Design Leader (Director, Principal, SR. Designer) - DSA, K-12, Education

Design Leader (Director / Principal / Senior Designer)

Sector: DSA, K-12, Education

Location(s): California – Irvine, San Diego, Los Angeles, or Bay Area Preferred

Schedule: Remote (California-Based) | Flexible Hybrid Schedule

ABOUT US: BSP is partnered with an established, highly respected architecture and design firm specializing in innovative, impactful educational environments throughout California. Our expertise spans K-12 schools, community colleges, and public-sector facilities, with a strong reputation for design excellence, collaboration, and delivering complex DSA-regulated projects. We offer a creative, forward-thinking culture where experienced design leaders have the autonomy to shape meaningful projects, influence design direction, and contribute to the firm’s continued growth and success.

THE OPPORTUNITY - DESIGN LEADER (DIRECTOR / PRINCIPAL / SENIOR DESIGNER): We are seeking an accomplished Design Leader to help elevate our architectural design practice across California. This senior-level opportunity is ideal for an experienced Design Director, Design Principal, or Senior Architectural Designer with a strong portfolio of educational projects, exceptional design vision, and the ability to lead teams from conceptual design through project execution. The ideal candidate brings a combination of design leadership, advanced Revit expertise, and extensive experience with DSA, K-12, and community college projects. You’ll play an influential role in driving design excellence, mentoring talented professionals, collaborating with clients, and shaping the future of educational architecture.

WHAT YOU’LL DO - KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead architectural design vision, creative direction, and design excellence across multiple educational projects.
• Direct conceptual design, design development, and overall architectural design strategies for DSA, K-12 schools, community colleges, and public-sector facilities.
• Provide hands-on design leadership, leveraging Revit, BIM workflows, and advanced visualization tools to develop and communicate innovative solutions.
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, technical teams, and consultants to ensure design intent is maintained throughout project delivery.
• Lead design presentations, client meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Guide project teams through California educational design requirements, including DSA regulations, accessibility, building codes, and agency coordination.
• Mentor and develop emerging designers while fostering a collaborative, design-driven studio culture.
• Partner with firm leadership on strategic design initiatives, project pursuits, and long-term practice development.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR - QUALIFICATIONS

• 10–15+ years of progressive architectural design experience, including substantial leadership responsibilities.
• Strong portfolio of DSA-regulated educational projects, particularly K-12 schools and community colleges.
• Proven experience serving as a Design Director, Design Principal, Senior Designer, or equivalent architectural design leader.
• Advanced Revit proficiency required, with demonstrated ability to lead design teams using BIM-based workflows.
• Strong conceptual design capabilities, architectural creativity, technical understanding, and project execution expertise.
• Comprehensive understanding of California educational architecture, DSA requirements, and applicable building codes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor designers, and manage multiple design initiatives.
• Excellent client-facing communication, presentation, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or related discipline.
• California Architectural License preferred, particularly for Director or Principal-level candidates.
• Must reside in California, preferably Orange County/Irvine, San Diego, Los Angeles, or the San Francisco Bay Area.

WHAT WE OFFER - COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive Base Salary: $150,000-$200,000/year (DOE) - Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and leadership level.
• Performance-Based Bonuses: Additional earning potential based on individual and firm performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Retirement Benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Generous PTO: Vacation, holidays, sick time, a…