Design Lead

Apply for the

Design Lead

role at

Perkins Eastman .

Life at PE

Perkins Eastman is a global architectural design practice with expertise in all aspects of the built environment, working at all scales, and at every level of detail. With studios in 24 locations worldwide, we design for people, to leave a lasting and positive impact on the human experience and the world we inhabit. This is captured in our ethos "human by design".

Our Boston Studio

Our Boston studio has established a strong reputation for excellence in educational projects, particularly in K-12 and higher education. We are actively expanding our portfolio into other key practice areas while maintaining our commitment to educational design excellence.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a design leader to join our team located in our Boston Studio. The ideal candidate will work with the Managing Principals to strengthen the design culture within the Boston studio while connecting into the firmwide design leadership. The role will involve mentoring talent, identifying and hiring design staff, leading design efforts and presentations to clients while collaborating with senior team members to deliver exceptional design for clients.

Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years' experience as a senior designer / leader on multiple complex projects. They must be passionate about design, be a licensed architect, and have a recognized sustainability accreditation. Their portfolio should clearly demonstrate team leadership as well as excellent technical, communication / presentation, and design management skills. Evidence of award-winning design work recognized by professional organizations is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate an aptitude for design business development.

This individual will report directly to the Co‑Managing Principals of the Boston studio. The role will be based in Boston, MA but will also collaborate with design leaders across the firm on firmwide design initiatives that elevate design awareness.

Primary Responsibilities

Hold a design leadership role on a range of projects and across all phases of a project from master planning through construction

Lead and participate in marketing efforts including proposal development, interviews, and design competitions

Collaborate with office leadership to build a culture of design excellence across the studio

Recruit talented design professionals and graduates to the firm and cultivate that talent

Serve as a mentor and provide learning opportunities for intermediate and junior designers in the studio

Connect to firm‑wide design leaders and contribute to enterprise‑wide design initiatives

Curate design excellence within the studio, serving as an editor and reviewer of projects

Shape collateral and content for design award submissions

Champion sustainability practices and innovative design solutions

Represent the firm at industry events and with clients

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture is required

Must be a registered / licensed architect

Recognized industry leader or have the potential to become an industry leader

Minimum 15 years of relevant architectural experience

Must demonstrate design leadership in at least one of the firm's core practice areas – preferably K-12 / higher education, multi‑family residential, senior living, commercial / mixed‑use, or healthcare

Proficiency in industry‑standard design software including Revit, AutoCAD, and 3D visualization tools

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams

Strong problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail

Passion for and fundamental understanding of sustainable design.

CPHD, LEED and / or WELL accreditations, progress toward licensure (NCIDQ) are pluses.

Occasional travel to client sites, other studio locations, and industry events (approximately 10‑15%)

Preferred Qualifications

Award‑winning design portfolio

Experience with sustainable design strategies and rating systems beyond LEED

History of successful client relationship management

Experience with business development and winning new work

Knowledge of construction methods and materials

Public speaking and presentation experience

What We Offer You

Robust medical, dental and vision coverage

401k Options

PTO

Company Paid Holidays

Life Insurance

Pre‑tax commuter benefits

Professional Development

Competitive salary

PE has a hybrid policy that allows flexibility for our employees in managing their working days and hours to cater to their diverse needs.

Salary Range : $140,000-$170,000

Compensation may vary based on the job level and your geographic work location.

Perkins Eastman is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and a participant in the U.S. Federal E‑Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Design, Art / Creative, and Information Technology

Industries

Architecture and Planning

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