Rainmaker

DBI/David Brown International

Rainmaker

Seattle, WA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    We are seeking an exceptional Rainmaker Architect—a visionary leader with the talent, drive, and entrepreneurial mindset to guide and grow a high-performing architecture and engineering studio. This person will oversee a team of approximately 14 professionals and work closely with firm leadership to expand the organization’s reach, capabilities, and long-term success.

    The ideal candidate combines top-tier architectural ability, client-facing excellence, and business acumen, and is motivated by the opportunity to shape and eventually help own a thriving high-end Architecture/Engineering firm.

    Key Responsibilities

    Studio & Business Leadership

    • Lead a multidisciplinary team, fostering a positive, collaborative, high-performance culture.
    • Partner with the firm principal to grow the business, including new service offerings, market expansion, and operational improvements.
    • Contribute to long-term strategic planning and drive initiatives that strengthen the firm’s design reputation and operational excellence.

    Client Engagement & Rainmaking

    • Serve as the firm’s primary relationship builder, developing and nurturing client partnerships built on trust, professionalism, and design excellence.
    • Lead business development efforts, including networking, proposal development, presentations, and maintaining ongoing client satisfaction.
    • Represent the firm in high-level meetings, ensuring alignment between client goals, team execution, and organizational vision.

    Project Strategy & Oversight

    • Oversee complex projects from concept through construction administration, ensuring technical accuracy, design quality, schedule adherence, and financial performance.
    • Guide the preparation and execution of construction documents, permit sets, and bid packages.
    • Participate in Owner–Architect–Contractor (OAC) meetings, mentor project teams, and provide oversight during Construction Administration.

    Team Management & Mentorship

    • Lead, mentor, and develop architects and project managers, ensuring strong communication, technical quality, and project delivery.
    • Support career growth for junior staff through coaching, feedback, and project exposure.

    Qualifications

    Required

    • Licensed Architect with substantial experience leading teams and clients.
    • Strong architectural design and technical expertise, with the ability to guide complex projects.
    • Proven experience managing projects across retail town centers, mixed-use developments, or similarly complex environments.
    • Exceptional communication and leadership skills; ability to inspire trust and confidence in clients and teams.
    • Demonstrated ability in sales, client management, and relationship building.
    • Solid understanding of finances, business operations, and the economics of architecture practice.
    • Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD Architecture/AI, and other relevant design software.

    Preferred

    • Experience growing or running a studio, practice group, or firm.
    • Knowledge of sustainable design and large-scale permitting processes.
    • Confidence in navigating multidisciplinary teams and consultants.
    • Desire for long-term career stability and interest in potential future ownership.

    Why This Role Is Unique

    This is not a typical architect or project manager position. It is a high-impact leadership role for someone who wants to shape a firm’s future—both culturally and strategically. You’ll lead a talented team, strengthen client relationships, elevate design excellence, and drive growth with the potential for future ownership.

     

  • Compensation
    $130,000 per year