Principal ArchitectDirector of Architectural Strategy and Services

Studio 483 is seeking a Principal Architect/Director of Architectural Strategy and Services to lead our architectural team in Rock Island Illinois with additional opportunities across Iowa Illinois and Wisconsin. This strategic leadership role blends design excellence with business management overseeing project delivery financial performance and team development to ensure the firm consistently delivers high-quality architectural solutions. As a culture-setter and people leader you will drive innovation foster collaboration and support the long-term sustainability of our architectural practice. Advance your career by shaping the future of architecture with a national leader in design and innovation.

Principal Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the firms strategic direction growth initiatives and market positioning.

• Identify new business opportunities partnerships and emerging trends within the architecture and design industry.

• Oversee budgeting forecasting financial reporting and firm profitability.

• Manage operational systems resource planning and workflow processes to support efficient project delivery.

• Lead risk management contracts insurance and regulatory compliance.

• Establish and monitor performance metrics to ensure operational excellence.

• Provide design direction technical guidance and quality assurance across all architectural projects.

• Oversee project timelines staffing schedules and deliverables to ensure successful outcomes.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients consultants contractors and community partners.

• Lead business development activities including proposal responses presentations and networking.

• Ensure client satisfaction and resolve escalated issues or project challenges.

• Provide performance feedback career development support and recognition to team members.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Architecture; Registered/Licensed Architect.

• 10 years of experience in architecture design engineering or related professional services operations.

• Willing to achieve ownership level in company within first year of hire.

• Strong understanding of architectural design building codes regulations and construction processes.

• Demonstrated experience in business operations financial management or firm leadership.

• Proven ability to develop and maintain client relationships and win new business

• Strong operational leadership skills with the ability to unify teams reinforce consistent project management standards and build structure and systems in a growing firm.

• Ability to effectively identify introduce and drive identified change-management.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; able to build strong relationships and influence without micromanaging.

• High business acumen including comfort with financial metrics forecasting and project performance data.

• Deep understanding of project-based workflows of architecture and interior design capacity planning and project delivery best practices.

• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions independently.

• Excellent communication leadership negotiation and decision-making skills.

• Ability to influence coach and elevate teams in a small-firm environment.

• Proficiency with major architectural software (e.g. Revit Enscape AutoCAD SketchUp) and project management tools.

• Ability to leverage AI-assisted tools to improve design exploration coordination documentation quality and project efficiency.

• Travel 10-15%.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Our name is inspired by Mississippi River Mile Marker 483the point along the river where our studio stands today. Its a symbol of connection movement and placevalues that continue to shape how we work and what we design.

From this foundation Studio 483 has grown into a forward-thinking design practice with a diverse portfolio spanning civic education workplace healthcare cultural and community-focused environments. While our roots run deep our perspective is firmly future-orientedembracing innovation creative problem-solving and architecture that responds thoughtfully to context.

At the core of our practice is collaboration. We believe the strongest designs come from meaningful partnershipswith clients consultants and stakeholdersguided by a clear understanding of program needs and long-term goals. Every project is a unique opportunity to listen explore and design with intentionbalancing functionality aesthetics and lasting value.

Why youll thrive here

Legacy momentum: Built on deep experience designed for whats next

Purposeful variety: Work across project types that shape communities

True collaboration: Partner-driven process where voices are heard

Design with intention: Thoughtful solutions that balance beauty and performance

Locations available: Quad Cities Naperville IL Urbandale IA Chicago IL Madison WI

Salary Range: $195000 $250000

Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay will be based on several factors including experience knowledge skills and abilities of the applicant. Other rewards may include stock ownership addition Studio 483. provides a variety of benefits to employees including health insurance coverage life and disability insurance a retirement savings plan paid holidays and paid time off (PTO). This information is being provided in compliance with local laws.

Apply today to help shape the future of architectural leadership and innovation with Studio 483.

IMEG an employee-owned corporation is committed to investing in employees futures through professional development programs and opportunities for career advancement. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO flexible schedule and assistance with tuition reimbursement. Additionally employees are eligible to enroll in health dental vision and life insurance on their first day of employment.

Want to learn more about IMEG and our other amazing career opportunities Please visit

IMEG is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices without regard torace color religion sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity) gender national origin disability age genetic information(including family medical history) parental status (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions includinglactation) ethnic origin hair type (including hairstyle or hair texture) citizenship status marital status military service veteransstatus political affiliation non-merit-based factors or any other characteristic protected by accordance with antidiscrimination law it is the purpose of this policy to put into effect these principles and mandates. IMEG prohibitsdiscrimination and harassment of any type. IMEG conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws andregulations.

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