Job Description

Associate Department Head – Design Studio Orlando

We are seeking an imaginative and strategic Associate Department Head to help lead our Orlando Design Studio This is a senior leadership role ideal for a bold, creative thinker who thrives at the intersection of design excellence, innovation, and execution

This position requires leading multidisciplinary teams from early visioning and programming through design development and delivery The successful candidate brings a balance of conceptual strength, technical expertise, and strategic leadership, producing innovative, context-sensitive, and buildable design solutions across a wide range of project types.

The Associate Department Head is equally comfortable conceptualizing ideas, leading design workshops, mentoring emerging designers, presenting to clients, and guiding teams through complex design challenges, while supporting the department’s long-term vision and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Department Head in overseeing department operations, including staffing, resource allocation, and project execution, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget
• Provide design leadership for architectural projects, leading teams from conceptual design through design development
• Ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and sustainability standards
• Serve as a primary client contact on major projects, fostering strong relationships through effective communication and leadership
• Support business development efforts, including proposal preparation, client meetings, and development of marketing materials
• Participate in departmental strategic planning, contributing to decisions around staffing, project prioritization, and operational goals
• Help establish and advance the firm’s overall design vision and strategy
• Leverage visualization tools and generative AI design processes to enhance design exploration and innovation
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and networking functions to strengthen relationships and expand brand visibility

Core Competencies

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of architectural design principles, building systems, and construction methodologies
• Demonstrated experience in early-phase concept development, programming, and master planning
• Thorough knowledge of building codes, zoning requirements, and sustainability standards
• Familiarity with project management processes, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation
• Understanding of business development practices and client relationship management

Skills

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and visualization/rendering tools
• Ability to lead early visioning, programming, spatial planning, and site planning efforts
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills to guide and inspire multidisciplinary project teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including confident client presentations
• Exceptional conceptual design and visual storytelling ability, including free-hand sketching
• Ability to manage multiple projects while balancing design quality, scope, and deadlines

Abilities

• Provide confident design leadership through complex and high-profile projects
• Clearly communicate complex design concepts to clients, consultants, and internal teams
• Develop architectural concepts, diagrams, models, and visualizations in both 2D and 3D

Qualifications

Required

• Licensed Architect (RA)
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
• 10+ years of professional experience in architectural design
• A portfolio or website link showcasing strong conceptual design ability and successfully delivered projects (required for consideration)

Preferred

• Experience with K–12 and higher education projects
• Background in civic and public-sector work

If you meet these qualifications, please apply now or reach out to Mary Ann Forde - mforde@aectac.com.