Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is hiring: Design Principal in Tampa

At HDR, our employee‑owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. HDR fosters a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, continually asking ourselves : What is our impact on the world? Watch our story at

The Tampa office of HDR is searching for a Design Principal to join our growing practice and continue the legacy of providing our clients and communities with creative design solutions that improve the health and human condition of those they serve. HDR is a leader in innovative planning and design, client service, and thought leadership on projects locally and throughout the region.

The primary responsibility of the Design Principal is to champion design excellence for the local office / region. This individual must be capable of developing highly innovative, creative, integrated, and effective design solutions; must have an established design reputation evident through awards, publications, education, or other venues, and positive client references; must guide initial design concepts and ideas from pursuit and selection through successful project completion on multiple projects; and must meet design excellence, management goals, and project budgets. The Design Principal should teach and train other designers and interdisciplinary AE project teams in the essentials of design excellence and the critical tenets of HDR’s Design Philosophy, and effectively mentor and develop junior staff, challenging, inspiring, and motivating others to pursue design excellence. The role requires leadership across multiple offices, partnership with office management, project management, and AEP discipline leaders, and the ability to identify, attract, and retain key design staff. The Design Principal will also be responsible for developing strategies for hiring senior and junior design talent and be active in local, national, or international professional design organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience functioning as a lead designer on a variety of project scales and complexities.

Experience on healthcare, science, or higher education related projects.

Experience and / or interest in sustainable design / LEED.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.

15 years of related experience.

Minimum 7 years of project management experience.

Registered Architect.

Experience on large‑scale projects.

Ability to lead a team on projects and make client presentations.

Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project).

Extensive knowledge of the local and regional market.

Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational / organizational, and people skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Willingness to travel.

Commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other’s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust, and connects us to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic / Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) foster a sense of belonging and provide a supportive environment where everyone can engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

United States‑Florida‑Tampa

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest, and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let’s work together to make great things possible. We design solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. We’re always looking for great talent to join our global teams.

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