Practice Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Location: Any Office - Pittsburgh or Arlington

Department: Architecture

Our team is redefining building design and engineering. AE Works is an award-winning firm ranked among the top U.S. A/E firms by Architectural Record and ENR Mid-Atlantic. As a certified B Corp, we are recognized for our commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional results.

Our mission is straightforward: to make building projects a better value. We thrive on solving complex challenges and creating solutions that enhance the built environment, enabling our clients to succeed in their most important endeavors.

Our strength lies in our people. We offer a collaborative environment where expertise is shared, and ideas drive progress. You’ll work alongside architects, engineers, cost estimators, and construction managers with deep experience across higher education, government, engineering & infrastructure, healthcare and commercial markets. Together, we apply leading-edge technology and a passion for design excellence to projects that shape the future.

As Architecture Practice Director at AE Works, you will lead and grow our architecture practice, mentoring design staff, ensuring quality and design excellence across all project phases, and driving innovation firm-wide. You’ll serve as a primary client liaison, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and collaborate with senior leadership to advance strategic business initiatives. In this role, you’ll balance hands‑on project involvement with visionary leadership—strengthening our architectural capabilities, guiding proposals and business development efforts, and representing AE Works at industry and professional events.

Location: Arlington, VA or Pittsburgh, PA with travel to client and project sites.

Collaborate with leadership to design and drive initiatives that deliver outstanding service quality, strong financial outcomes, and targeted profitability within the region. Partner with Market, Service, and Client Leaders to create effective fee structures and staffing plans that support successful project and financial results. Lead resource management efforts to ensure that staffing and workload are strategically aligned with contractual obligations and compensation for client projects.

Promote consistent application of best practices in project management and process leadership—planning, contracting, risk management, fee development, and resource utilization—across all teams. Work in close coordination with leadership to address commercial and risk‑related matters effectively. Evaluate team performance, provide coaching and feedback, and take measures that enhance success and project outcomes. Advocate for the adoption of project delivery strategies such as Design Technology, Quality Control, Sustainability practices, and the integration of engineering and interior design disciplines.

Advance and strengthen the firm’s operational model to better serve client needs. Partner with discipline‑specific leaders in areas like Design, Engineering, Technical, and Sustainability to build high‑performance, client‑driven teams that can identify and deliver on new opportunities. Assess, attract, and develop talent while creating an inclusive, diverse workforce that aligns with the firm’s long‑term objectives. Collaborate with senior leadership to launch targeted mentorship and career development programs for emerging leaders. Inspire enthusiasm for teamwork and efficiency among colleagues, illustrating how these qualities enhance both their daily work and overall business.

What's Required:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Architecture or related field.
• 15+ years of manager or leadership experience in an Architectural Engineering or MEP firm.
• Experience in design of healthcare, senior care, higher education, commercial, public safety, and/or government projects, with specialization in a specific area of design required.
• 5+ years of client relationship building and principal‑level engagement
• Sales experience, including preparing proposals and participating in client interviews.

What Puts You Ahead

• Additional licensure, certifications and/or training relevant to this role is preferred.
• Skilled in cloud‑based and mobile technology for collaboration.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Good leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments effectively.

At AE Works, we believe in supporting each person in their professional and personal journey. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k), and a collaborative culture built on mentorship, accountability, and technical excellence. Our team enjoys generous paid time off, including a company‑wide break from Christmas through New Year’s Day, a flexible hybrid schedule, and resources that promote mental health, financial wellness, and professional growth through training, education, and licensure support.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. EEO is the law. AE Works uses E‑Verify. You have the Right to Work.