Architecture and Urban Design Principal

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by delivering innovative solutions that transform communities and create lasting value. We are seeking an accomplished Architecture + Urban Design Principal to join our New York-based team and help shape the future of the built environment across the Americas East region.

This is a highly visible leadership role for a recognized architectural professional who combines design excellence, market insight, client leadership, and business acumen. The successful candidate will help drive architectural innovation, strengthen key client relationships, shape major pursuits, mentor emerging talent, and lead multidisciplinary teams in delivering exceptional outcomes.

As Architecture + Urban Design Principal, you will work closely with Operations leadership, Market Growth teams, Client Account Managers, and Architecture leaders across Jacobs (Americas and International regions) to advance our regional / global growth strategy, elevate design excellence, and strengthen our position in the marketplace. You will serve as a trusted advisor to clients while helping shape and execute growth strategies across our six core Cities & Places markets: Corporate + Commercial, Science + Technology, Transportation, Health, Government, and Industrial, while also connecting our Buildings capabilities with Jacobs’ broader Transportation, Water, Energy + Power, and Advanced Facilities businesses.

What You’ll Do

Client & Market Leadership

• Build, strengthen, and expand long-term client relationships through trusted advisory relationships and differentiated solutions.

• Represent Jacobs with clients, industry organizations, conferences, and professional associations.

• Develop a deep understanding of client priorities, business drivers, capital programs, and challenges to align Jacobs’ capabilities with their strategic needs.

Strategic Growth & Pursuit Leadership

• Bring a strong seller-doer mindset to identify, shape, and win strategic opportunities.

• Partner with Market Growth Directors and Client Account Managers to develop client engagement and growth strategies.

• Lead capture and pursuit strategies for major opportunities, including positioning, differentiation, and value propositions.

• Lead or support team formation, proposal development, fee strategy, interview preparation, and client presentations.

• Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities to strengthen Jacobs’ market position.

Architectural Leadership & Design Excellence

• Champion innovative, sustainable, and high-performing architecture and urban design.

• Lead multidisciplinary teams in developing transformative solutions that create meaningful client and community impact.

• Drive design quality and technical excellence while balancing creativity, performance, and client objectives.

• Promote design innovation and continuous improvement across the architectural practice.

Project Delivery & Operations

• Provide senior oversight of project performance, including quality, financial performance, schedule, staffing, safety, and client satisfaction.

• Work with project and operational leaders to identify risks and maintain successful project outcomes.

• Help ensure multidisciplinary teams have the leadership and resources required for successful delivery.

Thought Leadership & Talent Development

• Bring market insight, industry expertise, and strategic perspective that strengthen Jacobs’ market position.

• Mentor and develop architectural professionals and emerging leaders.

• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture centered on design excellence, innovation, inclusion, and accountability.

• Share knowledge and best practices across regional and global teams.

What You Bring to the Table

You are a respected architectural leader who combines design credibility with strong client relationships, market insight, and business leadership. You know how to build trusted partnerships, shape and win strategic opportunities, inspire multidisciplinary teams, and deliver complex projects successfully.

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.

• Registered Architect (RA).

• 15+ years of experience in the AEC industry, including significant client-facing architectural leadership.

• Proven experience across multiple markets, including Corporate + Commercial, Hospitality, Higher Education, Science + Technology, Aviation, Sports + Entertainment, and Urban Regeneration.

• Demonstrated success leading complex multidisciplinary projects and teams.

• 5+ years of leadership responsibility involving direct client engagement and project oversight.

• Strong business development, networking, presentation, and relationship-building capabilities.

• Proven experience leading or supporting major pursuits, proposals, and client presentations.

• Strong understanding of project financial management, delivery metrics, and operational performance.

• Excellent written, verbal, and executive-level communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary, multi-office, and global delivery environments.

Ideally, You’ll Also Have

• Master’s degree in Architecture.

• NCARB certification.

• Established industry profile and active involvement in professional organizations.

• Experience developing thought leadership and presenting at industry conferences or events.

• Demonstrated record of contributing to strategic wins, market growth, and strong client outcomes.

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Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.