Design Principal

Who We Are

HMC Architects is an employee-owned design firm with an inherent desire to make a difference in our communities. As a purpose-driven brand based on values, our mission to “design for good” drives everything we do. And our ownership culture creates alignment and increased commitment to that mission, keeping us on track to being successful.

What We Do

Founded with the purpose of anticipating community needs, HMC aims to create designs that have a positive impact, now and into the future. We focus primarily on opportunities to have the most direct contribution to communities–through healthcare, education, and civic spaces.

Why Join HMC

As an employee owned company you become an owner after one year—receiving company-provided shares at no cost and building long-term financial growth as the firm succeeds. We also give back through our volunteerism with our Designing Futures Foundation, which advances sustainable and regenerative design and supports the next generation of innovators. In addition to this, we also support our team through:

• Culture: We put people over profits, giving them the flexibility to manage their work and life. We believe in fairness, equality in opportunity, and rewarding those who perform.
• Wellness: company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial advisors and discounts to wellness platforms, gyms and more.
• Professional Development: LinkedIn learning access, business development training, supportive mentorship, company-paid ARE study materials, exam fees, and licensure completion bonuses.
• Comprehensive Comp and Benefits: Base+Bonus+Equity+401k, including student loan repayments, wellness programs, full medical, dental, vision, time off and holidays above industry standard.

Job Summary

We are looking for a Design Principal who will provide strategic leadership and creative direction for our practice, office, or studio. This individual will oversee the design process for major projects across all phases, ensure design excellence, and maintain strong alignment with client goals and contractual requirements. The ideal candidate is an inspiring design leader with a proven ability to guide teams, elevate project outcomes, support business development efforts, and mentor design talent.

The position is located in Sacramento, California. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement with flexible hours, requiring three days in the office and the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Model and promote HMC’s values, culture, and mission; serve as an advocate for staff, clients, and the community
• Drive accountability across the studio for adherence to HMC’s technical protocols and standards
• Oversee multiple clients and projects simultaneously across all phases
• Direct and coordinate project work with internal teams and consultants
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance-enhancing feedback to assigned team members, focusing on technical proficiency
• Monitor employee performance and provide timely and constructive feedback
• Establish strong working relationships with practice leaders, clients, consultants, and regulatory agencies
• Deliver assignments to support staff, consultants, and vendors clearly and professionally
• Resolve issues involving team members or consultants
• Collaborate with studio leaders to foster unified and supportive leadership
• Ensure consistency and integration of technical resources across project teams from pursuit through completion
• Develop work plans and schedules for technical components in coordination with project managers and other Principals

Design / Technical

• Contribute to the development and refinement of HMC’s firmwide design goals and philosophy
• Ensure project design outcomes align with HMC’s design vision
• Lead Schematic Design and Design Development for projects of all sizes
• Maintain design integrity from early concept through construction
• Research and explore alternative systems, materials, and innovative approaches
• Lead documentation efforts including 3D modeling, physical models, and material research in collaboration with the Project Manager
• Direct the preparation of design communication materials such as renderings, diagrams, presentations, and material boards
• Facilitate design charrettes, critiques, and team pin-ups
• Promote design excellence and serve as a design leader and mentor
• Review cost models, estimates, and plans; lead design-related value analysis
• Ensure design decisions, materials, and systems meet firm and client standards while staying within budget
• Lead coordination of design intent through construction documents and construction administration
• Review documents to ensure quality, coordination, and compliance with deliverable and client standards
• Oversee and resolve design issues during construction for all assigned projects
• Establish standards for documenting the design process
• Ensure design documents comply with client standards and HMC protocols
• Develop training materials to support staff design development

Business Development / Client Engagement

• Procure and manage approximately $1M in gross project revenue per year and secure a minimum of $500K in new contracts annually through repeat or new clients
• Engage with existing clients to identify opportunities for additional work
• Maintain and strengthen long-term client relationships
• Elevate client concerns appropriately to the PIC as needed
• Represent HMC through public speaking at client, industry, and community events
• Assist in developing written and visual materials for project pursuits and interviews
• Participate in marketing interviews and proposal efforts
• Attend industry conferences, networking events, and community gatherings
• Develop and maintain a strong network of clients and industry partners
• Promote HMC Design across the industry and within the community
• Help secure work aligned with practice and studio goals
• Serve as a visible leader in the community or within HMC’s market segments
• Participate in fee and contract negotiations with clients and consultants
• Contribute articles to professional architecture and construction publications

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 12 years of experience producing and coordinating architectural documents across all phases, including project management
• Minimum 5 years of experience in healthcare, education, or civic projects, with strong technical expertise and knowledge of DSA, HCAI, or other regulatory agencies
• Minimum 2 years in a senior leadership role guiding teams and clients through technical project aspects
• Licensed Architect (state of practice preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions with sound judgment, transparency, and alignment with design intent
• Strong verbal and written communication skills across varied audiences
• Ability to set goals, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively
• Broad creativity and a commitment to design excellence
• Strong knowledge of building systems, materials, and appropriate technologies
• Proficiency with software and multimedia tools used in design, documentation, and presentation
• Comprehensive understanding of applicable building codes
• Thorough understanding of HMC’s design process and deliverables
• Ability to be on-site in an HMC studio at least three days per week

The salary range for this position is $121,582 - $181,923.

The actual salary offered for this position will vary depending on multiple factors including the candidate’s qualification, education, position knowledge, work experience, skills, ability, work location, and internal incumbent compensation for similar roles. We do not anticipate individuals hired into this position will start at or near the top half of the range listed; the decision will be based on each individual case. The salary range listed above does not include other compensation elements such as discretionary bonus opportunities, employee stock ownership grants, paid time off, medical insurance, and other wage and benefit opportunities.