Lead Licensed Architect – Residential Design (Senior Leadership Role)

Location: Dallas, TX
Employment Type: Full-Time
Company: STRAND Architecture + Engineering (STRAND A+E)
Website: strandae.com (Strand Architecture)

About STRAND Architecture + Engineering

STRAND Architecture + Engineering is a Dallas-based, integrated architecture and engineering firm founded in 1979, providing a full-service platform across architecture, planning, interior design, structural engineering, civil engineering, surveying, energy services, visualization, inspections, and MEP. (Strand Architecture)

STRAND is well-established in Texas and known for its high-volume residential work, including single-family, townhomes, subdivisions, and multifamily. The firm’s structure supports efficient execution with in-house discipline coordination and repeatable delivery systems—ideal for client programs that require speed, consistency, and technical accuracy.

Company indicators:

• Headquarters: Dallas, Texas (LinkedIn)

• Company size: 201–500 employees (LinkedIn) (LinkedIn)

• Residential specialization: STRAND features multiple residential categories including Townhome works and related residential project work. (Strand Architecture)

Position Overview

STRAND is hiring a Lead Licensed Architect to join its Dallas office in a senior leadership capacity. This position will serve as a key leader within the firm’s residential design group, driving project execution, team leadership, and division profitability.

This is not a “production-only” architect role. STRAND is seeking a senior professional who can operate as a:

• technical authority

• design and standards leader

• client-facing project leader

• mentor and people manager

• profit-minded operator for a residential practice group

While STRAND’s portfolio is heavily residential, experience in shopping centers / commercial work is a strong differentiator. Multifamily experience is also valuable.

Key Responsibilities

Residential Design + Technical Oversight

• Lead architectural design and delivery from concept through construction across residential project types such as:

  • Single-family programs

  • Townhome communities

  • Subdivision-based development

  • Multifamily (preferred)

• Direct production of high-quality construction documents with strong technical detailing and code compliance.

Leadership / Division Ownership

• Manage and mentor a team of architects/designers/drafters; establish accountability, coaching, and development pathways.

• Support division growth through operational leadership including staffing, workflow planning, and production scaling.

Stamp / Code Compliance Responsibility

• Serve as Architect of Record and stamp projects as required.

• Ensure all drawings meet Texas code requirements, city submittal standards, and plan review expectations.

Client + Consultant Coordination

• Lead coordination with internal disciplines (engineering, surveying, etc.) and external consultants.

• Represent STRAND in client meetings; handle decision-making, scope alignment, and issue resolution.

Project Management + Profitability

• Manage schedules, budgets, and risk.

• Monitor profitability and production efficiency within the residential division.

Job Requirements (Clearly Defined)

Required (Must Have)

Candidates must meet all of the following:

• Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch)

• Active Texas Registered Architect license required

• 8+ years of experience in architecture with a strong emphasis in residential production and delivery

• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and teams through full lifecycle:

  • SD / DD / CD

  • Permitting

  • Construction administration support

• Strong command of:

  • Texas codes

  • Residential construction standards

  • Permit submittals / jurisdictional processes

• Proven ability to operate in a leadership capacity (team leadership, QA/QC oversight, training, accountability)

Strongly Preferred

• 10–15+ years of experience (especially if serving as division lead)

• Multifamily project experience

• Commercial / shopping center project exposure

• Client leadership experience with repeat clients and developer relationships

• Demonstrated success managing multiple projects simultaneously in high-volume environments

Software / Tools

Candidates should have professional fluency with:

• Revit

• AutoCAD

• Adobe Creative Suite
  And ideally:

• SketchUp

• Enscape (or similar rendering/visualization tools)

Bonus Qualifications (Nice to Have)

• Multi-state licensure

• Experience building a team, standardizing workflows, and scaling production

• Experience owning a division P&L or managing profitability targets

• Established relationships in Texas residential development market

Compensation (Dallas Market Range)

Target Salary Range: $130,000 – $170,000 base salary

(Depending on leadership level, book of business impact, stamping responsibility, and division scope)

This range is appropriate for Dallas-based senior architects who are:

• licensed in Texas,

• serving as an architect-of-record/stamping professional,

• leading a team,

• and owning operational responsibility within a residential division.

If STRAND intends this person to be a true “practice leader” with profit responsibility, there is a valid argument for extending the top end to $175K–$185K.

Why Join STRAND

• Join a long-established Dallas firm founded in 1979 with full in-house discipline support (Strand Architecture)

• Step into a role with true senior leadership visibility, not just production

• Lead high-volume residential programs supported by STRAND’s internal platform and repeatable workflow systems

• Opportunity to own and grow a profitable residential design division, with long-term runway