type : Wood-framed multi-family mixed-use high-density
Requires excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to effectively communicate
Must be able to write reports and business correspondence in clear concise business English.
Must be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public in a professional, collegial manner.
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