Job Description

COMPANY

Our CLIENT is an award-winning full-service architecture and interiors firm based in Basalt, Colorado. They specialize in timeless, sustainable, and contextually responsive design for luxury residential, hospitality, and community-based projects throughout the mountain west and beyond. Their work is rooted in the belief that architecture must blend seamlessly with its natural and built environment, honoring local materials, vernacular, and the unique character of each setting. The firm currently has a team of 25-30 professionals committed to design excellence and meaningful work.

We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead both strategic and operational initiatives for this growing design practice. This role combines strategic business planning with hands-on operational management, overseeing resource planning, client management, project delivery systems, and financial performance. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in the AEC industry, particularly architecture or design, enabling them to understand the unique operational demands of a creative practice while driving efficiency, profitability, and growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Resource Planning & Project Staffing:

• Manage resource allocation and staffing assignments across multiple concurrent projects
• Monitor and optimize team capacity, utilization rates, and workload balance
• Forecast resource needs based on project pipeline and growth projections
• Identify hiring needs and collaborate on recruitment strategy
• Develop strategies to maximize team productivity while maintaining work-life balance
  

Operational Management:

• Oversee day-to-day operations across all functional areas
• Establish, refine, and implement operational processes and systems to improve efficiency
• Serve as escalation point for operational issues and client concerns
• Ensure quality standards and firm values are maintained across all projects
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization

Client Management:

• Serve as senior point of contact for client relationships, supporting Project Managers and principals
• Address client concerns and manage expectations at the highest level
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and referral sources
• Participate in client meetings and presentations as needed

Project Financial Management:

• Establish project budgets and fee structures in collaboration with project teams
• Monitor project profitability, billing, and financial performance throughout all phases
• Implement systems for tracking project costs, budgets, and financial metrics
• Identify and address budget overruns or profitability issues proactively
• Collaborate with accounting on invoicing, collections, and financial reporting
• Analyze project financial data to inform future estimating and pricing strategies

Systems & Process Improvement:

• Evaluate and implement project management and financial software systems
• Establish standardized processes for project delivery, documentation, and quality control
• Create systems for knowledge sharing and best practices across teams
• Leverage technology to improve efficiency and communication

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of progressive experience in architecture, design, or AEC industry
• Proven track record in operational leadership and business management
• Deep understanding of architectural project delivery, resource management, and design firm operations
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing project budgets, profitability, and P&L metrics
• Demonstrated success in resource planning, capacity management, and team optimization
• Experience establishing and improving operational processes and systems
• Excellent client relationship management and communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decision-making approach
• Proficiency in project management and financial software (Deltek, BQE Core, or similar platforms)
• Experience managing teams in a creative, collaborative environment
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Business, or related field (Architecture degree strongly preferred)