Associate Principal - NorCal

Job Description Role OverviewThe Associate Principal is a senior project leader who represents projects to clients, collaborators, and the broader profession. This role serves as a primary client contact and contributes to project, business, and firm leadership. The Associate Principal begins assuming Principal-in-Charge responsibilities, overseeing Project Managers' execution of work with guidance from a supporting Principal on select aspects such as client interface, high-level design, and presentations. This position brings deep expertise in one or more critical practice areas and develops a growing understanding of business and operational leadership.Background Profile15+ years of professional experienceProfessional degree in Landscape Architecture (BSLA, BLA, MLA), Architecture (MA), or PlanningLicensed Landscape Architect or ArchitectReporting & CollaborationReports to the Managing PrincipalSupported by an assigned Principal on active projectsParticipates in principal-level consensus decisions and leadership meetingsCore Skills & CompetenciesMastery of Senior Associate-level responsibilitiesAbility to articulate strategic goals, market position, and professional qualifications to clients and collaboratorsDemonstrated capability to manage significant projects and client relationships with substantial independenceDeep expertise in one or more key service areas such as master planning, conceptual design, construction documentation, or construction administrationThorough understanding of proposal requirements and successful participation in proposal and qualification developmentStrong leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams, foster collaboration, and maintain productivityEmerging executive presence with confidence representing the firm in client, consultant, and public settingsComprehensive understanding of consultant roles, scopes, deliverables, and coordination requirementsAbility to identify gaps, risks, and opportunities across disciplines and guide teams accordinglyAdvanced conceptual and/or technical design skills in at least one critical area of practiceFull understanding of internal standards, systems, and protocols, with the ability to enforce consistencyExperience directing and reviewing work on large-scale or complex planning and site design projectsAbility to mentor, review, and guide Project Managers and junior staffCapability to lead preparation of master planning, conceptual, schematic, and construction documentation deliverables with Principal supportStrong understanding of project lifecycles, scope definition, scheduling, and effort estimationProven ability to manage project budgets, financial performance, and riskKey ResponsibilitiesAssume elements of the Principal-in-Charge role with appropriate supportContribute to firm visioning, strategic planning, and business initiativesAdvise on one or more business or operational functionsEnsure all projects meet high standards of design quality, execution, and professionalismFoster a positive and high-performing work environment through leadership, mentorship, and clear communicationParticipate in site visits, reviews, and client engagements as neededSupport business development efforts, including proposal strategy, review, and final editsEnsure clear understanding of contracts, scopes, schedules, budgets, and project goals across teamsReview and approve consultant scopes and coordination effortsLead or participate in client, proposal, and public presentations, delegating when appropriateGuide the design and planning process to achieve design excellence, client satisfaction, and financial successMaintain quality control across all deliverables through reviews and redlinesTrack and communicate project financial status, risks, and opportunities to senior leadershipParticipate in hiring and interviewing for senior studio and operational rolesSuccess MetricsClient satisfaction and retentionFinancial performance of projectsQuality and consistency of design and deliverablesContribution to office goals, systems, and prioritiesStaff development and mentorshipLeadership demonstrated through actions and exampleTeam-first mindset in all internal and external interactionsProactive problem-solving and collaboration with leadership peersContinued growth in leadership and executive presence