Principal, Design Lead

Stantec•Houston, TX

11d

About The Position

Stantec’s Buildings team is on a mission to become the world’s leading integrated design practice. Our architects, engineers, interior designers, consultants, sustainability specialists, and technologists are passionate about the power of design. Our collaborative culture and our innovative, sustainable approach to projects help us create buildings that matter to our world. Together, we are enhancing the quality of life globally through design. Join us and design your place with Stantec. Your Opportunity You will join a dynamic and growing K12 and Higher Education practice based in Houston, Texas, serving as a key design and thought leader for education work across the state. You will collaborate with a strong group of education-focused principals and project leaders who maintain deep relationships with Texas school districts, universities, and community stakeholders, while also advancing strategic growth throughout the region. Through a combination of internal leadership development and targeted external growth, the Texas education practice is expanding its reach and influence—positioning itself as a trusted design partner for institutions navigating enrollment growth, evolving pedagogy, resilience, and community-centered design. As a Principal Design Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the vision, design quality, and growth of our K12 and higher education work across Texas. You will lead client relationships, guide major pursuits, and oversee complex educational projects, working collaboratively—or independently when needed—to deliver design excellence rooted in pedagogy, campus culture, climate responsiveness, and fiscal stewardship. Your experience enables you to lead design projects from early visioning and educational programming through construction. You bring deep familiarity with educational planning, stakeholder engagement, Texas-specific codes and regulatory environments, contract documentation, and project delivery. You will lead diverse, integrated teams while balancing design leadership, technical rigor, and strong project management. As a member of the Houston and Texas leadership teams, you will help cultivate a collaborative, and high-performing studio culture—one that values mentorship, innovation, and continuous learning. You bring a growth mindset, approach challenges as opportunities, and lead with integrity and accountability.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Texas licensure preferred

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.