Stantec · 15 hours ago
Principal, Design Lead
Houston, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
15+ years expStantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The Principal Design Lead will serve as a key design and thought leader for education work across Texas, collaborating with education-focused principals and project leaders to enhance design quality and client relationships.
ArchitectureConsultingInterior DesignProfessional Services
Responsibilities
Champion design excellence, creativity, and critical thought across K12 and higher education projects in Houston and potentially throughout Texas
Establish and communicate a compelling design vision for learning environments that support pedagogy, student well-being, equity, and aligned with the client vision
Serve as a visible design leader internally and externally, representing the firm’s values around quality, sustainability, resilience, community impact, inclusion, and innovation
Develop, manage, and grow key client accounts and strategic projects across Texas, with responsibility for design quality, and technical excellence
Partner with Business Center and Education Sector leadership to shape and execute the Texas education business strategy and growth plan
Cultivate long-term relationships with Texas school districts, higher education systems, boards, and community partners
Support business development efforts including proposals, interviews, conferences, and statewide thought leadership initiatives
Lead and oversee major K12 and higher education projects, ensuring excellence in design, technical execution, and delivery
Guide interdisciplinary teams through all phases of design, managing workflow, resources, and schedules
Evaluate and uphold high standards of design and technical quality across all educational work
Support the firm’s brand and education portfolio through award submissions, publications, presentations, and speaking engagements
Direct project photography, narratives, and media to strengthen the firm’s Texas education portfolio
Mentor, coach, and inspire designers at all levels, supporting career growth and leadership development
Assist with recruitment, interviewing, and development of education-focused design talent in Texas
Participate in performance reviews, goal setting, and talent development initiatives
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable culture across disciplines, offices, and Texas markets
Qualification
Required
Proven ability to lead and inspire high-performing design teams
Strong conceptual design skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling educational solutions
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interview skills
Demonstrated experience leading large, complex K12 and/or higher education projects from concept through construction
Strong judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build trust with clients, stakeholders, and teams
Deep empathy for educational clients and a clear understanding of Texas-specific educational challenges and opportunities
Strong working knowledge of codes and standards governing educational facilities in Texas, including IBC, accessibility requirements, life safety, and applicable state and local regulations
General understanding of building systems, constructability, materials, and industry standards
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Newforma, Sefaira, and emerging design technologies
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture
Professional registration required (Texas licensure preferred)
Minimum 15 years of experience, with significant leadership experience on K12 and/or higher education projects, preferably in Texas
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision plans
Wellness program
Health saving accounts
Flexible spending accounts
401(k) plan
Employee stock purchase program
Life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
Short-term/long-term disability plans
Emergency travel benefits
Tuition reimbursement
Professional membership fee coverage
Paid family leave
Ten paid holidays in each calendar year
Accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year
Eligible for paid sick leave
Company
Stantec
Stantec is a professional services company that provides engineering, architecture, design, and consulting services.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$809.3M2025-05-30Post Ipo Debt· $309.3M
2023-11-20Post Ipo Equity· $250M
2023-06-20Post Ipo Debt· $250M
Leadership Team
Vito Culmone
EVP Finance & CFO
Dave Flynn
Senior Vice President, Health, Safety, Security & Environment
Recent News
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