Associate Principal

Loxo Job Details Danny Votra 2026-04-29T02:26:20+00:00 Jobs Back to job search Associate Principal Role Overview The 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 Profile 15+ years of professional experience Professional degree in Landscape Architecture (BSLA, BLA, MLA), Architecture (MA), or Planning Licensed Landscape Architect or Architect Reporting & Collaboration Reports to the Managing Principal Supported by an assigned Principal on active projects Participates in principal-level consensus decisions and leadership meetings Core Skills & Competencies Mastery of Senior Associate-level responsibilities Ability to articulate strategic goals, market position, and professional qualifications to clients and collaborators Demonstrated capability to manage significant projects and client relationships with substantial independence Deep expertise in one or more key service areas such as master planning, conceptual design, construction documentation, or construction administration Thorough understanding of proposal requirements and successful participation in proposal and qualification development Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams, foster collaboration, and maintain productivity Emerging executive presence with confidence representing the firm in client, consultant, and public settings Comprehensive understanding of consultant roles, scopes, deliverables, and coordination requirements Ability to identify gaps, risks, and opportunities across disciplines and guide teams accordingly Advanced conceptual and/or technical design skills in at least one critical area of practice Full understanding of internal standards, systems, and protocols, with the ability to enforce consistency Experience directing and reviewing work on large-scale or complex planning and site design projects Ability to mentor, review, and guide Project Managers and junior staff Capability to lead preparation of master planning, conceptual, schematic, and construction documentation deliverables with Principal support Strong understanding of project lifecycles, scope definition, scheduling, and effort estimation Proven ability to manage project budgets, financial performance, and risk Key Responsibilities Assume elements of the Principal-in-Charge role with appropriate support Contribute to firm visioning, strategic planning, and business initiatives Advise on one or more business or operational functions Ensure all projects meet high standards of design quality, execution, and professionalism Foster a positive and high-performing work environment through leadership, mentorship, and clear communication Participate in site visits, reviews, and client engagements as needed Support business development efforts, including proposal strategy, review, and final edits Ensure clear understanding of contracts, scopes, schedules, budgets, and project goals across teams Review and approve consultant scopes and coordination efforts Lead or participate in client, proposal, and public presentations, delegating when appropriate Guide the design and planning process to achieve design excellence, client satisfaction, and financial success Maintain quality control across all deliverables through reviews and redlines Track and communicate project financial status, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership Participate in hiring and interviewing for senior studio and operational roles Success Metrics Client satisfaction and retention Financial performance of projects Quality and consistency of design and deliverables Contribution to office goals, systems, and priorities Staff development and mentorship Leadership demonstrated through actions and example Team-first mindset in all internal and external interactions Proactive problem-solving and collaboration with leadership peers Continued growth in leadership and executive presence