Principal Architect - Civic, Justice, and Public Safety
lavallee brensinger architectsPortland (ME)
Principal Architect - Civic, Justice, and Public Safety
Posted 9 days ago
lavallee brensinger architectsPortland (ME)
SENIORITY
Lead
About the role
Senior Project Manager Or Principal For Civic, Justice & Public Safety StudioWe're an award-winning architecture firm of 65 talented designers who care deeply about the communities we serve. From Healthcare and Education to Civic, Public Safety, and Senior Living, we create environments that truly support the people who use them. We work collaboratively, build strong client relationships, and design spaces that advance mission, purpose, and well-being. One of our core strengths is Public Safety design — police, fire, EMS, 911, and municipal facilities that help communities operate safely and effectively. We are growing this practice and are seeking a leader ready to make meaningful impact. We're looking for either: A Senior Project Manager ready to grow into Principal A seasoned Principal looking to lead and inspire. This is an opportunity to guide high-profile public projects, deepen client relationships, mentor talented people, and influence firm direction.
Why Join Us:
- Choose to work from Manchester, NH, Boston, MA, or Portland, MEHybrid schedule: Remote Mondays and Fridays
- Strong total rewards and firm support
- Lead meaningful Civic, Justice & Public Safety projects that shape communities
- Autonomy + collaboration: Your work, your style, backed by our team
- Professional development, both internal and external
- Clear pathway for growth and ownership
Your Role:
- Lead and manage multiple on-going projects as Principal for the Civic, Justice & Public Safety studio including Police, Fire, DPW, Town Halls, Library, Community Centers, and other Civic and Municipal facilities projects
- Demonstrate subject matter expertise in at least one of the following core Civic, Justice. Public Safety Studio practice areas: Police, Fire, Combined Public Safety facilities, 911/Dispatch/EMS, Justice, Town Halls, and Libraries
- Manage the client relationship and project success, as measured in client satisfaction, work quality, team professionalism and collaboration, and project profitability
- Manage all phases of projects including budgeting, scheduling, planning, design, construction documents and construction administration services
- Prepare and negotiate client and consultant proposals, fees, schedules, and contracts
- Initiate, document, and maintain project set-up, including contract review, project process and filing procedures, and work authorizations
- Oversee client and project team communication, ensuring timely resolution of client concerns and management of business issues including contracts and additional services
- Oversee scheduling and documentation of regular client, team, and consultant meetings
- Define, monitor, and maintain control of the scope of work and services for projects
- Oversee the integration of design and technical aspects - ensure clear and timely communication of information to the project team, in alignment with the project team's goals
- Manage project staffing resources
- Manage risk and minimize liability by monitoring and resolving client concerns
- Oversee the orderly close out of projects including contractual requirements
- Build long lasting, trustworthy partnerships with clients
- Train and mentor junior staff
- Drive business development by participating in regular business development meetings, conferences and events, and following up on assigned activities
- Lead individual pursuits and participate in developing responses to RFQ/P'sTechnically write for marketing and business development purposes, leveraging, maintaining, and developing your professional network of contacts
- Develop your professional goals and thought leadership in alignment with the long-term vision of the FirmWhat You Bring
- Professional Architecture degree (B.Arch or M.Arch)10+ years in Civic/Public Safety/Municipal project leadership
- Licensed Architect with MA DCAMM and M.G.L. Ch. 149/149a project experienceMA MCPPO certification
- Successful project leadership in the $5M–$50M+ range in New England
- A commitment to design quality, client service, and team culture
- Ability to travel to client and office locations when needed
Lavallee Brensinger Architects is proud to be an EEO/AA workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and do not discriminate against applicants with regard of any legally recognized basics including, but not limited to: race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity, or veteran status.
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